US citizens can register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) from 2024.
ETIAS is a new entry requirement for travellers from the United States and other visa-exempt countries. You can continue to visit the Schengen Area visa-free, but you must apply for ETIAS.
On this page, you can find out how to get your ETIAS to travel from the US to Europe, including a full list of requirements and step-by-step guide to the application process.
Will U.S. citizens need a visa for Europe?
No, as mentioned above, as a US passport holder, you can still visit Europe on holiday or for short business trips visa-free.
ETIAS is not a visa and it does not affect your visa-exempt status. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation, also known as a visa waiver, and it is essential for short visa-free stays.
Remember that to be eligible for visa-free entry, you must be visiting Europe for no more than 90 days per 180-day period.
As an American, you must hold a valid visa to stay in a European country for more than 90 days or for reasons such as work or long-term study. Check the visa policy of your European destination if this applies to you.
ETIAS requirements for American citizens travelling to Europe
This is what you need to meet the ETIAS requirements for US citizens:
- US passport valid for at least 3 months after you’ll leave the Schengen Area
- Debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS fee online
- Email address to be notified when your EIAS is approved
You also need to meet Europe’s health and safety standards for international visitors.
The ETIAS application process for US citizens
The ETIAS application is quick and straightforward. It is entirely online—you can apply from anywhere in the world, including the US, without visiting a European embassy.
It takes just a few minutes to fill out the ETIAS form for US nationals. These are the steps to follow:
- Complete the ETIAS application form online
- Revise your application and pay the ETIAS fee
- Submit your form for review
Applications are processed quickly. You’ll be notified by email once your travel authorisation has been approved. ETIAS is linked to your US passport.
How to fill out the ETIAS form from the US
The information you need to provide to complete your ETIAS application form includes:
- Full name, date of birth, and other identifying information
- Contact details including an email address
- Passport number, issue date, and expiry date
- Expected first port of entry in the Schengen Area
- Safety and security information
The data you provide is checked against European security systems to verify your eligibility for ETIAS.
Key information about ETIAS for US citizens
You need ETIAS to visit any of the countries in the European Schengen Area. This includes France, Germany, Spain, Italy and other popular destinations for American tourists.
ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until the US passport expires (whichever comes first). You can travel to Europe multiple times whilst your authorisation remains valid. You must always travel with the passport used to apply.
Visit Europe for up to 90 days per 180-day period. A European visa is required for longer stays.
ETIAS does not guarantee entry to the Schengen Area. Your documents will be verified at the border before you are granted access.
ETIAS checklist for US citizens
Once ETIAS goes live in 2024, you can use this checklist for your next trip from the United States to Europe:
- Check your US passport meets the minimum validity requirements
- Ensure your stay meets the ETIAS criteria (length of stay and activities)
- Apply for your travel authorisation well ahead of your departure date
- Travel to Europe using the passport used to apply for ETIAS
Remember you do not need to get a new ETIAS every time you travel to Europe. Provided your ETIAS remains valid, you can use it for multiple trips and for all the Schengen ETIAS countries.
Why is ETIAS being implemented for US citizens?
ETIAS makes Europe an even safer destination.
The system pre-screens travellers who could previously enter without any background checks. This allows security threats to be detected and potentially dangerous individuals can be prevented from entering the region.
It also improves Schengen Area border control, by providing information about non-EU nationals entering the region.
US citizens should not be concerned about the introduction of ETIAS. It is easy to register for ETIAS, and processes on arrival are fast. Your US passport is scanned at the external Schengen border to verify your ETIAS. All visitors will benefit from the increased security of ETIAS.
Once you have crossed the external border, you can travel among the different Schengen zone countries without further border checks.