ETIAS Requirements for American Citizens

Information About the ETIAS Visa Waiver for Europe

Citizens of the United States need ETIAS to travel to Europe. ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, will be operational from 2026. On this page you can find out which European countries require ETIAS, and what you need to apply from the U.S.

ETIAS countries – Schengen Area

EU Member States

europemap-countries

Non-EU Member States

Micro-States de facto part of Schengen Area

Countries that will join the Schengen Area

Americans Traveling to Europe Need ETIAS

As an American passport holder, you need ETIAS to travel to any of the countries listed above short term.

ETIAS is not a visa but it is a mandatory entry requirement.

You need ETIAS to visit countries that are in the Schengen Area, those where Schengen visa policy applies de facto, and nations in the process of joining Schengen.

ETIAS Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Americans must register with ETIAS to travel to Europe without a visa. Visa-free entry is allowed for:

  • Tourism, business, and transit
  • Up to 90 days per 180-day period

To stay longer, or for other reasons, you must get a visa for your European destination.

Documents to apply for ETIAS from the United States

Here’s what you need to apply for your ETIAS visa waiver from the United States:

  • U.S. passport valid for at least 3 months after you will depart the Schengen Area
  • Debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS fees online
  • Email address to receive your approved ETIAS

ETIAS is only valid with the passport you used to apply. If you renew your U.S.: passport, you must get a new ETIAS.

Information required to complete your ETIAS application from

The ETIAS application is quick to fill out online from the U.S. You need to provide basic information including:

  • Full name
  • Place and date of birth
  • Gender
  • Contact details
  • Passport information
  • Education or current employment information
  • Member state of intended first entry

There are also some questions relating to security. The information you provide is cross-checked against Schengen security systems to verify you are eligible.

Can I travel throughout Europe with ETIAS? Toggle faqs

You can travel to all the countries listed above with ETIAS. The same ETIAS authorization is valid in all countries where Schengen visa policy applies.

With ETIAS, U.S. citizens can go to France, Spain, Italy, and other popular European destinations. You do not need to apply for a separate ETIAS for each country you plan to visit.

Your ETIAS will be checked at the external Schengen border, you can then travel around the zone without further checks.

Do I need to print my ETIAS? Toggle faqs

ETIAS is linked electronically to the passport used to apply. ETIAS is verified when your U.S. passport is scanned at the external Schengen border.

Carrying a printed copy of your ETIAS confirmation when traveling to Europe is also advised.

What is the eu-LISA? Toggle faqs

eu-LISA is responsible for developing and managing ETIAS. eu-LISA is the European Agency for the Operational Management of Large Magnitude Information Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice.

It came into operation in 2012 and its main function is to contribute to the application of the justice and internal affairs policies of the European Union.

eu-LISA manages ETIAS and other large integrated computer systems that:

  • Maintain the internal security of the Schengen countries
  • Allow Schengen countries to exchange data on visas
  • Determine which EU country is responsible for examining an asylum application

In addition, eu-LISA helps to ensure that Europeans can move freely within the EU without affecting the security of the region.

Do I need ETIAS if I have a visa from a Schengen member state? Toggle faqs

You do not need to apply for ETIAS is you already hold a long-term stay visa issued by a Schengen member state. You must abide by the conditions of your visa.

You can apply for ETIAS for short trips to Europe once your visa expires.

I have dual citizenship, which passport should I use? Toggle faqs

If you have dual citizenship, you can apply for ETIAS with either passport as long as the issuing country is eligible. The U.S. is one of the eligible nations—you can apply for ETIAS with an American passport.

You must apply for ETIAS and travel to Europe with the same passport. ETIAS is linked to your passport.

Can I study in Europe with ETIAS? Toggle faqs

You can study for up to 90 days with ETIAS. You may take part in short, recreational studies such as language courses, cookery classes, or music schools. Your stay must not exceed 90 days in 180 days.

A visa is required to attend university or study long term in Europe.

What are the ETIAS eligibility requirements? Toggle faqs

These are the key requirements to apply for ETIAS from the U.S:

  • Hold a U.S. passport
  • Be visiting short-term for permitted activities
  • Meet health and security standards
  • Pay the ETIAS fee

If you do not meet the ETIAS requirements for U.S. citizens, you may still be able to visit Europe by applying for a visa.