Do Americans Need a Visa to Travel to Europe? Here’s What You Need to Know

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – U.S. passport holders have long enjoyed visa-free travel to most countries in the world. As of 2024, there are approximately 186 visa-free destinations for Americans. 

With the implementation of ETIAS, the European Union’s new visa system, Americans will be required to obtain travel authorization to go to Europe. Set to roll out in the first half of 2025, here’s everything you need to know about ETIAS, taken from the official ETIAS page and Conde Nast Traveler. 

ETIAS, Europe’s Travel Information & Authorization System, is a travel authorization that people from visa waiver countries must apply for. While ETIAS is different from traditional visas, travelers from visa-free countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand and many others need an approved ETIAS to enter any ETIAS member country. 

As outlined in Condé Nast Traveler, ETIAS member countries fall into one of four categories: Schengen members, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members, future Schengen members, and European microstates. 

The European Union previously planned to launch ETIAS in 2020, but it has been postponed due to long delays in building a new IT infrastructure in Europe, the Entry/Exit System (EES), or electronic registration that will replace manual passport stamping. 

Do Americans Need a Visa to Go to Europe in 2025? 

ETIAS is not a visa according to the official ETIAS website, it’s an additional layer of security. All U.S. passport holders are eligible to apply for ETIAS online. Once completed, the travel authorization is valid for short-term stays of up to 90 days. 

ETIAS is only available to citizens of all ages from countries that have visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Travelers under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 can obtain their ETIAS free of charge. 

Compared to traditional visas, the ETIAS is simpler and more affordable because it doesn’t require an interview or any physical documentation.

ETIAS Application Process 

Travelers must complete an online application form, which is processed within 96 hours. The data is thoroughly checked against a number of European and international databases, including no-fly lists. 

ETIAS is valid for three years or until the passport used for the application expires. 

Here are the complete steps for submitting the ETIAS application: 

1. Complete the online application form on the official website
2. Pay €7 per person by credit or debit card
3. The system processes the application
4. Travelers receive approval within minutes or up to 96 hours

Some travelers may need to submit additional documents for seamless approval. ETIAS can be denied for a variety of reasons, including incorrect information, health concerns, or security risks. If denied, travelers can still appeal their applications. 

As the new policy is reinforced, understanding the visa requirements for travel to Europe will be critical for all American travelers. Travelers are advised to apply for ETIAS prior to travel to avoid delays. 

CN Traveler | ETIAS

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