ETIAS and dual citizenship is a topic of concern for citizens of multiple nationalities. However, as long as an applicant is a national of an eligible country, it’s possible to obtain an ETIAS for Europe.
ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, is a travel authorization designed to strengthen Europe’s external borders and make international travel easier. American citizens will be expected to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit Europe from 2026.
The ETIAS travel authorization system determines the eligibility of third-country nationals from visa-exempt countries. At the moment, there are more than 50 nations that will be able to apply online for the ETIAS visa-free travel permit.
Citizens of the United States Are Eligible to Apply for ETIAS
U.S. nationals should simply meet the three basic ETIAS requirements to apply online:
- Have a valid passport when applying for the ETIAS visa waiver
- Supply an email address, where they will receive the necessary notifications about the status of their application
- Have a debit or credit card to pay for the ETIAS fee
Applying for ETIAS will be a straightforward process in which applicants will be required to complete their biographical info, such as full name, date of birth, and nationality. All applicants are required to provide their passport details and answer questions about their criminal history.
Most applications should not take longer than 20 minutes to complete. The applicant should also indicate the Schengen member country where they wish to enter the region.
Once approved, ETIAS will be valid for a period of 3 consecutive years, for multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days in Europe. U.S. citizens with a valid ETIAS can visit any country in the Schengen Area for short-term stays.
Can You Obtain ETIAS with Dual Citizenship?
If you are a U.S. citizen with dual citizenship you may still need to apply for an ETIAS.
The United States Supreme Court has established that dual citizenship is a “status long recognized in the law” and that a “person may have and exercise rights of nationality in 2 countries and be subject to the responsibilities of both. The mere fact he asserts the rights of one citizenship does not, without more, mean that he renounces the other.”
While the United States recognizes and allows dual citizenship, there are many countries in the world who do not. Countries that allow dual citizenship besides the United States include:
Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Bangladesh, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Egypt, Greece, France, Finland, Germany (requires permission), Iraq, Italy, Israel, Ireland, Poland, Hungary, Iceland, Sweden, Slovenia, Syria, Servia, Armenia, Thailand, Lebanon, Malta, Spain (only on agreement with certain countries in Latin America), Tonga, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Pakistan (with 16 countries), Portugal and Turkey.
Which U.S. Dual Nationals Need ETIAS?
If you are a U.S. citizen, but you are also a citizen of a European nation that is a member of the Schengen Zone, you can travel to Europe without obtaining an ETIAS visa waiver.
If, on the other hand, you have dual citizenship with a country like Thailand or the Philippines, you are required to obtain the electronic authorization, ETIAS, in order to visit the Schengen Area.
The United States is an eligible country, and therefore, American nationals can apply online to get the ETIAS permit. Citizens of many other nations, such as Pakistan or Barbados, are required to apply for a Schengen visa at an embassy or consulate.
American citizens with dual citizenship can obtain ETIAS, unless they are holders of a European passport (of a Schengen member country), in which case, they will not be required to have a valid ETIAS upon arrival in Europe. It should be noted that Ireland and the United Kingdom are not part of the ETIAS program. If a U.S. national wishes to travel to the UK or Ireland, they must check their entry requirements and follow their immigration regulations. It is expected that the ETIAS system will be available from 2026, and travelers will have to have a valid ETIAS before leaving for Europe.
It should be noted that Ireland and the United Kingdom are not part of the ETIAS program. If a U.S. national wishes to travel to the UK or Ireland, they must check their entry requirements and follow their immigration regulations.
