ETIAS for Americans
New entry requirement for travel to Europe
Disclaimer: This site is run by an independent company, not linked to the European Union. To find the official EU website, go to european-union.europa.eu. The goal of etiaseu.com is to provide U.S. passport holders with information about ETIAS for Europe.
From 2026, U.S. citizens need to register with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). ETIAS is the new electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area.
ETIAS improves border management and increases security across Europe.
What Is the EU ETIAS for U.S. Citizens?
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization, also known as a visa waiver, for Europe. The system is currently under development— it will be operational from 2026.
As a U.S. citizen, you will need ETIAS to visit European Schengen countries on vacation or business trips.
To get your ETIAS, you have to fill out an online application form with basic details. You’ll also answer a few safety-related questions to verify you are eligible for visa-free travel to Europe.
How Does the ETIAS Travel Authorization Work?
ETIAS is a visa waiver system that is being implemented to increase security across the Schengen Area. It also contributes to a more efficient management of Europe’s borders.
American citizens traveling to Europe for short stays will need ETIAS. ETIAS is not a visa but will be an entry requirement for U.S. passport holders entering the Schengen Area (including those in the process of joining).
You can apply for ETIAS online from the United States. It takes just s few minutes to fill out the application. The information you provide is automatically checked against European security databases.
You’ll be notified by email when you ETIAS for Europe is approved. It is linked to the U.S. passport used to apply and remains valid for up to 3 years.
If a security risk is detected, the ETIAS application is reviewed manually before a decision is reached.
ETIAS Countries
You can use the same authorization for all ETIAS countries. You do not need to apply for a separate permit for each place you will visit.
Traveling to Europe from America with ETIAS
U.S. citizens need to fill out and submit an online ETIAS application before traveling to Europe.
Here’s what you need to know about traveling from the United States to Europe with ETIAS.
- Valid for 3 years—travel to Europe multiple times before without reapplying
- Short stay permit—for up to 90 days in Europe in any 180-day period
- Visit any Schengen country—ETIAS is valid across the EU
Your ETIAS is verified when crossing an external Schengen border. After you have entered the travel zone, there are no further document checks. Schengen member countries have abolished checks at mutual borders.
ETIAS FAQs
Got a question about ETIAS for U.S. citizens? Find the answers you’re looking for.
How Long Is ETIAS Valid for? Toggle faqs
An ETIAS travel authorization is valid for either:
- 3 years or
- Until your passport expires
Whichever is sooner.
ETIAS is linked to a specific passport number. This means that you must apply again if you renew your U.S. passport, even if it is less than 3 years since your existing ETIAS was approved.
With a valid ETIAS, you can travel to European Schengen countries multiple times for up to 90 days per 180-day period. You can enter and exit the Schengen Area as required within this limit.
What’s the Difference Between a Schengen Visa and ETIAS? Toggle faqs
ETIAS is an electronically-issued travel authorization for visa-free non-EU citizens, including U.S. citizens. Thanks to its automatic application process, requesting and receiving an approved ETIAS authorization is straightforward.
ETIAS is not a visa and can be requested online just a few days before leaving.
A Schengen Visa is for non-EU citizens who need a visa for short stays in Europe. It can take several weeks for a Schengen visa application to be processed and approved and, as it is a visa, additional supporting documents are required.
Americans do not need a Schengen Visa but they do need ETIAS.
How Does ETIAS Improve Europe’s Security and Border Management? Toggle faqs
ETIAS is an automated system that helps identify possible risks associated with non-EU citizens traveling to the Schengen Area.
Applications are checked against European security databases including the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Visa Information System (VIS), Europol database, the Eurodac database, and Interpol database. This will help detect travellers who could compromise European security. It also help prevent irregular migration or epidemic risks.
The ETIAS visa waiver is similar to the U.S. ESTA and Canada eTA.