ETIAS Application for U.S. Citizens

ETIAS Registration Form for Europe

Starting 2026, U.S. citizens need to register with ETIAS to travel to Europe. The ETIAS application is 100% online. You can apply online from the U.S. in minutes.

How Will the ETIAS System Work?

You need to apply for ETIAS to travel to Europe with a U.S. passport. ETIAS is essential for short, visa-free stays in Europe.

To get started with the ETIAS application, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you will depart the Schengen Area.

Applying for ETIAS is the first step towards visa-free travel to Europe.

  • step-1-etias-online-application

    ETIAS Online Application

    • Fill out the ETIAS form
    • Pay the ETIAS fee
    • Submit your application for processing
  • step-2-receive-etias

    Receive ETIAS Authorization

    • Get notified by email when your application is approved
    • Your ETIAS is linked to your U.S. passport
    • If denied, you’ll be given the right to appeal
  • step-3-travel-schengen-area-etias

    Travel the Schengen Area

    • Travel to Europe with the passport used to apply
    • ETIAS is verified at the external border
    • Visit Europe for up to 90 days with ETIAS

How to Complete the ETIAS Application Form

It takes just a few minutes to fill out the ETIAS application form for U.S. citizens. You need to provide basic personal information, passport data, and travel details.

Personal information

  • Name and surname
  • Date and place of birth
  • Nationality
  • Contact details

Passport data

  • Passport number
  • Issue date
  • Expiry date

Travel details

  • Intended trips to ETIAS countries

You also need to declare any criminal convictions and past travel to conflict zones.

Once you have completed the form, you can pay the ETIAS processing fee and submit your application.

How is my information used by the ETIAS system?

The details you provide on your ETIAS application form are automatically screened against information held in EU security databases.

Some of the databases consulted are the:

  • Schengen Information System (SIS II)
  • Visa Information System (VIS)
  • ETIAS Watchlist
  • Eurodac

Most applications are approved at this stage. Provided there are no hits in the system, ETIAS is automatically issued.

If there is an alert, the application is reviewed manually by the ETIAS National Unit responsible. A decision is then reached based on individual circumstances.

Personal data is protected using encryption. Access to information is limited to authorized personnel.

When should I complete the ETIAS form?

You should apply for ETIAS as soon as possible before you plan to travel to Europe from the USA.

It is expected that more than 95% of applications will be approved following automatic processing. However, you should apply in advance in case of unexpected delays.

You’ll be notified by email as soon as your ETIAS is approved, ready to travel to Europe.

Can the ETIAS authorization be extended?

The ETIAS permit cannot be extended. You need to reapply for ETIAS when it expires.

ETIAS expires either:

  • After 3 years or
  • When your passport expires

Whichever comes first. To reapply, you need to follow the same online procedure as when you made your original application.

Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to depart the Schengen Area.

Frequently Asked ETIAS Application Questions

How Do I Apply for an ETIAS Visa Waiver? Toggle faqs

Applying for an ETIAS visa waiver is fast and efficient. You need to complete the online application form with the requested information, pay the ETIAS fees and send your request.

ETIAS applications open in 2024. You cannot apply yet.

How Long Does It Take to Apply for ETIAS? Toggle faqs

It takes about 10-20 minutes to complete the ETIAS online application. Once you have filled out the form, it’s submitted for processing.

It is likely that requests will be approved quickly — most visa waivers are expected to be processed on the same day. The maximum expected processing time is 2 or 3 business days. You’ll receive status update notifications by email.

Some applications may take longer to process. If something is flagged up during automatic screening, the application will need to be reviewed manually.

It is recommended that travelers apply for ETIAS well ahead of their planned departure date.

Do Children Need to Apply for ETIAS? Toggle faqs

U.S. citizens of all ages need ETIAS to travel to Europe. Travelers under the age of 18 also need to apply.

This is the case even if they are included on a parent or guardian’s passport or other travel documents. This also includes infants.

Do I Need to Apply for ETIAS If I Already Have a Visa? Toggle faqs

If you already have a European visa for longer-term travel, you do not need to apply for ETIAS. You can travel to the EU with your valid visa. Make sure you check all your visa conditions.

You can apply for ETIAS for future short trips to Europe. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days.

What Do I Do If My ETIAS Is Denied? Toggle faqs

Most ETIAS applications made by U.S. citizens will be approved. ETIAS requests will only be refused if the traveler is considered a threat to the safety and security of Europe.

In the unlikely event that your application is denied, you will be given information on how to make an appeal. Appeals are sent to the ETIAS National Unit responsible for the decision.

My Passport Is About to Expire, Can I Still Apply for ETIAS? Toggle faqs

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the Schengen Area.

If your U.S. passport has already expired or is about to, then you will need to apply for a new passport before requesting ETIAS.

ETIAS is linked to the passport number. You must apply for ETIAS and travel to Europe using the same passport.