90 Days in Europe with ETIAS

US Citizens Traveling to Europe with ETIAS

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), planned to be launched in 2026, will change the way visa-exempt, third-country nationals visit Europe.

ETIAS will grant its holders a stay of up to 90 days in Europe within a 180-day period. The authorization will be valid for 3 consecutive years, or until the passport expires. A valid ETIAS will allow foreign travelers to visit the region multiple times.

Currently, under the EU’s visa liberalization program, visitors from select non-EU nations, including the U.S., can enter the Schengen Area using just a passport.

Whilst this has provided easy and quick access to Europe, calls for increased border security led to the development of ETIAS.

ETIAS, although not a visa, will be a mandatory entry requirement for the Schengen zone for tourism and business purposes. American passport holders who wish to visit Europe in the future will need to apply online for their ETIAS travel authorization.

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Where Can I Travel to for 90 Days with ETIAS?

ETIAS is valid for the entire Schengen Area and several prospective members. The Schengen Area is a border-free travel zone made up of 29 European nations.

As there are no internal borders between Schengen countries, once an ETIAS holder has crossed the external border they can move freely between countries without facing further checkpoints.

Such freedom of movement is particularly convenient for sightseers and those flying between European cities on business.

ETIAS Will Increase Safety and Security Across Europe

When an ETIAS application is submitted for review, it is automatically cross-checked against international databases including the Schengen Information System (SIS), European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS), and EURODAC.

There will also be an ETIAS watchlist which compiles the names of individuals considered to be a threat to Europe due to their connections to serious crime.

If anything is flagged up during the automatic screening, the application will then be manually assessed by the ETIAS Central and National Units before a final decision is made.

By pre-screening visitors from outside the EU, individuals who may pose a health and safety risk can be prevented from crossing the border legally. Travelers will be able to enjoy their favorite European destinations with greater peace of mind than ever before.

Apply for an ETIAS Visa Waiver for Tourism, Business, and Short-Term Study

The ETIAS visa waiver may be used for tourism, business, and short-term study purposes. ETIAS grants multiple entries to Schengen member countries for up to 90 days.

Eligible travelers must note that while ETIAS gives them the authorization to carry out business activities or follow courses, a visa or other permit must be obtained to work and study in Europe for long-term periods.

U.S. citizens will be required to apply for ETIAS online prior to departure. Requiring just a few personal details and passport information, the process will be quick to complete.

It is expected that the vast majority of requests will be approved almost immediately, at which point the visa-free authorization is linked to the applicant’s biometric passport electronically.

Spending 90 Days in Europe with ETIAS

The ETIAS permit is multiple-entry allowing for a maximum stay of 90 days in Europe in a 180 day period. ETIAS is valid for 3 years so there is no need to reapply until the ETIAS, or the passport to which it is linked, expires.

U.S. nationals can travel to Europe with ETIAS for a variety of reasons including:

  • Tourism
  • Business
  • Short-term study

What’s more, as ETIAS is valid for the entire Schengen Area, U.S. citizens can make the most of their 3 months in Europe to visit several nations on one trip.

Tourism in Europe with ETIAS

Europe boasts some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. France and Spain consistently take the top spots on the World Tourism rankings, each attracting over 80 million international visitors annually, whilst places such as Iceland are on the rise.

Europe has something for everyone

With its varied culture, history and landscapes, Europe offers something for every kind of traveler. Those seeking sunshine and sandy beaches can relax along the Mediterranean coastline whilst adventure seekers can head to the ski slopes of Switzerland or Austria.

That’s not to mention the rich and varied cuisines found across the continent. Tourists can sample the finest Italian cooking and also discover new flavors and dishes in Denmark or Finland.

With 90 days to explore, ETIAS for tourism offers the chance to discover as many of the Schengen Area countries as they wish, each of which offers a unique visitor experience.

Doing Business in Europe with ETIAS

European cities are hubs of business activity. Many major companies choose Europe to base their headquarters thanks to a wide talent base and excellent international connections.

Frankfurt, Madrid, and Brussels are some of the European destinations most frequented by travelers conducting overseas negotiations, attending meetings, or taking part in conferences and other events.

Business travelers stay 90 days in Europe without a work permit

The good news is that foreign citizens can travel to Europe with ETIAS for business purposes for up to 90 days. Provided the stay is shorter than 3 months, there is no need to obtain a work permit to carry out business in Europe.

Quick to apply for and with fast processing times, ETIAS can be obtained in time for a last-minute overseas meeting. Requesting a work visa is a lengthier and more complex process.

The same ETIAS permit can be used to carry out business across the Schengen Area, particularly useful for people attending several meetings or events on one trip.

ETIAS for Studying in Europe

Studying in Europe is an excellent way to experience a new culture, learn a language and improve job prospects. For young people, studying overseas has the added benefit of increasing independence by spending time away from home whilst learning new skills.

Foreigners who study in Europe with ETIAS for a short period of time can make the most of their stay by visiting other towns and cities and, thanks to border-free travel, even other Schengen countries.

To gain school work credit or stay in the region for longer than 90 days, international students must apply for a student visa for Europe at the embassy or consulate of the country where they wish to further their education.

While it is possible to follow courses with a valid ETIAS, the travel authorization may not be used to enrol in a university or at a higher education institution.

Take courses of up to 90 days in Europe with ETIAS

Language programs in Europe are very popular. Surrounded by native speakers, students may find that they improve their speaking and listening more in 3 months living in the country than in a year back home.

Cookery courses are also widespread throughout European countries. Professional chefs can improve their techniques at a prestigious academy whilst amateurs can learn how to cook and bake whilst meeting new people.

Frequently Asked Questions about traveling to Europe

What Is the Difference Between the Schengen Area and the European Union? Toggle faqs

The European Union (EU) and Schengen Area are related, but distinct unions of European countries. Although they include many of the same nations, not all EU members are part of the Schengen Zone.

The Schengen Area is a region of 29 countries that have no border control or passport checks on travel between member states. You will only have to go through border control when arriving in a Schengen country from a non-Schengen country.

The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political union of 27 member states that have developed a single market and that are bound by mutual judicial and legislative institutions. Currently, 19 EU member states use the Euro (EUR – €) as their currency.

4 Schengen countries are not members of the EU: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

Cyprus is in the process of joining the Schengen Area.

Will I Be Able to Travel to All the European Countries with ETIAS? Toggle faqs

ETIAS holders may travel to the 29 countries that form the Schengen Area. These include most EU member states, as well as the majority of Western European countries.

Schengen nations include many of Europe’s most popular destinations, like France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, and all of Scandinavia.

Will I Be the Subject of Border Controls When Traveling with ETIAS Through the Schengen Area? Toggle faqs

An approved ETIAS visa waiver will allow its holder to move freely within the Schengen Area without being subject to internal border controls.

You will only pass through border controls when first arriving in the Schengen Area. If you then travel from the first Schengen country directly to another member state, you will not have to go through border checks.

Non-EU citizens are pre-screened before coming to the Schengen Area through an online application to assess possible migration risks. The ETIAS travel authorization was created with the aim of increasing EU’s security and improving border control management.