ETIAS & Schengen Visa FAQs
The ETIAS is the European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a digital visa waiver which permits visa-free travel to dozens of countries in Europe.
Yes, beginning in late 2022 (or early 2023), U.S. citizens, along with citizens of more than 60 other ETIAS-eligible countries, will need to apply for and be approved for the ETIAS travel authorization.
The Schengen Travel Zone, also called The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 countries most of which are part of the European Union, EU.
Included are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Additionally, the microstates of Monaca, San Marino, and the Vatican are also included in the Schengen Area.
Presently the United Kingdom and Ireland, (aka Éire) are not participating in the ETIAS program. Countries with pending approval for inclusion the Schengen Zone include Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania. Updates to the list of countries will be added here as the information becomes available.
EU is the abbreviation for European Union.
Four countries make up the United Kingdom. They are England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
U.S. citizens will require an ETIAS visa waiver in order to visit one, or more, countries once the Electronic System for Travel authorization goes into effect.
Yes, each traveler, of any age, will require their own approved ETIAS in order to travel to any countries of the Schengen Zone in Europe.
Yes, you do. ETIAS approval will be digitally connected to your passport. It is essential that the two consist of correct and matching information.
Yes. For travel up to 90 days within a 180-day period ETIAS is the travel approval, required beginning in late 2022 or early 2023. As long as travel is for approve purpose an ETIAS visa waiver eliminates the need for visits to and interviews with consulates and embassies.
ETIAS approval is meant for limited kinds of business travel only, such as a client meeting, or to attend a workshop or conference. It does not replace any required work visas for employment at businesses within the Schengen Zone.
You will need a valid U.S. passport, a valid email, and a valid debit or credit card.
An ETIAS approval is valid for three years. If your passport expires within those 3 years you will need to renew your passport and reapply for an ETIAS authorization for further to travel again to the Schengen Zone.
No. Passports must be valid for a minimum 6 months at the time you complete your application. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 90 days from the first day of your travel to the Schengen Area.
You can apply for your ETIAS authorization well in advance of your planned travel to the Schengen Area. ETIAS approval, once received, will be valid for a period of 3 consecutive years. At a minimum you should apply for your ETIAS at least 5 days before your departure. The ETIAS system is expected the be activated effective in late 2022 or early 2023.
Responses should be received virtually instantly and almost always on the same day. In some instances, approval may take up to 4 days.
No. ETIAS is a visa waiver so you will not be required to obtain a visa, nor will you need to visit the embassy, or consulate of the countries you plan to visit in the Schengen Area.
Your ETIAS approval authorizes your travel to Schengen area countries. While the ultimate decision is made by customs agents, the ETIAS travel authorization is intended so approved travelers may move freely throughout the countries in the Schengen Travel Zone. However occasional security checks may still occur. ETIAS approval does not guarantee entry to any country.
If your ETIAS application is denied, you will receive email notification with the reason. You may be provided a chance to appeal or you may need to apply for a visa for each country you wish to visit.