US citizens will need a visa to travel to Europe in 2024

Travel

by Brook Cato

July 25, 2023 | 11:00 am

Long gone are the days of spontaneous vacations abroad.

From 2024, the European Union will require visitors to obtain pre-approval via European Travel Information and Permits System – This applies to summer passengers from the United States.

Before securing tickets, accommodations, or a reservation at that trendy hotspot you saw on TikTok, vacationers will need to Submit an ETIAS application for about $8.

Applicants will need to provide travel documents, such as a passport, as well as personal information, education level, current employment, details of expected trip, and any criminal convictions.

While most applications are processed within minutes, some take longer to be decided and the EU advises visitors to apply “in advance”.

We promise to reply within four days but it can be extended from 14 to 30 days depending on the circumstances.

However, once the authorization is obtained, it is valid for up to three years or until the visitor’s passport expires.

“With a valid travel permit from ETIAS, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you like for short-term stays – for up to 90 days in any 180-day period,” the EU website reads.

“However, it does not guarantee entry. Upon your arrival, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and check that you meet the entry requirements.”

The travel permit is only necessary to enter 30 European countries, including Spain, Germany, France and Greece – sorry, “Mamma Mia!” fans.

While it was announced that the requirement would go into effect in January 2024, experts doubt it will actually be implemented by then, having already arrived Several delays.

There is “nothing to stop” the US from implementing its own visa fee and application process, said Peter Greenberg, travel editor for CBS News.

“It won’t be complicated, it’s just an inconvenience.” he said on CBS News. “Most Americans, in fact, all Americans, are not in the habit of doing that to go to Europe, so there will be a lot of surprises going up the gates with people being denied boarding for the first two weeks if that goes into effect.”