New Travel Requirement for American Tourists Visiting Europe Set for 2025

U.S. passport holders will need to obtain pre-authorization before traveling to 30 countries. Kirk Fisher/Shutterstock

American passport holders who want to enjoy a European holiday in 2025 may need an online pre-approval before departure.

A new electronic travel information and authorization system (ETIAS) is set to begin in May, although an exact date has yet to be announced, according to the ETIAS website.

Once the program comes into force, 1.4 billion people from more than 60 visa-exempt nations, including the United States, must complete the travel pre-screening and receive approval before reaching European immigration.

After receiving the ETIAS approval, it will be digitally linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for either three years or until the passport’s expiration date, whichever comes first.

Whether it’s the dream of a Mediterranean cruise or visiting famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, American tourists shouldn’t wait until the last minute to apply.

Tourists who wait until after making travel arrangements to apply for the visa risk costly delays and may be turned away by airlines or immigration authorities in 30 participating countries.

Presently, the ETIAS is good for multiple entries over three years.

American tourists can travel up to 90 days over six months inside what’s known as the Schengen Area. That’s an internal “border-free” zone that includes 29 member states in Europe, Iceland, and Nordic countries.

The cost of obtaining an ETIAS authorization will be around $8.

Applicants under 18 and over 70 will not be charged a fee.

Americans will need a valid passport with at least three months left on it and will have to complete some personal details on the ETIAS website.

Some of the required information includes the applicant’s name, date of birth, nationality, and travel document details.

Additionally, the form will request information about travel plans, any criminal convictions, and whether the applicant has ever been deported.

For those who need to fill out the form on behalf of a family member, confirmation of the relationship and a signed declaration of representation will be required.

Passengers shop at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in Roissy-en-France near Paris, on Dec. 2, 2021. Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters

After the online form is submitted, the traveler will receive a confirmation email and a tracking number for reference.

The website states that most applications will be processed “within minutes,” but the decision could take up to four days.

If officials request additional documentation, a traveler can expect a delay of up to 30 days.

However, European Union officials note that filling out the ETIAS application isn’t a guarantee of approval.

This is why they emphasize the need to apply ahead of buying tickets or booking accommodation.

If an application is denied, the traveler can appeal the decision.

There are a few reasons for rejection. These include using invalid or incorrect travel documents, whether the person is considered a security or illegal immigration risk, or if the applicant fails to provide additional requested documentation.

Applicants regarded as a “high epidemic risk” may also have their ETIAS approval denied.

The start date for the ETIAS program has changed several times since the European Commission first introduced the program in 2016.

It was developed to pre-screen travelers from visa-exempt nations in a ramped-up effort to deter cross-border terrorism and crime.

The launch date was originally scheduled for January 2021 but was delayed due to contractor and development issues. Subsequent start dates were set for 2023 and 2024, which never came to pass.

At the time of this report, the ETIAS website is not yet accepting applications.