About 20 years ago, only 16% of Americans owned a passport. Nowadays, over 40% of American citizens have a passport and they take their travel seriously. According to Statista, 13 million Americans traveled to Europe in 2019. Among the top European countries visited by Americans are Italy, France, and Germany. At this time, U.S. citizens can travel to the Schengen Area for short-term stays without having to apply for a visa. In 2026, the EU plans to introduce ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System. Citizens with a valid U.S. passport will need to complete the ETIAS application online with their personal details.
One of the reasons behind the EU’s ETIAS is security. Millions of people arrive in Europe every day, and currently, citizens of 62 countries are exempt from applying for a visa to the Schengen Zone. It is essential for the EU to protect the region’s external borders.
ETIAS can help identify individuals that could pose a threat to Schengen member countries. At the same time, ETIAS will make border and document checks quicker and more efficient for visitors.
What Are the Top European Countries Visited by Americans?
There are many reasons why Europe is an attractive tourist destination for American travelers. Europe allures visitors with its intricate history, art, and nature.
Thanks to the Schengen Agreement, 26 European countries (that are also ETIAS countries) eliminated their internal borders promoting the free movement of people and goods. Low-cost airlines, buses, and well-connected trains make it easier for foreign tourists to explore the old continent. Holidaymakers can also rent a car and do that road trip they have always dreamt of.
When ETIAS becomes available, planned for 2026 U.S. citizens will be able to travel to any country in the Schengen Area. Read further to find out about the countries that draw in millions of Americans each year and think about planning your trip to Europe.
Top Countries to Visit in Europe
Italy
In 2019 alone, 65 million tourists arrived in Italy, and around 6 million were U.S. citizens. There are plenty of reasons to visit Italy, starting with all of the Roman ruins that can be found throughout the country.
Many visitors are drawn to Rome or Pompeii to learn about its history and admire its impressive architectural heritage. Venice is a wonderful city, especially during its famous carnival or while hosting its film festival.
Travelers head to Tuscany to enjoy food, wine, and pleasant weather. Fashion addicts arrive in Milan to stay up to date with the latest trends.
More cities worth discovering include Florence, Naples, Sorrento, and Bologna. To get to know the best of Italy, U.S. citizens will need to get their ETIAS travel authorization before traveling to the country.
France
According to the French Tourism Ministry, over 90 million foreign visitors arrived in France in 2019. France is one of the most visited countries in the world, not just Europe.
Among the best places to see in France is the capital city, Paris. There is much to do and see in Paris, from heading to the main landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum to having a cup of coffee and a croissant at a corner café.
But France offers plenty of surprises, from the southern region that is filled with charming villages and wineries to the trendy Marseille. Other cities worth exploring in France include Lyon, Nice, and Bordeaux. As one of the countries in the ETIAS system, U.S. citizens will need to get their ETIAS visa waiver to visit the country.
Germany
From river cruises on the Rhine and Maine rivers to Oktoberfest to the dance music culture in Berlin, there’s something to do in Germany for every type of traveler.
Among the many reasons to visit Germany, the cities of Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne are a must. The country is ideal to visit castles or enjoy a getaway in the Bavarian Alps.
Besides the lively and one-of-a-kind Oktoberfest, Germany is home to the Wagner Festival in Bayreuth and the Berlin Film Festival. As Germany was one of the founding countries of the Schengen Agreement, Americans will need a valid ETIAS authorization to visit this fascinating nation.
Spain
In 2019, Spain welcomed 83.7 million tourists and was the 2nd most-visited country in the world. It’s a country that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe, and with good reason.
Barcelona is a hub for creatives and tech-savvy individuals, thanks to its great beaches, cultural scene, and amazing weather. Madrid, the capital, is ideal for visiting museums, go to the theater and eat and drink all day. Other than the main cities, Spain has several islands that are the perfect escape. These include Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and the Canary Islands.
Finally, the Andaluca region is famous for its hospitality and beautiful beaches. At this time, U.S. citizens can travel to see the best of Spain without a visa, but from 2026 it will be necessary to have an ETIAS authorization.
