ETIAS Visa Waiver for Americans
Europe''s Travel Authorization for U.S. Citizens
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US passport holders will soon need ETIAS to travel to Europe. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System will be operational from 2026 .
ETIAS is the new travel permit for Americans and other visa-exempt non-EU citizens visiting European destinations such as France, Italy, and Spain.
U.S. nationals can continue to go to Europe visa-free for short stays by applying for ETIAS.
DO AMERICANS NEED A VISA FOR EUROPE?
Americans who meet the ETIAS requirements do not need a visa for Europe. This means that US passport holders can travel to Europe without a visa:
- For up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- For tourism, business, and short-term study
Visa-free American visitors need to apply for ETIAS.
Americans must hold a visa or residence permit to stay longer than 3 months or to work in Europe.
WHAT DO AMERICANS NEED TO VISIT EUROPE?
This is what Americans need to visit Europe for up to 90 days:
- Passport valid for 3 months after exiting the Schengen Area
- ETIAS from 2026
You can find out how to apply for your ETIAS to travel from the US to Europe below.
If you’re staying for longer than 90 days, check the specific requirements for your European destination.
DO AMERICAN TOURISTS NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR EUROPE?
Medical insurance is not an ETIAS requirement. You do not need to provide proof of health insurance to apply.
However, all American travellers are advised to take out insurance that covers medical emergencies and other travel-related incidents.
US CITIZENS NEED ETIAS FOR THESE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
CURRENTLY, THERE ARE 25 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES THAT FORM PART OF THE SCHENGEN AREA:
- EU Schengen
- Non-EU Schengen States
- Non-Schengen EU States
NON-EU MEMBER STATES:
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Switzerland
MICRO-STATES DE FACTO PART OF SCHENGEN AREA:
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City
NON-SCHENGEN EU STATES
- Cyprus
HOW CAN AMERICANS APPLY FOR ETIAS TO VISIT EUROPE?
As an American, you can apply for ETIAS online. Fill out the electronic form, pay the fees, and submit the application.
You’ll be asked to provide the following information on your application form:
- Name and surname
- Nationality
- Date, place, and country of birth
- Current address
- Contact phone number
- Email address
- Passport number
- Passport issue/expiry date
- Criminal records
- Travel to conflict areas
WHY DO AMERICANS NEED ETIAS TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE?
Americans need ETIAS because they are visa-exempt non-EU citizens. The ETIAS regulation applies to third-country nationals who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. Other eligible nationalities include British, Australian, and Japanese.
ETIAS pre-screens travellers before they arrive in Europe. By identifying potential threats, ETIAS improves the security of the Schengen Area.
HOW WILL MY INFORMATION BE USED BY ETIAS?
The information provided on an ETIAS application form is checked against security databases. These include 3 systems managed by eu-Lisa:
- Schengen Information System (SIS) — database to identify suspected criminals, missing persons and stolen objects.
- Visa Information System (VIS) —database to share visa information
- Eurodac —database storing fingerprints of asylum seekers and irregular migrants
If there is an alert in the system, European authorities know to review the application manually. A decision can then be made on whether to grant travel authorisation.
IS MY ETIAS INFORMATION KEPT SECURE?
Information provided on ETIAS applications can only be accessed by authorised users. In addition, advanced technology is used to protect data and prevent any unauthorised access.
ETIAS data protection is in line with European law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
WHEN DO AMERICANS NEED TO APPLY FOR ETIAS?
Americans need to apply for ETIAS for any trips to Europe after 2026 .
After the first ETIAS has been issued, US citizens need to apply in 3 years' time or when their passport expires (whichever is sooner). ETIAS is valid with the passport used to apply only.
Americans planning to visit several European countries on one trip do not need to apply for different visa waivers. ETIAS is valid across the Schengen Area.
TRAVELLING TO EUROPE FROM THE US WITH ETIAS
It is also important to note that an approved ETIAS for American citizens does not guarantee entry to Europe; it grants the holder permission to travel to Schengen countries.
The final decision for entry will be made by an immigration officer at Schengen border control. You do not need to print your ETIAS—it is linked to the passport—but you must travel with the passport you used to apply.
