Next year, American 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, details about your job and where you live, as well as your travel plans and travel history.
The visa, which will cost around $8, is similar to what European tourists 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 should be kept 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 more documentation is needed or if you are called for an interview, the application may take between 14 to 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 guarantee you entry into a European Union country. Just like 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, your entry may be denied.
And Brazilian citizens?
Currently, Brazilian travelers visiting Europe are allowed entry into the Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period without the need for a visa. The Schengen Area includes 23 EU countries and 4 non-EU countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
However, just like Americans, Brazilian citizens will need to apply for the ETIAS travel authorization starting in 2024. The ETIAS will be required for Brazilians traveling to Europe for business, transit, medical, and tourism purposes.
The ETIAS will be required to travel to the Schengen Area countries, as well as Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania, which are in the process of joining Schengen.