ETIAS: Five Letters You Need to Know
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If you have plans to head to Europe in mid-2025 or after, you need to know about ETIAS.
It’s the European Travel Authorization, and if you don’t have it, you won’t be able to enter 30 countries in Europe. It doesn’t replace a passport. You’ll still need that, but you’ll need this, too, if you’re coming from one of 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S.).
The ETIAS is an entry requirement that requires you to apply before you start your trip. You’ll want to do it before you book your travel, because if you don’t have it, you won’t be able to board your flight, cruise, ferry, or check into your hotel.
You can apply by filling in and submitting an application at the official website (Europa.EU/ETIAS), or you can authorize someone else to do this for you (a friend, a family member or a travel agency).
It costs 7 EUR to apply (about $8), but there are already other sites on the Internet charging more than ten times that amount, so be careful who you deal with. There are also already sites claiming they can process your ETIAS now, but that’s not possible, since the official website isn’t even accepting applications yet. You definitely don’t want to be handing over your personal info, including your passport number, to anyone other than the official site or an agent you trust.
It’s linked to your passport and is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires. It should only take a few minutes to apply and be approved once the applications are open, but could take longer (14 days in some cases, or 30 days if you’re asked to come in for an interview), so you’ll want to take care of it as soon as possible if you don’t want your European vacation ruined.
There are countries where it’s not necessary, including Ireland and England, but the majority of Europe will demand it, so check the list carefully. And know that it covers you for short-term stays, typically for up to 90 days in a six-month period. In countries that require a Visa, you’ll still need to take care of that separately.
Again, this is set to start being required by mid-year of 2025, so make note if you’re planning a trip then.