New Travel Requirement for Europe

Did you know that your US passport is not enough to travel to Europe anymore? 

 Starting January 8, 2025, Europe is requiring a travel authorization along with your passport. 

All U.S. citizens will need an (ETIAS) to travel to Europe without a visa. This is for short-term visits that are 90 days or less.  If staying longer you will need to apply for a visa. 

An ETIAS is an electronic screening system that allows visa-free access to the countries in European Union and Schen-gen Area like France, Germany, Greece, Austria, Belgium, Italy along with 20 other countries. 

You can apply for ETIAS online  - https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en or through the mobile app. You should apply at least a couple weeks before traveling. My advice is to apply as soon as you book your travel.  The application fee is estimated to be $13 for adults between the ages of 18 and 70.  

You'll need to provide the following:  

• Passport information  

• Travel dates  

• Contact information  

• Answers to some security-based questions  

ETIAS authorization is valid for three years, or until your current passport expires, whichever occurs first.  

PLEASE NOTE:  An immigration officer at border control will make the final decision on entry. They may ask you to provide:  

• Return flight tickets to the United States or tickets to an onward destination  

• Proof of travel health insurance  

• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay 

They are saying that this is designed to strengthen border security. 

TRAVEL TIP: Go to https://www.state.gov/travelers/ before traveling internationally to find out travel requirements warnings and more