New ETIAS Rules: What Euro Travelers Need to Know 

If you’re  planning to travel to Europe in 2024 and beyond, there’s a new set of rules you should be aware of. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is set to come into play, affecting visa, immigration  and travel rules for citizens from about 60 countries. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ETIAS and how it will impact your travel to Europe.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It’s a pre-approval system designed to enhance security and streamline travel for non-EU citizens. While it’s not a visa, it’s a mandatory requirement for travelers from specific countries, including Canada, Australia, the UK and the United States, expected to become operational in 2024.

Who Needs to Apply?

If you’re a citizen of a country that could previously enter the Schengen Zone without a visa for short stays, you’ll now need to apply for ETIAS authorization before your trip. This includes Canadians and Americans, Australians, Japanese, Taiwanese and many more nationalities. ETIAS does not affect nationals from countries not allowed to enter Schengen without a visa to date. Please confirm which group you fall into before making your travel arrangements.

What’s Changing?

Previously, citizens from “visa waiver countries” enjoyed the privilege of entering many countries in the Schengen Zone without the need for a visa or any sort of authorization. With the new ETIAS rules, you’ll still be able to travel freely between Schengen countries; you’ll just need to complete an online application first.

What even is the Schengen Zone?

The Schengen Zone is a group of 27 European countries that have agreed to remove the need for internal borders. This means you can move between these countries without going through border checks or showing your passport each time you cross from one country to another. It’s similar to traveling from state to state in the U.S. or from province to province in Canada.

The ETIAS Application Process

Applying for ETIAS authorization is expected to be straightforward and should only take a few minutes. You’ll need to provide personal details like your full name, date of birth, and passport details. Make sure to double-check all the information before submitting the application to avoid any delays or complications. There will be an official ETIAS application website operated by the European authorities. Beware of third-party vendors that may charge you additional fees or outright scams.

Cost and Validity

The ETIAS authorization is expected to come with a small fee of around 7 EUR which is equivalent to approx. 7.50 USD at the time of writing this. Once approved, your authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You’ll be allowed to travel freely across Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. 

Passport validity

Ensure that your passport is valid for your entire stay in Europe and has a minimum of six months’ validity from your expected return date. This is a standard requirement for international travel.

Does ETIAS guarantee entry?

No, similar to the ESTA pre-approval system for entry to the United States, ETIAS is not a guarantee. Travelers will still be subject to border checks at the port of entry into Schengen. Border agents will assess whether the prerequisites for entry are also met.