For years, we’ve known that the European Union plans to require foreign nationals to apply for a travel authorization. The implementation of this has been delayed several times already. We now have an updated timeline for this launching, and have also learned that the fee will be nearly triple as much as was initially promised.
In this post:
Will Americans need a visa to visit European Union?
Currently, travelers from 60+ countries (including the United States) can visit the European Union without obtaining a visa or any travel authorization prior to travel. That will be changing. As of the fourth quarter of 2026 (no exact date has been announced), up to 1.4 billion people from 60+ visa waiver countries will need to obtain a travel authorization prior to traveling to the European Union.
US citizens (among others) will be required to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization. This is similar to the electronic travel authorization that the United States requires for visitors from many countries.
Now, don’t get too worried. You’re not going to have to go to a consulate, or jump through any super complicated hoops. Rather, here are the basics of the requirements:
- The ETIAS will cost €20 (~$23), and that can be paid via the ETIAS website or app; when this was first announced, the fee was supposed to be €7, so talk about major inflation!
- The ETIAS will be valid for multiple entries over three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first
- The ETIAS will allow you to stay in the European Union for up to 90 days in any 180 day period
- The ETIAS will typically be processed within minutes, though in some cases the application may take longer to process; when there’s a delay, it will typically be processed within four days, but sometimes it will take up to 14 days
- Once your ETIAS application is approved, you’ll receive a confirmation number that you should hold onto, but you shouldn’t have to show it at the border, since it’s electronically linked to your passport info
What’s the purpose of this new ETIAS requirement? The reason for this change is to increase security, and to be able to screen travelers long before they actually travel to the Europe Union. At the same time, I imagine there’s some desire for reciprocity here, and I also imagine the government thinks this will generate extra revenue, and doesn’t mind that. 😉
It’s worth noting that this requirement was first proposed in 2017, and was initially supposed to be implemented as of 2021. As you might expect, coronavirus delayed the timeline of that being implemented. Since then, we’ve seen several additional delays beyond that.
Separately, the European Union will introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES), whereby foreign visitors from many countries will no longer get their passports stamped, and will instead go through automated machines. This will start to be rolled out as of October 12, 2025, and the expectation is that it will be fully operational by April 10, 2026.
My take on the European Union’s ETIAS requirement
It goes without saying that I’m not generally a fan of anything that creates barriers or red tape to travel. At a minimum, it’s a minor inconvenience, it costs a little bit of money, and it’s just yet another thing that can go wrong during the travel process.
However, as far as any sort of barriers to travel go, this new ETIAS requirement is about as mild as it gets. It costs €20, it’s valid for multiple entries over three years, it can be done online, and approval typically happens within minutes.
Besides, the United States requires the same thing for those visiting from the European Union, and the European Union claims it’s to screen travelers prior to arrival.
So am I a fan of this change? As a traveler, no. Do I think this will materially impact travel demand to the European Union? No. For what it’s worth, the United Kingdom has rolled out a similar initiative, but that was implemented more quickly. What rubs me the wrong way here is the fact that the price of the ETIAS has been nearly tripled before even launching.
Bottom line
Starting in late 2026, the European Union will be introducing a new ETIAS requirement for visitors from 60+ visa waiver countries, including the United States. This means you’ll have to fill out a quick online application prior to travel, and will need to pay €20 (quite a bit more than the initially planned €7). Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for multiple entries over three years.
This is something to be aware of, but don’t worry, this isn’t some complicated visa requirement that’s costly or time consuming. Furthermore, it’s anyone’s guess if this actually ends up being implemented with the announced timeline, given how many delays we’ve seen so far.
What do you make of the European Union introducing an ETIAS requirement?
Tit for tat. The US has done it for many years for Europeans so the Europeans are finally going to do it for Americans. Eventually I hope it's stopped because both sides doing it then does not make sense. I suspect at the start many people will arrive in Europe and not have it done.
I'll still line up for the line to get stamped.
Stop trying to punish America. These Europeans are often such arrogant snobs and socialists.
We are better than you. Stay home.
Hank, now you know what it is like having to suffer the EU political mindless morons, jobsworths of the worst order ….
Says the Brit in a country that inflicted the greatest act of self harm 9 years ago.
Correction Jay, the “Self harm” was committed when Great Britain joined the Common Market …. which then decades later morphed into the mock 4th Reich of a decade ago.
The EU is about as useful to Great Britain as a chocolate fire guard, yes?
To ratio between the cost of these travel authorisation systems and benefits they deliver to the countries that implement them is one of the worst deals in the history of humankind. They cost a ton of money, are extremely sensitive in terms of data protection, and they have close to no benefits.
