How does this affect my travel?

Beginning in 2025, U.S. passport holders traveling to one of 30 EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period will need to apply for authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before their visit. Currently, US travelers do not need a visa for entry to these countries. Travelers will need to apply for a visa using the official ETIAS website or mobile application; most applications will incur a small processing fee of 7 Euros. The new rules were set to go into effect in 2024, but E.U. officials announced earlier this year that the rollout would be delayed until the following year.

Quick Facts

More of a “permit” not a “visa”.
It is linked to a traveler’s passport.
It is valid for up to three years OR until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.
US and Canadian passport holders (and other non-European nationals) traveling to Europe’s Schengen countries, will need to obtain so-called ETIAS permit.
Permit application is online.
Each traveler will have to complete it at least 72 hours prior to commencement of travel.
Permit is generated online automatically within minutes to those who qualify.
All citizens with clean record can qualify.
If you as a visitor obtain visa or permit to enter of any Schengen country, you can visit them all without obtaining separate visas.

Possible Denials

If you owe taxes to any of the European countries
If you have any unsettled monetary obligations
If you have outstanding criminal record
If you are wanted for any reason
If you are behind in your alimony payments and even if you have unsettled driving violation in any of European countries