When the European Travel Information and Authorization System, abbreviated as ETIAS, goes live in 2025, it will change the way that citizens of the United States, as well as those of other visa-exempt countries, travel to nations in the Schengen Area, including Germany.
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ETIAS permits visa-free travelers to enter the Schengen Zone. It is electronically tracked. It functions in a similar way to the US eVisa system, known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Starting in 2025, US citizens will need ETIAS authorization to travel to Italy and other Schengen countries.
The ETIAS program was created for security reasons. Due to growing terrorist threats and illegal travellers, the EU wants to make travel to its members countries as secure and safe as possible. ETIAS will reduce security concerns by providing information systems and data collection to track eligible travelers. This new pre-screening system will require travelers that provide some basic personal information and answers to security questions in order to gain pre-approval for entry into Germany and other Schengen countries.
Upon receiving an application, border officials will cross-check the provided information against European security databases. If the information checks out and the applicant does not raise any security concerns, they will receive an email notification of their approval within 24 hours. This efficient paper-free system will make the overall travel experience more efficient and enjoyable, as well as ensure the safety of both travelers and residents in the Schengen Area.
For trips in 2025 or later, anyone traveling from one of 60 different visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will be required to apply for pre-authorization through ETIAS, regardless of age. American citizens will be relieved to know that the fully online application process is designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind. Once a prospective traveler has received ETIAS approval, they will not be required to reapply until 3 years from their ETIAS date of issue, regardless of how many trips they take or how many countries they visit. You will only have to reapply within that 3-year period if your passport expires. ETIAS can only ever be linked to one passport or travel document, which means you cannot link it to a new passport. If you get a new passport, you will be required to reapply for ETIAS approval that can then be linked to your new passport.It’s important to point out that the new European Travel Information and Authorization System will only be in place for entry into the Schengen Area specifically. Some EU countries, like Ireland, do not participate in Schengen and will maintain their own travel procedures and standards. They will not require or accept ETIAS approval for entry into the country. There are also countries that belong to Schengen but not to the EU. For example, U.S. citizens do not need a Nordic visitor visa when traveling to Norway. While Norway is not a member of the EU, it is part of the Schengen Area, meaning it will both require and accept ETIAS approval.For a complete list of countries that are required to gain ETIAS approval and of countries requiring ETIAS for entry, check our homepage.
Citizens of 60 different countries around the world (including the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and Canada) enjoy visa-free travel throughout the European Union. Currently, these travelers only need to obtain a valid biometric passport to gain entry into any Schengen country. However, starting in 2025, citizens from these visa-exempt countries will have to add one more step to their travel prep: submitting an ETIAS application form for approval.ETIAS does not function as, or take the place of, a standard visa. The process is much simpler, and approval will only allow you to travel for short-term periods and stays. For long-term stays and trips related to work and study, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.
ETIAS authorization does not permit a visitor to say in Germany, or any part of the Schengen Area, for more than 90 days within a 180-day period. It also does not authorize trips for non-tourist purposes. If you wish to stay longer, or if you are planning to work or study in Germany, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa. If you attempt to work, study, or overstay while using ETIAS, your ETIAS may be cancelled, and you may face legal penalties.
When it comes to ETIAS applications and approval, age doesn’t matter. Border officials will demand proof of ETIAS approval for adults and children alike. If you are traveling with a minor, you must ensure that his or her parent or legal guardian has submitted an ETIAS application for the child and received approval before your party’s departure. While minors are required to gain ETIAS approval, they should not complete their application on their own. ETIAS applications should only be filled out and submitted by legal adults, so a minor’s form should always be completed by his or her parent or legal guardian.
Travelers from the United States, as well as those from the 59 other visa-exempt countries, will need to submit an ETIAS application before trying to enter a country in the Schengen Area, including Germany. Among the other 59 countries are the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Here is a complete list of the 60 visa-exempt countries whose citizens will be required to gain ETIAS approval before departing for Germany or any other Schengen country:
Albania
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Georgia
Grenada
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Macao
Northern Macedonia
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Montenegro
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent
St. Vincent
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan
Timor Leste
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Uruguay
Ukraine
UAE
Vanuatu
Venezuela
United Kingdom
United States
As long as you are filling out an ETIAS application for yourself, you shouldn’t run into any problems, and the process should only take about 10 minutes to complete. You will need to provide the following details:
Required Documents
In the majority of cases, the only document you will need to complete an ETIAS application is a valid biometric passport. The United States. has been providing biometric passports for over a decade. So, if you have a valid passport issued by the U.S. government, then you have the required biometric passport for your application.
To be considered valid, your passport or travel document should have:
If your travel document fails to meet the criteria, the border officials reviewing your application may request additional documents before processing and approving your form.
Your ETIAS will be linked to the passport you use to complete the application, and it can only ever be linked to one travel document. While ETIAS is good for up to 3 years from its date of issue, if you get a new passport within that time, you will need to re-apply for ETIAS approval that can be linked to your new passport.
