Next year, U.S. citizens will be required to obtain a travel authorization to enter 30 European countries.
The European Union announced a new program that will come into effect in January 2024.
What You Need to Know
Before purchasing a ticket or booking a hotel, visit the “European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)”. On this webpage, you can apply for a travel authorization. You will be required to provide personal information, including your passport number, employment information, and where you live, as well as your travel plans and travel history.
The visa, which will cost about $8, is similar to what European visitors need to obtain when traveling to the United States, which costs $21.
After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation email of your application with your ETIAS number, which you should keep for future reference.
Most applicants will receive approval in “minutes,” according to the EU. However, some applications may take up to four days to be processed. If additional documentation is required or if you are called for an interview, the application may take between 14 and 30 days to be approved. If the application is denied, you can appeal the decision.
Once approved, your visa will be valid for three years, and you can spend up to 90 days in the country.
Having an authorization does not mean you have guaranteed entry into a European Union country. As in the United States, the final decision rests with the border police. If you do not meet the entry conditions set by the border police, you may be denied entry.