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This is your one-stopsource for everything you need to know about ETIAS, the new electronic travel system forinternationalvisitors to Europe’s Schengenzone.
Get notified when ETIAS is mandatory
Start ETIAS Application online
Receive ETIAS confirmation
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mandatory in 2025. The new ETIAS visa waiver will replace the current system for visitors going to Schengen countries from visa-exempt countries and will affect all travel from 2025 onward. While there will be a grace period of 6 months (or more) to help both travelers and border officials acclimate to the new process, it is recommended that you go ahead and fill out the application form once ETIAS goes live. Ideally, you should fill out your ETIAS application no later than 96 hours (8 days) before your intended date of departure. Because it will be good for up to 3 years from its date of issue, you will not have to worry about it expiring before your trip.
No, there are not currently any plans to remove the U.S. from the European Union’s list of visa-exempt countries. However, once ETIAS becomes mandatory in 2025, U.S. citizens will need to complete the online ETIAS application and get pre-approved before traveling to Germany or any other Schengen country. While you will not need to go through the traditional visa application process, U.S. citizens will be required to apply for ETIAS approval in order to travel to Germany and any other European country in the Schengen Area. As a visa-exempt country, the United States will be one of 60 countries impacted by new ETIAS policies and their changes in policies for travel to the Schengen Area.
The ETIAS visa waiver will go live in 2025. While it will also become mandatory in 2025, there will be a 6-month grace period to minimize disruptions as both travelers and border officials adjust to the new process. Applying will be relatively easy though, as travelers will only need access to the internet, a valid email address, a valid biometric passport (that will expire no sooner than three months from their intended date of arrival), and sufficient funds to pay the ETIAS application fee. Once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for up to 3 years from its date of issue.
ETIAS is also mandatory for children of any age. All travelers from ETIAS-eligible countries (check our homepage for the complete list of countries), including minors, must have a valid ETIAS in order to enter the Schengen Area from 2025 onward. However, only legal adults should fill out any ETIAS forms, so a minor’s form should be filled out by their parent or legal guardian.