NEW European Union (EU) Travel Requirements

Beginning in 2021, the European Union has announced that travelers planning to visit the EU – specifically the “Schengen Area” will require additional paperwork registrations to be filed prior to departure.  This will be a requirement for all non-visa-holding US citizens.

Before their visit to the EU, travelers must submit an online application for a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) – which requires a valid passport, an email account, and a credit or debit card.  The application will cost approximately $8.00 USD. Once completed, travelers will be granted access to the EU for three years in which the traveler can enter the area as many times as they need during their active registration period.

Don’t panic! The process is not as lengthy as a full visa registration.  The application is meant to act as a pre-screening process and is meant to make travel safer by identifying potential terrorist threats thwart issues with illegal migration.