U.S. passport holders who want to enjoy a European holiday in 2025 may need an online pre-approval before departure.
Once the program comes into effect, 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.
ETIAS approval will be digitally linked to the traveler’s passport and will be valid for three years or until the passport’s expiration date, whichever comes first.
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.
The ETIAS will be good for multiple entries over three years, according to current guidelines.
The cost of obtaining an ETIAS authorization will be about $8.
Applicants younger than 18 or older than 70 will not be charged a fee.
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.
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.
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 that the applicant used invalid or incorrect travel documents, is considered a security or illegal immigration risk, or failed to provide additional requested documentation.
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.
At the time of this report, the ETIAS website is not yet accepting applications.