The European Union is putting into place a new entry requirement for 2024 which will require travelers, including those from the US, to apply for an entry authorization prior to traveling to the Schengen region of the EU.

Similar to what is currently in place for entry into Canada and the US, this authorization requirement is intended to increase security, mobility and migration of visa-exempt foreign visitors.

Currently, leisure and business travelers from dozens of countries can enter most European countries with just their passport and move freely throughout the region for stays under 90 days. But this new entry requirement called the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, is set to go into effect next year.

Travel Incorporated is providing this overview for your initial information. While a specific date for the effective change has not been announced, it is important to prepare ahead and be aware of the upcoming changes for your international travelers.

What is ETIAS

The ETIAS visa waiver is a travel authorization requirement for business, tourism and short-term study to the Schengen Region.

The registration authorization will be required for travelers of all ages, from a specific listing of countries of origin to destinations classified as the Schengen Region as outlined below. Once the authorization is applied for and approved, it will remain in effect for 3 years, or upon expiration of the traveler’s passport.

If the traveler is simply transitioning through the Schengen region to another destination, they will not require the authorization, but will be required to remain in the international transit area of the airport.

DEPARTING: Nationals from the following countries will be required to obtain an ETIAS visa waiver:

ETIAS Countries

DESTINATIONS: Countries that will require the ETIAS authorization for entry:

ETIAS Destination

In addition to the above, the microstates of San Marino, Vatican City and Monaco will also require the authorization.

Applying for Auth

As the ETIAS registration site is still under development and the effective date for the waiver is still pending, there is no action required at this time outside of your awareness. Once the site becomes available, TI will send a follow up notification along with best practice recommendations for your international travelers.

As for preparation, the requirements will be as follows:

Length of stay must be less than 90 days
Passport with a minimum of 3 months validity prior to departure date
Debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS $8.00 fee
Current email address where the ETIAS approval email will be sent once approved

Information required will include:

Full name
Date and place of birth
Gender
Nationalities
Contact details for home residence
Education and Occupation information
Country of first entry
Passport details

In most cases, applications will be processed within a few minutes. The ETIAS website encourages applicants to apply “well in advance” before purchasing a ticket or booking an accommodation.

For more information, please visit the ETIAS Website. Travel Incorporated will continue to provide details as they become available.