You’ve likely seen the word ETIAS all over the media and especially on click bait posts on Instagram or Tiktok. As a very frequent international traveler, I can confidentially say that the ETIAS system is not a big deal for future European travelers for a few reasons. Originally announced for 2024, it’s been postponed now to 2025.
First, it is not a visa. ETIAS is simply a travel authorization that allows you to travel to the European Union for tourism, business, or transit purposes for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Second, the ETIAS application process is very easy. You can apply online in just a few minutes. You will need to provide some basic personal information, such as your name, address, passport number, and travel dates. You will also need to answer a few security questions. The vast majority of applications will be approved within minutes.
Third, the ETIAS fee is very reasonable. It will cost €7 for adults and €4 for children under the age of 18. To put this fee in perspective: That’s a cappuccino and cornetto at one of our favorite Roman cafés, or a glass of wine in Germany, Spain and Portugal.
Finally, the European ETIAS system is similar to the US ESTA system that is already in place: for visa-exempt travelers from abroad visiting the United States. Most Americans may not be aware of this similar travel authorization for the majority of travelers coming to the US from abroad (for vacations) which is why the introduction of ETIAS can be seen as a big deal. ESTA is a simple, electronic system that allows pre-screened travelers to enter the United States without a visa. The ETIAS system is very similar, and it is likely that most travelers will find it to be just as easy to use.
Here is a table that compares the ETIAS and ESTA systems:
| Feature | ETIAS | ESTA |
|---|---|---|
| Name | European Travel Information and Authorization System | Electronic System for Travel Authorization |
| Purpose | Allows visa-exempt travelers to travel to the European Union for short-term stays | Allows visa-exempt travelers to travel to the United States for short-term stays |
| Application process | Online application | Online application |
| Application fee | €7 for adults, €4 for children under 18 | €14 |
| Approval time | Most applications are approved within minutes | Most applications are approved within minutes |
| Validity | Up to 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first | Up to 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first |
ETIAS Explained For European Travels
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a planned electronic system of the European Union for visa-exempt visitors travelling to the European Union or the Schengen Area, as well as Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania with the exception of Ireland, which is part of the Common Travel Area. Detailed information can be found on the official ETIAS website.
The ETIAS system will be used to pre-screen visa-exempt travelers before they enter the European Union. This will help to improve security and prevent criminals and terrorists from entering the EU. The ETIAS system will collect information on visa-exempt travelers, such as their name, address, passport number, travel dates, and criminal history. This information will be checked against a database of known criminals and terrorists. If a traveler is flagged as a security risk, they will be denied entry to the EU.
The ETIAS system was expected to be implemented in 2024, but that date was quickly pushed to 2025. Once it is in effect, all visa-exempt travelers who want to travel to the European Union will need to apply for an ETIAS authorization before they travel. The ETIAS authorization will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Here are some of the benefits of the ETIAS system:
- It will improve security in the European Union by preventing criminals and terrorists from entering the bloc.
- It will make it easier for visa-exempt travelers to enter the European Union. The ETIAS application process is simple and quick, and the application fee is reasonable.
- It will help to manage migration in the European Union by collecting information on visa-exempt travelers. This information can be used to identify potential problems, such as mass migration or human trafficking.
Overall, the ETIAS system is a positive development for the European Union and will in the long run expedite immigration processes and cut down on the current long lines for visitors from abroad. It will improve security, make it easier for visa-exempt travelers to enter the bloc, and help to manage migration.
Overall, the ETIAS system is not a big deal for future travelers for the USA to Europe. It is a simple, electronic system that will allow visa-exempt travelers to travel to the European Union for leisure trips and short-term stays. To summarize: The application process is easy, the fee is reasonable, and the system is similar to the ESTA system that is already in place for Europeans visiting the United States. Our team will be happy to assist our guests with the information they need to fill out the ETIAS application once the system is in place, but there’s no need to get all worked up about about this formality.
Since at Inside Europe we manage to get front row seats at the Pope’s Papal Audience, score the chef’s table at coveted Michelin star restaurants, and get our car loving travelers super fast rides on official race tracks from Monza to Hockenheim, assisting our guests to fill out a simple form is clearly no big deal.