New Delhi: Starting in 2024, US citizens planning to travel to Europe will face a significant change as they will need to obtain a travel authorization called European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before their trip.
Currently, US citizens enjoy visa-free access to most European Union (EU) countries, but the new measure will require them to apply for ETIAS approval in advance, costing around $8 for the authorization.
The implementation of the ETIAS program comes as the EU aims to enhance its border security in response to mounting terror threats in Europe. This electronic travel authorization will be linked to the traveler’s passport and will be a prerequisite for entry into most European countries within the Schengen Zone, which consists of 27 member nations.
The EU website stated, ”The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting from 2024, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have travel authorization to enter most European countries.” Once travelers secure their ETIAS authorization, it will remain valid for up to three years or until the expiry of their passport.
The application process for ETIAS is expected to be straightforward, with most approvals processed within minutes. However, in some cases, decisions may take up to four days or a maximum of 14 days if additional documentation is required. The ETIAS travel authorization allows for short-term stays in European countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Nevertheless, it does not guarantee automatic entry. Border officials will still verify the traveler’s documents upon arrival to ensure they meet the entry conditions.
The Henley Passport Index, a global ranking of passport strength, currently grants American travelers visa-free access to a whopping 184 destinations worldwide. However, the introduction of the ETIAS requirement reflects the EU’s commitment to safeguarding its borders while continuing to welcome international visitors for short-term stays.
