You may have heard recently that beginning January 1, 2021, all Americans traveling the Europe’s Schengen Area will be required to register first for a visa.
Will I Need a Visa to Visit Europe?
No to a visa, but you will have to complete a new pre-trip procedure created by the European Commission and referred to as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Americans and other non-EU travelers can still travel to Europe without a visa for up to 90 days as long as they complete their form in the ETIAS before travel.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a completely electronic system which allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. In a way, it resembles the U.S Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose.
Source:
SchengenVisaInfo.com
How Do I Comply With ETIAS?
Beginning in 2021, Americans and other non-EU travelers to Europe will need to complete an application in the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Some key points about the new ETIAS program and application process:
- Application will be online.
- Time required to complete: estimated 10 minutes or fewer
- Cost to apply: €7 EUR (approx. $8 USD)
- Most applicants can expect to be approved in just a few minutes
- ETIAS waiver is valid for 3 years
Examples of data requested to complete ETIAS application (from this European Commission PDF on ETIAS):
- Personal data Travel document (passport or equivalent document)
- Member State of first-intended stay
- Background questions relating to previous criminal records, presence in conflict zones, orders to leave the territory of a Member State or third countries, return decisions issued.
- If the application is submitted by a person other than of the applicant, identity of the person or company that he or she represents.
For more details on ETIAS, check this document from the European Commission.
Will this new ETIAS program change your plans to visit Europe?
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