As a taxpayer, I can come up with a myriad of other things I'd love to see my money spent on more than on this crap. Authorities should be making travel easier, not harder.
Actually, such prior e-registrations made my travel easier, allowing me to go through automated gates easily and also pass manned booths faster, e.g. Singapore, Japan (customs reg.), Australia... UK had automated gates for Europeans already, will now see soon how it goes with new ETA...
Only in USA I have not seen any difference between pre-ESTA travel and nowadays, in terms of queueing...
And you have been fooled by propaganda.
They could have let you though automated gates without needing e-registrations. Everything they need is already in your passport.
The only thing your passport doesn't provide is cash and an excuse to not follow visa waiver agreements.
If they keep Americans from going to Europe, we will be happier.
I don't think Americans understand we're happy to take a 10% decrease in what we can buy if we can trade for no American tourists in our cities.
We hate you. We really, truly, hate you. Do not come.
The cost of a UK ETA is 16 GBP so 20 EUR for ETIAS is reasonable in that context
My compliments to them. Yes, I prefer an environment where I don't have to do this. But, €20 for 3 years is reasonable. Plus, Australia's one year duration is a bit annoying. New Zealand and the UK are 2 years. Yes, I know it's a pipe dream, but I'd be happy to pay $500 at every passport renewal to get ETAs for the above countries until the passport expires.
"The ETIAS will allow you to stay in the European Union for up to 90 days in any 180 day period." Technically, Shengen has already had the 90 of 180 restriction, the ETIAS does not change that. But, the new Entry/Exit System EES will provide formal documentation of compliance (or not).
This is the European Union we're talking about, right? A vast, sclerotic, supranational level of government, voted for by no-one ever, whose sole aim is to feather the nest of the European Commission, and maintain as much control over anything and everything as it can. The convenience of its citizens is of no concern to them, and the convenience of visitors even less so. Therefore there's a very good chance this will be stalled further,...
This is the European Union we're talking about, right? A vast, sclerotic, supranational level of government, voted for by no-one ever, whose sole aim is to feather the nest of the European Commission, and maintain as much control over anything and everything as it can. The convenience of its citizens is of no concern to them, and the convenience of visitors even less so. Therefore there's a very good chance this will be stalled further, the price will go up, and the teething problems when (or if) it's ever introduced will become the stuff of legend. There's a reason the British voted out. This is a good example of that.
I very much voted for the European Parliament members, as well as for government of my state that represents us in the Council.
THE Comission is an executive body that is voted in by legislature, as is common in most of European states from Spain to Sweden to Poland to the UK.
You do realize Britain is poorer now after leaving the EU, right?
Yeah, best Americans don't come. We spit on your food and laugh at you behind your backs.
Everyone, and I literally mean everyone, *hates* you. We hate you as tourists. We hope you get hurt here.
Do. Not. Come.
The irony of this whole EU ‘travel’ debacle is that if one is none Caucasian, without any ID documentation or passport, you can walk into the EU unhindered. Claim asylum and live free and easy for the rest of your days. Free food, accommodation, medical and dental treatments, clothing, mobile phones, pocket money, etc, etc.
All this thanks to the German Chancellor Merkel, who a decade ago invited the world to Europe.
None of your business, you already Brexit.
It is our “Business” numpty, when the EU encourages the great unwashed dregs of the world to trample through their borders and pushes them onto boats to cross the channel. Furthermore, buses them into NI to get to GB.
A pathetic post even for you bro ….
Has it not occurred to you that because Britain left the EU, it is no longer helped by the Dublin Regulation? Get a grip, mate. Mass migration has increased to current levels because of Brexit. Obviously you can't point out any benefits, so you resort to EU bashing. Fair to say that Essex isn't sending their brightest.
Jay, your ignorance of the political situation pre and post Brexit is profound. If you need your homework correcting then please do not hesitate to ask. Until then you would be best advised to stop spreading false news on this blog.
If they want to bill travelers, why don't they just tack this onto the fees the carriers pass on to passengers? It just seems like more read tape. Carriers already collect money from the passenger and they need their passport info. The carriers are penalized if they fly someone without valid documentation.
Why not streamline this as part of the ticket purchase? Add the new visitor fees and verify the passport. If the passenger's passport...
If they want to bill travelers, why don't they just tack this onto the fees the carriers pass on to passengers? It just seems like more read tape. Carriers already collect money from the passenger and they need their passport info. The carriers are penalized if they fly someone without valid documentation.