There are regulations and restrictions on carrying weapons, importing and exporting large quantities of tobacco, alcohol or perfume, and declaring large amounts of currency when travelling from the USA to Europe. Travellers must check the latest immigration rules.
US AND EUROPE VISA WAIVER BILATERAL AGREEMENTS
US citizens may be able to stay in some European countries beyond the 90-day Schengen limit. The United States has bilateral visa-waiver agreements with several countries.
The Schengen Area nations that have bilateral visa-waiver reciprocal agreements with the US are listed below. The maximum stay is also shown.
- Belgium (3 months)
- Denmark (3 months)
- Italy (3 months)
- Hungary (90 days)*
- Portugal (60 days)*
- Spain (90 days)*
- France (90 days)
- Latvia (90 days in half a year)*
- The Netherlands (90 days)*
Schengen-associated country with a bilateral agreement:
- Norway (90 days)
*Only ordinary passports are permitted
US passport holders who take advantage of one of these visa waiver bilateral agreements must exit the Schengen Area from that EU nation. On departure, they must fly directly to a third country or transit in a non-Schengen airport.
In addition, travellers must remain in that particular EU Member State. It is not possible to move freely around Europe under the bilateral agreements.
Bilateral agreements between the United States and European Union Member States are subject to change.
EUROPE VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR US CITIZENS
US citizens who do not meet the ETIAS requirements need a visa for Europe. Visa applicants need to make an appointment at the embassy or consulate of their European destinations.
Documentation requirements depend on the type of visa requested but may include:
- accommodation bookings
- Round trip flight tickets, or tickets to an onward destination
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in Europe
- Travel insurance that covers medical care in the Schengen Area
- A recent, passport-sized, photograph
Visa applications should be started several weeks before the intended travel date.
ETIAS for Americans - FAQ
Which countries do American travellers need ETIAS to visit? Toggle faqs
With ETIAS, Americans can visit countries where Schengen visa policy applies. The most popular ETIAS destinations for US passport holders include France, Spain, and Italy.
There are no internal border checks in the Schengen Area—ETIAS is valid across the travel zone.
Do American children need ETIAS for Europe? Toggle faqs
Yes, US passport holders of all ages need ETIAS for Europe, this includes children under the age of 18.
Parents or legal guardians can complete the ETIAS application on behalf of their children.
Do US citizens need ETIAS to transit through an airport in the Schengen Area? Toggle faqs
You only need ETIAS if you will leave the international transit area of the airport. If you will stay in this area, you do not need to apply for ETIAS.
You must hold a valid travel authorisation to enter any of the countries requiring ETIAS, even if it is just for a short time between flights.
CAN AMERICANS USE AN ETIAS TO WORK IN EUROPE? Toggle faqs
ETIAS is not a visa and is not valid to work in Europe.
US passport holders need to apply for a work permit or work visa for the European country they will work in. ETIAS is valid for short business trips, for example, to attend meetings, conferences, and other similar events.
CAN AMERICANS STUDY IN EUROPE WITH AN ETIAS? Toggle faqs
Americans can study in Europe for up to 90 days with ETIAS. The visa waiver covers short language courses in European countries, for example.
A student visa is required for all study programmes lasting longer than 90 days.
IS ETIAS FOR US CITIZENS A VISA? Toggle faqs
No, ETIAS is not a visa for Europe. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation, or visa waiver, similar to the ESTA for the United States. US tourists and business travellers do not need a visa to visit the Schengen Area short-term, provided they meet the requirements to travel visa-free. Americans will be able to register for ETIAS from 2025
How do Americans pay the ETIAS fee? Toggle faqs
You’ll pay the ETIAS fee online at the end of the online application. All major payment methods are accepted.
The ETIAS system does not keep payment information after the transaction has been completed.
Do American tourists need confirmed travel plans to apply for ETIAS? Toggle faqs
Your travel plans do not need to be 100% certain to apply for ETIAS. You do need to indicate which European country you’ll enter first when applying however, once you have your approved ETIAS, you can enter via any of the ETIAS countries.