Have you heard that there are new rules to travel to Europe in 2024? It’s true that the requirements to travel to Europe are changing soon. Don’t worry because I’m telling you everything you need to know to be prepared with the new European travel forms!
Andrea, I just have a quick question about the new rules to travel to Europe so let's skip right to it!
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Just the Basics
Passport:
You probably know that a passport is a government document (in the form of a book) that is issued to authorize people to travel between countries. A valid passport is still required to visit Europe in 2024.
Visa:
A visa is a government document that is required to allow travelers visitation in countries for an extended period of time for tourism or business purposes. A visa is required to visit European countries for a period of longer than 90 days within any 180-day period. If you are a frequent traveler then you might want to obtain a visa.
Short-term Stay:
A “short-term stay” is any visit that is less than 90 days within any 180-day period. That means you can leave and come back as long as you don’t stay for 91 or more days within a 180-day window of time. Visa-free access is available for short-term visits to the Schengen area in Europe.
If you breach the 90/180-day rule you can be deported, fined, or banned from reentry for several years.
Is Europe requiring visas in 2024?
When you heard there are new entry requirements to travel to Europe one of the first things you probably wondered was, “Do I need a visa to visit Europe in 2024”? You will be relieved to know that it’s not quite THAT serious.
Europe still has visa-free travel for typical tourist vacations or short business trips, BUT they are requiring a new travel authorization form. This extra step, necessary to visit Europe, is called an ETIAS travel authorization.
What's an ETIAS travel authorization?
ETIAS is short for the European Travel Information and Authorization System. The form is available online and it is linked to your passport. It’s the new form required for short stays for tourism or business.
Did you know that the United States has a similar system called ESTA for short-term stays in the US?
Which European Countries require the new travel authorization?
The 30 global destinations below require the new ETIAS travel authorization form to visit Europe starting in 2024.
- AUSTRIA
- BELGIUM
- BULGARIA
- CROATIA
- CYPRUS
- CZECH REPUBLIC
- DENMARK
- ESTONIA
- FINLAND
- FRANCE
- GERMANY
- GREECE
- HUNGARY
- ICELAND
- ITALY
- LATVIA
- LIECHTENSTEIN
- LITHUANIA
- LUXEMBOURG
- MALTA
- NETHERLANDS
- NORWAY
- POLAND
- PORTUGAL
- ROMANIA
- SLOVAKIA
- SLOVENIA
- SPAIN
- SWEDEN
- SWITZERLAND
Who needs to apply for a European travel authorization?
American travelers aren’t the only ones who will be affected by the new rules of travel. There are almost 60 visa-exempt countries that need to apply for the new ETIAS travel authorization for short-term visits next year.
The change applies to nationals from locations including the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Mexico, Japan, Guatemala, New Zealand, and more!
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What documentation do I need to apply for a European travel authorization?
- Personal information for the traveler: name, date and place of birth, address, nationality, parent’s first names, email address, and phone number;
- A valid travel document, which is typically a passport;
- Information on the traveler’s education and current occupation;
- The traveler’s intended travel plans and countries that will be visited;
- Details about any criminal convictions, past travels to war or conflict zones, and if the traveler was a recent subject of deportation.
A travel authorization is required for each individual who is traveling. A 3rd party can complete the form on your behalf, but they will need to provide their information and sign a declaration.
Applications for minor children, under 18 years old, must be completed by a parental authority or legal guardians.
Make sure your passport doesn't expire in less than 3 months from your travel date. It shouldn't be more than 10 years old.
When will Europe start requiring the new travel form?
Okay, so now you know about the new Europe travel requirements for 2024, but you’re probably wondering, “When will the new travel authorizations start”?
Currently, they have not disclosed the ETIAS system will go live, but we know it will start sometime in 2024.
GREAT NEWS… you can SUBSCRIBE with your email to get notified of new posts so you never miss a thing! When the exact start date for the ETIAS system is disclosed I will notify my subscribers with an email.
How do I apply for a European travel authorization?
When the ETIAS application portal opens for the processing of applications you can find the form on the official ETIAS website or on the official ETIAS mobile application.
FAQ on the New Rules to Travel to Europe
Why are the rules changing for traveling to Europe?
The purpose of ETIAS is to provide easier transitions and extra security at the countries’ borders. This new entry requirement will help to reduce terror-related offenses and illegal immigration.
Am I guaranteed entry if I received my ETIAS travel authorization?
Possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorization does NOT guarantee your automatic right of entry into the country. The border guard will still require you to meet certain entry conditions.
PRO TIP: Get travel insurance because if your international travel plans change due to any complications with the new travel authorization program, you want to be covered.
How much does it cost to get an ETIAS authorization?
The small fee to obtain your ETIAS is 7 Euros or about 8 U.S. dollars.
GOOD NEWS: Minor children, under 18 years old, and applicants 70 years and older are exempt from paying for the new required authorization.
PRO TIP: If a website is charging more than $8.00 the extra fee is from a 3rd party site and your private information might not be safe!
How long does the ETIAS application process take?
As long as you have the traveler’s personal information, travel itinerary, and passport number in hand the online application form is quick and easy to complete. However, it is possible that they could ask for additional documentation. Processing the application can take a few minutes or up to 30 days.
Don’t wait until the last minute to begin working on the new requirements.
PRO TIP: Apply for your new travel requirements at LEAST 30 days prior to your trip.
After you’ve submitted your application you will receive an email notification. Once processing your application is completed you will receive another email notification. Keep the proof of your accepted application with you during your trip.
Navigating the metro in Europe can be tricky. Make sure you read The Ultimate Guide for How to Use the Metro in Europe before you go!
Should I submit my application before or after I book my tickets?
You should get your ETIAS travel authorization BEFORE you buy tickets or book anything.
In order to process the application, all you are required to disclose is the first country you plan to visit. Once you have your approved travel authorization you are free to change your travel plans.
How long is the ETIAS authorization good for?
After you’ve received your approved ETIAS authorization form it is good for either 3 years or when your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ETIAS authorization is linked to your passport, so if you get a new passport you will need to apply for a new ETIAS authorization.
Still have questions on the new rules to travel to Europe in 2024?
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