Trips To Europe Are Going To Start Requiring One Important Extra Step For Americans

What you need to know

American Travelers who want to visit Europe are going to need to start registering online before they leave America starting in spring of 2025. They released this news on Oct 20th 2023.

This new rule doesn’t only apply to Americans but rather includes 60 other visa-free countries - including the US, Canada, and the UK. It will mostly apply to trips of up to 90 days.

The new system is called the “European Travel Information And Authorization System” or (ETIAS). It was previously rumored to go into effect in 2024 so this actually gives us a little bit more time to visit Europe before needing to go through the extra hassle.

The European Commission made it a point as well to mention that this new system (ETIAS) is not a visa. But, rather a mostly automated IT system.

What is the purpose of ETIAS?

The purpose of this new system is to improve internal security, keep the European population safer from health risks that come from international travel, prevent illegal immigration, and also speed up the border crossing process.

Another system that is getting implimented

So ETIAS is coming, but that is separate from the new Entry/Exit system that Europe is implementing. They also confirmed on Oct 20th this new Entry/Exit system that sounds very very similar to what places like Japan are already doing.

This new system will register travelers information and biometric data, like fingerprints and face scans.

This will replace the need for passport stamping and will greatly improve the speed of customs.

I first experienced this kind of system when going to Japan and although it is a little creepy that they have so much information on you it was very efficient and I can see how this system overall can help speed up the whole travel experience as well as making travel so much safer.

How will this effect you?

Although it is a big change for Europe to be switching to these new systems, it should really effect you to greatly. The EU does recommend that you submit your information to the ETIAS website before actually booking any of your flight or hotels.

Most applications should take minutes to process although it could take longer if something comes up on your background check. An interview might even be requested before accepting your application.

The ETIAS application will cost $7.79 to process, however some travelers may be exempt from this charge.

YES, you will still need to bring your passport when visiting Europe and anywhere for that matter outside of your home territory. They will still be needed for scanning at gates

This is part of a global shift to more facial recognition and biometric travel security measure. It is just becoming a fact or air travel that you will be giving up a level of privacy when you choose to continue flying. Chances are if you’ve traveled much in the last few years you’ve already experienced a level of this form of technology.

I do feel though that this will continue to make the paperwork and customs part of traveling increasingly seamless and I love seeing that happen.