From 2024, US citizens can register with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
ETIAS is a new requirement for travelers from the United States and other visa-exempt countries. You can still visit the Schengen Area without a visa, but you must apply for ETIAS.
This page provides information on how to obtain your ETIAS for travel from the US to Europe, including a complete list of requirements and a step-by-step guide to the application process.
Do U.S. citizens require a visa for Europe?
No, as previously stated, with a US passport, you can visit Europe for vacation or short business trips without needing a visa.
ETIAS is not a visa and does not affect your visa-free status. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization, also known as a visa waiver, and is essential for short visa-free stays.
Remember, to be eligible for visa-free entry, your stay in Europe must not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
As an American, if you intend to stay in a European country for more than 90 days or for reasons such as work or long-term study, you must have a valid visa. If this applies to you, check the visa policy of your European destination.
ETIAS prerequisites for American citizens traveling to Europe
To meet the ETIAS requirements for US citizens, you need:
- A US passport that is valid for at least 3 months after your departure from the Schengen Area
- A debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS fee online
- An email address to receive notifications when your ETIAS is approved
You also need to meet Europe’s health and safety standards for international visitors.
The ETIAS application procedure for US citizens
The ETIAS application is simple and quick. It is entirely online—meaning you can apply from anywhere in the world, including the US, without needing to visit a European embassy.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Fill out the ETIAS application form online
- Review your application and pay the ETIAS fee
- Submit your form for review
Applications are processed rapidly. You’ll receive an email notification once your travel authorization has been approved. ETIAS is linked to your US passport.
Information needed to complete the ETIAS form from the US
The information required to fill out your ETIAS application form includes:
- Full name, date of birth, and other identifying information
- Contact details including an email address
- Passport number, issue date, and expiry date
- Expected first port of entry in the Schengen Area
- Health and safety information
The data you provide is cross-checked with European security systems to verify your eligibility for ETIAS.
Essential information about ETIAS for US citizens
ETIAS is necessary to visit any country in the European Schengen Area, including popular destinations for American tourists like France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and others.
ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until the US passport expires (whichever comes first). You can make multiple trips to Europe while your authorization remains valid. Always travel with the passport you used to apply.
You can stay in Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A European visa is necessary for longer stays.
ETIAS does not guarantee entry into the Schengen Area. Your documents will be verified at the border before you are granted access.
ETIAS checklist for US citizens
From 2024, when ETIAS becomes operational, you can use this checklist for your next trip from the United States to Europe:
- Ensure your US passport meets the minimum validity requirements
- Verify that your stay aligns with the ETIAS criteria (length of stay and activities)
- Apply for your travel authorization well before your departure date
- Travel to Europe using the passport you used to apply for ETIAS
Remember, you do not need to get a new ETIAS every time you travel to Europe. As long as your ETIAS is valid, you can use it for multiple trips and for all the Schengen ETIAS countries.
Why is ETIAS being implemented for US citizens?
ETIAS is being implemented to make Europe an even safer destination.
This system pre-screens travelers who could previously enter without any background checks, allowing potential security threats to be identified and potentially dangerous individuals to be prevented from entering the region.
ETIAS also improves border control in the Schengen Area by providing information about non-EU nationals entering the region.
US citizens should not be concerned about the introduction of ETIAS. The registration process for ETIAS is straightforward, and the processes upon arrival are quick. Your U.S. passport is checked at the outer Schengen border to confirm your ETIAS. All visitors will benefit from the increased security provided by ETIAS.
After crossing the external border, you can move freely among the various Schengen zone countries without undergoing additional border inspections.