Why not streamline this as part of the ticket purchase? Add the new visitor fees and verify the passport. If the passenger's passport does not pass business-as-usual, the carrier can email with a case number to resolve the issue or forfeit/cancel.
Why create a whole another set of steps involving portals, application, docs, etc? Aren't carriers already exchanging passenger information with immigration and law enforcement ahead of departure? It seems redundant.
it’s not the carrier’s responsibility to answer questions on behalf of customers.
They already have enough to do. They can’t respond to, for example, the US authorities about social media tags and criminal backgrounds. It is entirely incumbent on you as the traveller to do so. Would you expect them to also apply for your new passport ?
You do realise that there are other means of travel other than flights? You cross the border on a boat, on a train, a bus, in a car, on a bike... you can walk through the border too.
It would br far more complicated to have different channels for different entry methods.
Should it be required? Probably not, but with the paranoid USA leading the way in making travel harder its hardly surprising.
This is...
You do realise that there are other means of travel other than flights? You cross the border on a boat, on a train, a bus, in a car, on a bike... you can walk through the border too.
It would br far more complicated to have different channels for different entry methods.
Should it be required? Probably not, but with the paranoid USA leading the way in making travel harder its hardly surprising.
This is going to cost me £100 next year, so I'm not happy about it. But I'll just send the bill to my inlaws who voted to take the UK out of the EU.
An American who can't spell the color "red". That's exactly who we want to keep out.
I really want Americans to get attacked in Europe so you stop coming. Especially the fat ones called Tiffany from Spokane.
I think my biggest objection to these programs is that I cannot say the end-user is actually gaining anything. If the trade-off was "No game of 20 Questions at the border", that would be one thing...but if anything, this is reducing the cost to the governments in question while billing travelers for the convenience.
(I'm also with those who are dubious about the timeline. Let's not forget that in the US, even now RealID isn't...
I think my biggest objection to these programs is that I cannot say the end-user is actually gaining anything. If the trade-off was "No game of 20 Questions at the border", that would be one thing...but if anything, this is reducing the cost to the governments in question while billing travelers for the convenience.
(I'm also with those who are dubious about the timeline. Let's not forget that in the US, even now RealID isn't /really/ required, and that's 20 years after it was first laid out.)
100% RACIST
The world should get rid of antiquated book passports and move to a simple card. No more stupid stamps. Could be done with chip security and made to be more durable.
Great, more reliance on technology to the benefit of no one.
It is heartbreaking & stressful news for all travelers who are SENIORS & SENIORS WITH DISABILITIES who are not that tech savvy and old fashioned. Able bodied & young travelers don't think of this population group so they will be left out. Again travel is getting very complex and stressful and full of anxiety. Good old days of simple travel when travel was just fun are gone with the wind. These changes will push Seniors...
It is heartbreaking & stressful news for all travelers who are SENIORS & SENIORS WITH DISABILITIES who are not that tech savvy and old fashioned. Able bodied & young travelers don't think of this population group so they will be left out. Again travel is getting very complex and stressful and full of anxiety. Good old days of simple travel when travel was just fun are gone with the wind. These changes will push Seniors and Seniors with Disabilities to travel domestically within their own country. Bye bye to International travel.
Totally agree. Populations that may not be tech savvy may also be susceptible to scams or orgs that claim they'll handle it for you and charge and premium and have so-so policies on protecting PII.
@Jawed = Don't include all seniors in that mix. I'm 67 and very tech savvy (40 years in IT does that for you). I'd rather do things online that deal with a person. I know many people my age or older that have similar perspectives. Frankly, on-line is easier for everyone if they just give it a shot.
We do not want your disabled people to visit. It's not a right to visit Europe and given the amount of muh disabled and muh immunocompromised you have, this system helps us weed out undesirables.
Why should Europeans want cripples and Karens running around here? Ugh
Relax. If they already have a passport issued after 2007, then their photo is already on file. All they have to do is stand in front of a camera. There's probably even going to be a spot marked on the floor indicating where to stand in proximity to the camera. Let's not group seniors into this simpleminded population who are incapable of adapting to minor advances in technology.
I think the issue is "having to fill out an online form". For good or ill there /are/ people for whom a special trip to a consulate would be less of a pain.
Slightly dramatic. My grandmother is 75 and she uses a computer just fine. How do you think these disabled seniors are buying their plane ticket in the first place?
Your stereotype of seniors and people with disabilities is not accurate. You need to get to know more of them. I’ve been a senior for long time and have obtained ETAs for several countries via online application. I travel with other seniors—many with disabilities—and we’ve all had to get ETAs. Some are easier to get than ordering merchandise online. (The Seychelles is an exception because their online system is buggy.) You fill out a form...
