What the hell is ETIAS, anyway?

Who loves filling out more forms for travel? I do! I do!

Starting in 2024, citizens from the U.S. will (allegedly) need an ETIAS — European Travel Information and Authorization System —to travel to Europe.

I say “allegedly” because the EU has been warning U.S. travelers about this for years but has kept pushing the date back. As of now, it is set for 2024 (and beyond), though a timeframe for when you can actually apply for it and when it will go into effect has not been announced yet.

What is ETIAS?

The ETIAS is not a visa. Rather, it’s an “electronic entry-point, an authorization for countries that are currently visa-free,” according to Dan Hamilton from the Brookings Institute via NPR. It’s similar to to the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) that the U.S. implemented in 2008 due to a fear of a rise in terrorism after 9/11. Basically, it’s to track who’s coming and who’s going to and from the EU. Kinda like those passenger tracking forms we all had to fill out just after countries had to open up again after the pandemic.

Who needs ETIAS?

All passport holders from 60 countries who travel to the EU without a visa will need an ETIAS. This includes Americans.

Where do I apply?

Once it’s open – and currently it is not, and no one knows when it will open for sure, so keep checking the site – you’ll apply via online form on the ETIAS website.

What do I need to apply?

There will be a €7 fee, you’ll be asked to fill out your date of birth, occupation, any criminal convictions, etc., and you’ll need your passport info. And make sure your passport is not set to expire within three months.

When do I apply?

Most applications will likely be processed immediately, but to be absolutely safe, give yourself at least a 30-day cushion between your application and your travel. Your ETIAS will remain valid for three years or until the passport you used in your application expires.

So keep checking that ETIAS website to see when applications open! I would bet you one whole American dollar that your airline will let you know to apply if you’ve already bought plane tickets for 2024, like they did with COVID requirements. But to be on the safe side, keep an eye out and get ready to jump on it when it pops open!

We’ll be just fine, you guys. Just oooooone more thing, am I right?