Have plans for Europe in 2024? Pay attention but don’t panic about the new “visa” requirements.
United States citizens traveling to Europe have enjoyed entering with ease. That changes a little next year, when the Travel Authorization system takes effect. Widely termed a visa, it will be a requirement for tourists to 30 European nations.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be an electronic database/clearing center, very similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) that the United States implemented 15 years ago.
U.S. citizens will still be visiting European Union nations visa-free. They will simply register through the ETIAS for an electronic travel authorization that will be tied to their passport numbers.
Compared to a process like getting a Schengen visa, the ETIAS will be streamlined and significantly less expensive. Travelers will register through the online portal at an expected cost of about 7 Euros (roughly $8).
Authorities expect 97 percent of applications to be approved within minutes. Authorization will be good for stays of up to 90 days during a 6-month period.
The application process is not yet open, so stay tuned for the online portal and app. For detailed information as it evolves, you can bookmark this page at the European Union’s official website: travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en