Your stereotype of seniors and people with disabilities is not accurate. You need to get to know more of them. I’ve been a senior for long time and have obtained ETAs for several countries via online application. I travel with other seniors—many with disabilities—and we’ve all had to get ETAs. Some are easier to get than ordering merchandise online. (The Seychelles is an exception because their online system is buggy.) You fill out a form with your name, address, email, and passport number. Then pay the fee with your credit card. Done. If some seniors and people with disabilities can’t fill out an ETA application, then they also no longer have the skills to order from Amazon or order food for home delivery by themselves. So yes, those people will need friends, family, care givers, or a personal concierge to help them—just as they do now.
At least, the fee is waived for the 70+ visitors (and the very young).
*** waived fir those over 70 and under 18. I assume that implies at the time of application, allowing those about to turn 18 to apply at get an ETIAS valid until tight before their 21st for free.
I have lost count of how many times it was supposed to be up and running... There is hope it's postponed again
I don't see airlines revamping their websites so that the passenger with dual citizenships (EU+one) can register for the flight with both passports. I hope they test it ahead of the ESTA implementation...
If we had someone in the WH who wasn't trying to make enemies of all our allies, it would be a good time to offer reciprocal waiving. No more ESTA, no more ETIAS, no more ETA.
No more weapons to NATO.
And no more McDonalds for Eskimo!
Our "allies" take advatage of us.
That's just what Putin and Xi want you to think, AndyS
Not sure if that's what Putin wants you to think but that's definitely what Trump wants you to think.
Take the hint bro, start to think for yourself and learn some European history before bumping your gums like an Arps numpty ….
Shouldn't Americans be charged €38 to match what the Republican Congress just approved as the amount America will charge Europeans who want to travel?
Europe should not be taken advantage of by the current administration!
They can and they will be taken advantage of. Europe is a vassal of the US Empire and do what we tell them to do.
US is free to set any price they want and so are we. I don't see a point on adjusting our fee to theirs. It's a fee, not a punishment and it's perfectly legitimate, even if very stupid.
@Samo
The whole thing is a punishment, otherwise we wouldn't have to pay anything like it was 20 years ago.
Tariffs everywhere.
Humans. Goods. Currency.
Barriers to entry. Restrictions to free trade.
Adam Smith is going to be proud.
We just went opposite of everything he's proven.
If the EU's ETIAS is good for 3 years, that helps the rich and not the people who visit Europe every 3-5 years or longer. That is why income tax rates should be raised to punish the rich and make them pay their fair share. Also take away their frequent flyer miles because they are fat cats. Medicaid should have a program to give miles to the poor.
7/10 bait
Medicaid giving miles?
Now that's something new.
Since you're at it, why not give the "unhoused" elite status.
If you're "unhoused" for over 10 years you get lifetime Platinum Pothole status. Come with free tent lounge access in a shelter 3 hours before they open. But careful lines to in the tent lounge is very long.
Do you think the UK requirement will materially impact travel to the UK? I can almost imagine someone on the fence about "doing Europe" not bothering to include the UK because it's more bureaucracy and paperwork.
As a UK resident, I have skin in the game, as I want as many flights in and out of the UK as possible!
The U.K. ETA has been in place a while now and not having a significant impact
Outrageous UK departure taxes should have a more detrimental effect.
The EU, UK, USA, and Australia should get their sh*t together and have a fee waiver for all those countries. So the US would offer free ETA's to the passport holders from the UK, Australia, and at least the normal EU countries (like Luxembourg, France, Germany, Denmark but optionally exclude Bulgaria, Slovakia, and the like)
Ask Trump . Europe has its s-t together. Cost of the ESTA is doubling. We should reciprocate
Sure, why not? Let's keep the cycle of escalating tension and reciprocity going between nations that have been friends for eighty years so China can define what remains of the global order and America is reduced to a frothing bowl of fetid intramural conflict over meaningless social issues whilst the Orange Titan and his compatriots rob us blind. So much winning!
Calling EU having it's s-t together is a stretch.
It's a different kind of mess. The mess democrats will make.
Derek - please enlighten us about which EU countries are”normal” and which one fall into “Slovakia and the like”.
He means the rich ones that were not once a part of the Eastern Bloc.
For the most part, Schengen member countries have done a decent job with airport border control. For non-air, some consider it a mixed bag. It's safe to say that that not all members are perceived as low-risk as others nor are they aligned with EU-ideals as others. "Normal" would apply members without concerns over corruption and governance; border and migration...
