ETIAS for US Citizens: everything you need about it

ETIAS for US citizens: do the American people need a European Travel Information and Authorization System? Check out all the information before you travel.

Planning a vacation in Italy? Do you have business in London? If you'll visit Europe, especially a Schengen country, you have to know that the entry requirements are different from November 2023 onwards.

To travel to Europe, US passport holders were part of the group of visa-free visitors. But from 2023 on, you will have to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver (European Travel Information and Authorization System).

The ETIAS travel authorization will be required to visit the European Union countries in the Schengen Zone. The new Schengen visa intends to share European travel information through an electronic system. This will enhance security on the continent, improve the management of EU country borders, and assist in detecting crime and terrorism.

Even if your trip to Europe is no longer visa-free, don't worry, the ETIAS application is very easy. Citizens traveling to the old continent can count on iVisa to help them to get all the information they need for a hassle-free arrival. Keep reading to learn how to apply for the new ETIAS for US Citizens visa waiver once it’s available.

Everything you need to know about the ETIAS for US citizens

Europe is full of attractions for visitors on vacation. Yet, it also is an influential economic center, which makes the continent a popular destination for US citizens. To travel to Europe for tourism, business, medical, and other purposes, passengers will need a visa. From November 2023 onwards, a valid ETIAS visa waiver will be required by the Schengen countries, some other EU countries and member states in the entry.

These new measures reintroduce visa-like obligations. US citizens holding an ETIAS visa waiver can enter a European country and stay for up to 90 days within 180 days. It allows multiple entries for travelers, and it's valid for 3 years.

The ETIAS is connected to the traveler's passport. So, once the passport or ETIAS validity expires, it's necessary to renew and apply for the document again to enter Europe. The ETIAS application process is entirely online, so travelers can apply with a computer or cellphone from anywhere.

US nationals have to follow a few steps to apply on the iVisa website and receive the travel authorization in their email inbox. We take care of the hard work, so you can enjoy planning your trip! Read below for more details about the Europe visa.

European countries that require an ETIAS

The Schengen Zone comprises 26 European countries, which had agreed to abolish passport requirements for territory. From 2023 on, the ETIAS travel authorization will be applied to Schengen countries, microstates that are also part of the Schengen area, some states that aren't part of the European Union, and other countries that just aren't part of the Schengen Zone.

These are all the Schengen countries:

ETIAS application process: How to get the ETIAS visa waiver

So, a US citizen will need an ETIAS, but there's no need to worry. The process application is easy, and iVisa can do all the hard work. In a few clicks, you will fill in your information on the iVisa application page. Next, you can enjoy the time planning what you'll visit in Europe or setting everything up for your business trip!

After the processing time, you'll receive the document in your email box. Then all you need to do is present it in the Europe entry.

Travelers that have the application rejected will be denied entry into European countries and can't cross borders.

Documents required for US passport holders:

There are a few things that you must have on hand for the ETIAS application for the Europe entry. Here is the list of what American citizens will need for this visa:

• A valid US passport that has at least six months of validation.
• An e-mail address where you will receive your ETIAS.
• Debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS fee.

How do I process my ETIAS for US Citizens?

Once the application requirements are on hand, the US citizen can visit the iVisa application page from a mobile device or computer. Following the steps for American citizens, it is easy to do the ETIAS visa application procedure to travel to Europe:

• First, fill in your information on the iVisa application page. Then, select the preferred processing time to obtain your ETIAS.
• Second double-check all the details you filled out in your ETIAS application are correct. Next, pay the ETIAS fee through debit or credit card.
• Third, and finally, after uploading all the requirements, click on the 'submit' button. As soon as you obtain the ETIAS authorization, you'll receive the document in your email.

ETIAS fees and processing times

American citizens can choose among three different options of iVisa processing times for ETIAS :

• Standard processing time: This is an option if you apply in advance and have enough time before travel. It means you can get your ETIAS at a low cost, though you have to wait a few days.
• Rush processing time: The Rush processing option allows having the ETIAS in a short time. It's a good alternative if you are in a hurry.
• Super rush processing time: If it's a last-minute trip, and you need to receive your ETIAS ASAP, this is the best option to get it on time.

Why was the travel document implanted?

The decision on the ETIAS implementation was made by a European Commission with countries and member states from the Schengen area and other countries from EU or non-EU. The travel document aims to increase security within European borders and reduce the risk of crimes and terrorism.

The system consists of shared technology to track travelers' records and alert countries if they pose a security risk. The information is checked against international and European security databases, such as ETIAS Watchlist, Interpol, and Europol.

More questions about ETIAS?

If you still have questions about the ETIAS application, you can count on iVisa visa services. Please contact our expert customer service team online, or email them at [email protected]. They are available 24/7 to assist you.