Starting in 2024, many visitors to countries in the European Union will be required to apply for an electronic travel authorization, known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), prior to travel.
Once implemented, ETIAS authorization will become a compulsory requirement for travellers from visa-exempt countries who wish to visit Europe.
If you have a trip to Europe planned for 2024 and beyond, be sure to give the below guide a read, and then submit your application once the program goes live.
What Are ETIAS Travel Authorizations?
The ETIAS travel authorization is an upcoming mandatory requirement for travellers from visa-exempt countries who wish to visit the European Union and associated countries.
It’s being implemented as a measure to strengthen border security in Europe, which is accomplished by gaining information about passengers prior to their arrival in the area.
It’s important to note that ETIAS isn’t a visa; rather, it’s an electronic travel authorization, which is required for travellers from visa-exempt countries to enter the EU.
If you’re travelling to Europe for long-term stays, for purposes such as business or education, you’ll still need to obtain a visa, as you always would. The ETIAS travel authorization only applies to short-term trips to Europe, for purposes such as tourism.
ETIAS authorizations are similar to electronic travel authorizations required by many other countries, including the ESTA in the United States, the eTA in Canada, and the ETA in Australia, amongst others.
ETIAS authorizations will be required for travellers from the following 61 visa-exempt countries, once implemented:
Once it comes into effect, ETIAS authorizations will be required for travellers from the aforementioned visa-exempt countries, including Canada and the United States, who wish to travel to any of the following 30 countries in Europe:
As it stands, ETIAS applications aren’t being accepted, and we’ll update this article when the program goes live.
Therefore, for the remainder of 2023 and for trips in 2024 before the ETIAS program comes into effect, you won’t need to take any additional steps to visit the EU, aside from the standard entry requirements.
If your ETIAS application is approved, the electronic travel authorization will be attached to your passport details, and it’ll be valid for three years. If your passport expires…
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