Yes, you will need to obtain a 'visa' to enter Europe in 2025: Key information about ETIAS

Starting in 2025, Americans and Brits must apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System and pay a nominal fee to access the Schengen Area of Europe.

While often called a "visa," this is simply an online application and preauthorization. It will be significantly easier and cheaper to acquire than a conventional travel visa.

ETIAS is anticipated to launch around May 2025, although the launch date has been delayed multiple times (most recently from 2024); further postponements are possible. Discussions about this program have been ongoing since 2016.

The new initiative will require travelers from nations outside Europe’s Schengen Area to complete an application prior to arrival and pay a fee of 7 euros (approximately $8) to enter any EU or Schengen Area country.

Before the launch of ETIAS, the EU will implement its long-awaited "Entry/Exit System" on November 10, 2024. This program will affect travelers to the Schengen Area and will require them to submit fingerprint and facial biometric data.

The EES will not be applicable to visitors to Ireland and Cyprus; while both are part of the EU, they do not belong to the Schengen Area.

What does this imply for upcoming trips to Europe? Here’s everything you need to understand about the new ETIAS program.

What exactly is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a visa-exemption program akin to the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization utilized by European travelers in the U.S.

The application will serve as a preauthorization mechanism enabling travelers from 60 countries outside the Schengen Area, including the U.K. and the U.S., to visit the region for up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe without requiring a full visa.

ETIAS will verify visitor information against government databases and watchlists before granting entry authorization. The data collected will also support tracking for business and tourism initiatives.

"We need to understand who is crossing our borders," said Jean-Claude Juncker, former president of the European Commission, last year. "This will allow us to know who is traveling to Europe even before they arrive."

Is ETIAS considered a visa?

ETIAS is not a conventional European visa and will only necessitate a straightforward online application.

Travelers will complete an online form providing basic personal details, travel intentions, and history, followed by a few security questions. Authorities assure that most applicants will receive approval within an hour; however, if your application raises any flags, it could take up to four days.

Which nations will need ETIAS?

Many countries will necessitate ETIAS approval. This includes full Schengen members that previously did not require authorization for Americans, such as Spain, France, and Italy.

Also included are nations from the European Free Trade Association, like Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

Several countries that are expected to join the Schengen Area in the future, such as Bulgaria and Cyprus, along with smaller regions like Andorra and Monaco, will also require ETIAS.

Here is the complete list of countries that will mandate ETIAS:

• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• San Marino
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

Do citizens of the US and UK need to apply for ETIAS?

American citizens, along with those from the U.K. and 62 other non-EU nations that currently do not need to apply for visas, will require ETIAS authorization to enter the EU for visits lasting up to 90 days. This includes those merely transiting.

If you have already applied for a separate visa to enter Europe, you will not need to complete the ETIAS application process.

When will I be required to apply for the ETIAS visa?

The ETIAS is anticipated to be launched around May 2025. "Beginning in the first half of 2025, approximately 1.4 billion individuals from over 60 visa-exempt countries will need a travel authorization to enter most European nations," stated the EU.

However, the launch may not adhere strictly to this timeline and could be implemented in phases. The EU has indicated that following the ETIAS launch, there will be a transitional phase lasting about six months. During this time, travelers should apply for the visa; it is unlikely that you will be denied entry to a country as long as you meet other entry requirements.

These requirements include possessing a passport issued no more than 10 years prior to your entry into the EU, with a minimum validity of three months from the date you leave the EU.

What will be the cost of ETIAS?

ETIAS will have a fee of 7 euros (approximately $8) for a three-year authorization, allowing "third-country nationals" to enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.

Only travelers aged 18 to 70 will be required to pay the application fee, but individuals of all ages must obtain ETIAS authorization to enter.

How can you apply for ETIAS?

Before your trip, you need to access the ETIAS online application to enter your passport details, full name, date and place of birth, email address, phone number, and a credit or debit card for the payment.

You will also need to specify your travel destination and answer a few background and profile questions. The ETIAS website states that completing the form should take approximately 10 minutes.

Applicants will be required to provide information regarding their health, education, and any criminal history.

Here’s what you’ll need to provide, according to the visa information website:

• Personal details (including your first name, last name, birth name, date of birth, and place of birth).
• Citizenship information.
• Current address.
• Email and phone contact.
• Details about your education and work history.
• The first EU country you plan to visit.
• Background and eligibility questions regarding your health, travel to conflict zones, deportations, or criminal history.
• For minors, the legal guardian must submit the ETIAS application.
• For family members of EU citizens from non-EU countries, you must provide proof of relationship, residence card, and other relevant background information.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most applicants should receive approval within minutes. However, if any part of the application raises concerns, it will undergo a manual review. Applicants can correct any inaccuracies or appeal a denial. It’s advisable to apply for ETIAS well in advance of your travel date, especially during the initial rollout when procedures are being established.

How long is ETIAS valid, and will you need to reapply for every trip to Europe?

Once your ETIAS is approved, it will remain valid for up to three years and can be utilized for multiple trips. You won’t need to reapply for a new ETIAS for each visit to Europe unless more than three years have elapsed since your last entry.

After three years, you will need to submit a new application for ETIAS.

Is there a process for renewal?

As your ETIAS approaches its expiration, you should receive an email reminder at the address you provided during registration.

You can submit a request for a new ETIAS authorization up to 120 days before your current ETIAS expires.

How will your personal information be managed?

The European Commission has made efforts to ease privacy concerns by emphasizing that ETIAS is not classified as a visa and features a much less intrusive application process.

"There’s no requirement to visit a consulate to submit an application, no biometric data is needed, and the amount of information collected is considerably less than what is required for a visa application," the European Commission stated.

In conclusion

Fortunately, Americans and Brits intending to travel to Europe don’t need to take any immediate steps. However, it’s essential to remember that ETIAS is expected to be launched next year.

Get ready to navigate an additional step and incur an extra fee in your travel process with the upcoming ETIAS rollout expected in 2025. Keep an eye on TPG for updates regarding this initiative.