The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will become a required part of traveling to much of Europe starting in mid-2025. Initially slated for 2021, then postponed to 2024, it seems now the system won’t be ready to go until the 2025 summer travel season.
So if you plan on backpacking across Europe this summer, you can proceed as if it were still 2023.
But, if you have, say, plans to spend the dog days of 2025 on the beach in Mykonos, you will need to remember to fill out an “electronic travel authorization” form with ETIAS as part of your travel arrangements.
No–it’s not a visa. But yes, you do need to let a good chunk of Europe know you’re coming, and that is new. So let’s take a closer look at what to expect when planning 2025.
What is the ETIAS?
The ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization system for visitors to the Schengen Area, a zone comprising 27 European countries that have done away with passport and other types of border control at their borders. It’s the reason you can take a train from Berlin to Paris and not have to go through a border check.
Requiring less detailed information than a visa, the ETIAS is a form of travel authorization for visa-free entry, developed to beef up border security. In other words, we’re not returning to pre-WW2 visa requirements, countries are cleaning up their borders.
Don’t Panic. The ETIAS Seems Easy.
The ETIAS claims the process will be streamlined and available online. It involves filling out an electronic form, providing basic personal information, travel details, and answering security-related questions. It may seem like a hassle, but it’s not that difficult, especially considering how long one lasts.
The ETIAS authorization costs seven Euro (you can pay with a credit or debit card) and lasts for three years. Most applications will be processed and approved with minutes. But, as with any official documentation, the devil will be in how well the ETIAS is able to manage mistakes.
ETIAS Tips
You also have to indicate your initial destination country within the Schengen Zone, but you can alter plans after arrival.
The ETIAS recommends completing your application once you know your touchdown country. This is, just in case there is a delay in processing. It’s the first time they’re doing this in the modern era. How well this works, is anyone’s guess.
That goes on your end as well. Make sure you aren’t applying for the wrong thing! Permits are only for short-term stays. A visa is still needed to cover long-term study or working in these countries.
The Schengen Zone?
In addition to “travel authorization,“ add “Schengen Zone” to your new dystopian travel vocabulary.
The Schengen Zone is a mutual agreement among a large group of European countries, from Portugal to Slovakia, where you can cross borders without having to show our passport or pass through customs.
It covers most of the EU. It grew to 27 members with the addition of Croatia in 2023.
EU countries that don’t require the ETIAS are: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania.
Three non-EU countries, however, do require the authorization: Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
That’s where you’re most likely to get tripped up. Starting out at a pub in Ireland, which doesn’t ask for ETIAS, and then after one too many with some lads, making your way to Ibiza in Spain for the weekend, which does need ETIAS. And you, American, forgetting to fill out all the forms in advance.
The Schengen Zone countries requiring ETIAS:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
European Countries not required ETIAS:
Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Ireland, North Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Ukraine. Technically, the Vatican too, but you have to go through Italy to get there.
Bulgaria and Romania have applied to become Schengen Zone members since 2011, but have yet to be admitted.
Traveling While American: Other Countries with Documentation Requirements
Heading elsewhere this year? Here’s a quick look at the travel requirements for some of the most popular American tourist destinations.
Australia
To swim along the Great Barrier Reef, take a hot air balloon ride in Melbourne, you need to have the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Apply online 24 hours before departure via the AustralianETA app. The ETA costs about $20 and allows multiple 90-day stays within a year.
New Zealand
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is a requirement if you want to roam the majestic mountains like a hobbit. You can apply for an NZeTA online at least 72 hours before your departure, and it is valid for multiple visits for up to two years.
Bolivia
If you’re heading to the salt flats or Dalí Valley, you’ll need a visa. Most Americans get one on arrival, but you need to pay in bolivianos. The visa costs $160 and allows a 30-day stay, up to 90 days per year.
Brazil
Starting on January 10, 2024, if you want to experience soccer, er, football in Rio de Janeiro, you will need an $80 e-visa to get themselves to a beach in Brazil.
Cuba
Ready to see what all the fuss is about? A Cuban Tourist Card, and interestingly, travel insurance, are needed to visit. The “tarjeta turistica” can be purchased online, allows a 30-day stay, and is valid for 180 days from purchase. The fee ranges from $20 to $85 with processing fees.
Egypt
Dreaming of the Great Pyramids? Apply for an Egyptian e-Visa online. Fees range from $25 for a single-entry visa to $60 for a multiple-entry visa.
India
Making a pilgrimage to one of India’s famed Yoga retreats? India’s e-visa system awaits! The tourist version comes in 30 days, one year and 5 years and must be applied at least for 4 days in advance. But, you should probably do it as soon as you book your flight in case there are delays. It costs from $25-$80.
Indonesia
To visit Bali’s beautiful resorts, you will need a visa, which you can get on arrival, at the airport, in Indonesia, for $35USD, valid for 30 days and extendable once, no matter how hard you wish you could never leave.
Turkey
Feel like taking a whirl to mystical rock cities of Cappadocia? A Turkey Tourist Visa or e-Visa is valid for 30 days and costs $60 USD. Processing time is about 24 hours.
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