In the past, all that’s been required for a jaunt to Europe is your passport, with that delightful police-lineup photo that looks like you’re fresh from a night out with Gary Busey.
But starting this year (the exact date is still TBD) Europe will require Americans and other foreigners to take an extra step prior to arriving on the continent. *
Note that this new requirement is specific to select countries in the European Union, a list of which can be found HERE, but these are, of course, the countries most of us visit. This new requirement does NOT include the U.K., now that they have Brexited.
It’s called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), designed as a new security check. Fortunately, much of the information you’ll be providing is stuff you already gave your airline, so they won’t need your blood type or your Google password. And it’s very simple to be approved.
You just apply online and pay a fee of 7 Euro (less than $8 at this writing).The application should take less than 10 minutes, and you should be approved within minutes (much longer, one can assume, if you’re shady). The only item you’ll need handy is your passport.
The visa is good for three years, or until the expiration date of your passport, whichever comes first, so, if you’re planning multiple trips to “the continent” (as we like to call it until someone slaps us), you can travel on that same ETIAS next year if your passport is still valid. And one visa covers all the Schengen countries, so you only need one ETIAS no matter how many countries you visit. Be sure to check the list of participating countries, though, since, confusingly, not all Schengen countries are in the E.U., and vice versa.
Although everyone, regardless of age, is required to have this visa, those under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee. So, if you’re dewy and fresh, or not-as-dewy but wise and fabulous, it won’t cost you a penny.
You could wing it and apply as you’re on the way to the airport, but seriously, don’t. Since government bureaucracies have never exactly excelled at the interweb (I’m talking to you, DMV), and since you never know if your personal information could have been co-mingled with that guy who robbed a bank (yes, this actually happened to the author of this post years ago), do it a few weeks in advance. You will not even be allowed to board your flight without it.
Here’s a handy guide:
* Updated information courtesy of this source:
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/eu-postpones-launch-of-etias-to-november-2023/
