New US citizen travel authorization requirements for Europe; everything you need to know about ETIAS

Having traveled to Europe, I was pleased to see how easy it was to visit France, London, and Ireland. American citizens need only have a current passport and are not required to obtain a visa to visit. An increase in European tourism and the rise in terrorism caused the European Union (EU) to implement changes to their entry requirements. A necessity to strengthen and protect their borders resulted in the creation of a new pre-travel authorization system that will help identify potential threats or risks associated with travelers coming into the EU.

Starting on January 1, 2021, all US citizens who want to travel to the 26 members of Europe's Schengen Area will need to register with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) or you may be turned away upon entry. This program is similar to the travel authorization program, ESTA, the Unites States has for those visiting from other countries.

Here is everything you need to know about the European Travel Information and Authorization System:

Who needs an ETIAS?

Starting in 2021, the European Commission will roll out an electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the European Union. US citizens have established a good track record and are not deemed a threat to EU security and therefore do not require a visa to visit, but will require a waiver. All tourists (regardless of age) or business visitors who are exempt from needing a visa will be required to obtain an ETIAS waiver in order to visit Europe. Please note that if your visit is longer than 90 days and within 180-day period you, will be required to apply for a visa.

The application process

Since the requirement does not take effect until January 1, 2021, you do not need to apply for an ETIAS until after the commencement of the program. The application must be completed online and takes less than ten minutes.

Once the application is submitted online, it will be processed instantly and you can expect to receive a decision within 96 hours or less, so plan accordingly.

The application fee is free for anyone under 18 years of age, and only 7 euros (currently 7.87 US dollars) for those 18 through 70. Once approved, the ETIAS will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.

Requirements

You need the following information to complete your application:

1. Name, sex, place of birth, country of birth, nationality, your parent’s names, and home address.

2. Passport and/or travel documents. If you have other nationalities or citizenships, they will require that as well.

3. Contact information, such as home address, email, and telephone number.

4. They will ask personal background questions, such as education, current occupation, current medical conditions, and criminal history involving a serious offense.

5. Lastly, they will ask if you were ever deported, denied entry to Europe, or traveled into a war-zone country.

Filing out the application form

Answer the questions honestly. The answers you provide are checked against multiple databases to ensure the information provided matches the information they retrieve. Providing false information could lead to denial of entry.

You are now ready to travel to Europe in 2021. Although this requirement is a year and a half away, it is better to be prepared and aware then find yourself being turned away upon arrival.

Bon voyage!