He means the rich ones that were not once a part of the Eastern Bloc.
For the most part, Schengen member countries have done a decent job with airport border control. For non-air, some consider it a mixed bag. It's safe to say that that not all members are perceived as low-risk as others nor are they aligned with EU-ideals as others. "Normal" would apply members without concerns over corruption and governance; border and migration control; rule of law and democratic backsliding.
It'd be nice if we could get a sort of common eVisa, since presumably every country is checking the same things.
And as long as I'm dreaming, I'd like a pony.
e"Visa" or Mastercard ? That is the [priceless] question !
IATA really needs to fix this evisa stuff. It's getting to the point where every country has its own system and app and process, all with associated fees paid outside of the ticket.
The airline already has PNR information. Many countries already require PNR data to be provided (including the US even for overflights) and have for years, which is already set up and working. What more does a government want? A photo? Most airlines...
IATA really needs to fix this evisa stuff. It's getting to the point where every country has its own system and app and process, all with associated fees paid outside of the ticket.
The airline already has PNR information. Many countries already require PNR data to be provided (including the US even for overflights) and have for years, which is already set up and working. What more does a government want? A photo? Most airlines already have this technology in place to verify passport data for mobile check-in. Overall this is dumb, and we need standards.
One final missing piece: The real reason for this is so that you can be denied entry before you're on European soil and have any rights of appeal there, just like ESTA does. The denial criteria are a secret. Now, this is a mainstream idea in the Trump and Orban administrations, so you can see who is really in charge in Europe.
Exactly! The carriers already share the PNR data and pass on fees. If destination countries need more data or more money, it wouldn't be hard to tweak the existing process.
The airlines are already incentivized not to fly inadmissible passengers. They're liable for fines, returning the passengers, and probably face additional scrutiny. They're required to verify docs.
What more does the EU need?
Why don't they just push this on the carriers? They collect menu and they need your passport info anyways. We can't they just bundle this with the ticket purchase?
Because the burden is on the passenger to apply and not the airline. The airline cannot answer third party questions directed to the passenger
Just a minor correction, Ben. The ETIAS was actually proposed in 2016, not 2017. So it will be a whole decade later that the scheme will be introduced, IF everything runs on time.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_16_3674
And how long did it take for Real ID to get implemented?
Anything that moves me from queues of people waiting to be inspected by humans, to an automated gate, is a plus. For NEXUS/Global Entry, applications, fees and interviews were required to liberate us from queuing for inspection by officers. In this case, the price (in money and in admin overhead) is tiny by comparison. If the result is as promised and queueing is significantly reduced, I'll be thrilled.
I know this is an official timeline, but honestly, I'll only believe it when I see it. Europe (and most countries, for that matter) and implementation of new laws, technologies, etc. don't really mix. Considering that the removal of the liquids rules for security are progressing at worst than a snail's pace despite many airports being equipped already, it still remains to be seen whether this will be implemented on time if we've already seen...
I know this is an official timeline, but honestly, I'll only believe it when I see it. Europe (and most countries, for that matter) and implementation of new laws, technologies, etc. don't really mix. Considering that the removal of the liquids rules for security are progressing at worst than a snail's pace despite many airports being equipped already, it still remains to be seen whether this will be implemented on time if we've already seen a 5 year delay. There's about a 50/50 chance it gets pushed to 2027/28, but I could be wrong.
I thought the same about the Brasilian visa for US travelers...... until it actually materialized..
.. and we're talking about a country from the South half of the globe ! ...
True. Not ruling out an on time rollout. But the EU is obviously consisting of 20+ nations. And given the delays we have seen in other areas of aviation infrastructure, it wouldn't surprise me if this was delayed longer. To be sure, I could be overestimating it, and the EU may well be more prepared this time around. But I can't count on it.
This is also why I am prioritizing international travel now, before TACO makes us fully persona non grata around the world and my only options are lame domestic locations or whatever banana republic is fluffing the bloated orange tyrant in Washington
You're welcome in Canada. You might prefer Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver or Lake Louise to a "lame domestic" location.
First, thank you kindly. Secondly, Lake Louise is a stunner and one of the most beautiful places on earth, so, tip of the hat to you good sir.
This is bad (even though I know the US did the bad thing first) and countries starting to isolate and throw up barriers to entry once benefits the worst kinds of people.
I think you can expect the price to increase again before implementation as the BBB just about doubled the price of an ESTA for Europeans. I think the surprise here really should be that it was set to 7 euro to start with, not that it has been increased to 20