The world is changing and the rules of travel to Europe are changing. But at GoPlay we have you covered. From 2024, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries (U.S. included) are required to have a travel authorization (ETIAS) to enter most European countries.

ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to 30 European countries - the Schengen Zone . These 27 countries, plus Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania, who are soon to join, abolished their internal borders in 1985 to allow the “free and unrestricted movement of people.”

Thanks to their agreement, after entering the Schengen area, you do not need to show your passport crossing from country to country. But in 2018 the European Union voted to establish the European Travel and Information Authorization System in order to regulate the external borders of the Schengen zone.

The new ETIAS authorization will be linked to a traveler’s passport and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

The new system is expected to go into full effect in mid 2025.

ETIAS will be required to enter these 30 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The rules state that if you have a valid ETIAS, you can enter these countries as often as you want for short-term stays. However, this does not guarantee entry; ETIAS is not a visa.

Individual travelers will be responsible for their own applications for ETIAS, however GoPlay will be available to advise on the new regulations. And we suggest that all travelers check official U.S. government travel information in advance of traveling.

FAQs

When will the ETIAS be introduced?

It is scheduled for mid 2025., according to the action plan endorsed by the ministers of EU countries in October 2023.

Who will need an ETIAS?

Nationals of any of the below visa-exempt countries need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization.

How do I apply for an ETIAS?

The application form is available on the ETIAS website or on the ETIAS mobile app.

How much is an ETIAS?

$7.17. However, applicants who are under 18 or above 70 years of age are exempt from this payment. Also exempt are family members of EU citizens or of non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely throughout the European Union.

What information do I need to supply?

Valid passport.

Email address.

Travel/contact details/itinerary.

Debit card for the ETIAS fee.

Can one person submit a group application?

Unfortunately, no. Each traveler must submit an individual application.

How long is an ETIAS valid for?

Three years or until your passport expires.

What is the maximum length of stay with an ETIAS?

90 days within a 180-day period.

How long does it take for your application to be processed?

It will usually be processed online within a matter of minutes. However, in some instances it could take days to process. The ETIAS website urges people to apply for the authorization ‘well in advance’ of their trip.

Is the authorization automatically attached to my travel document?

Yes. Once you’ve received your ETIAS travel authorization, it will be linked to your passport. All the information on your passport should match that on your travel authorization.

Will you require an ETIAS to visit Ireland?

No. Ireland will continue to operate with its own visa policy for foreigners.

United Kingdom’s ETA scheme

Similarly, the United Kingdom government has also announced its borders will be fully digitalized by 2025. This digitalization includes the launch of ETA UK, a new electronic travel authorization for visa-free foreigners (incl. U.S. citizens).

The ETA is not a visa. Europeans and travelers from countries including the US and Canada will maintain their visa-free status but will need an ETA to cross the UK border.

The U.K. ETA scheme will be fully in place by the end of 2024. The new travel documents will be valid for two years.

GoPlay will keep you up to date on commencement of the U.K’s ETA scheme, so check back for further details.