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In 2025 the process for visiting Germany and other Schengen countries will change for citizens of the United States, as well as citizens of 59 other visa-exempt nations. The new European Travel Information and Authorization System.
Get notified when ETIAS is mandatory
Start ETIAS Application online
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Welcome to Europe
Germany is home to many festivals, where you can try a variety of new foods and beverages, as well as connect with lots of interesting people. Most noteworthy is Oktoberfest, which draws in visitors from around the world. It is also home to many historic buildings and museums dedicated to preserving important pieces of German history and educating anyone who wishes to learn. If you simply want to enjoy some peace and quiet, Germany’s varied landscape gives you the chance to hike through the mountains or relax by the ocean Whatever you hope to gain from a vacation, you can find it in this beautiful country.
American tourists have been enjoying Germany’s rich culture for decades, and they know that being part of it is worth traveling the distance for. Starting in 2025, U.S. travelers will be required to submit an ETIAS application and receive approval before entering Germany. But completing this simple, straightforward, online process is well worth it to travel to such a magnificent country.
Be aware that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, German government may impose additional requirements and restrictions that are independent of ETIAS requirements. Make sure to check their current policies, as well as those of any other countries you may travel through, and keep up with any potential changes that make occur before your trip.
All ETIAS applicants hoping to enter the Schengen Area will need a valid biometric passport that will expire no sooner than 3 months from their expected date of arrival in the Schengen Area. U.S. passports have a maximum validity duration of 10 years, and the U.S. has been issuing these biometric passports since 2007, meaning, if you have a valid U.S. passport, it is biometric and therefore meets ETIAS standards.
Please remember that ETIAS approval is linked to each traveler’s passport and can only ever be linked to one travel document. When your passport expires, so does your ETIAS approval, as it cannot be linked to a new passport. When you apply for a new passport, you will also need to reapply for ETIAS approval that can then be linked to the new travel document. This is also why each traveler will need to apply for ETIAS approval, including minors. Your ETIAS approval can only apply to you and your travel document.
The online ETIAS application process will only require about 10 minutes of your time to complete. In the majority cases, the system will only ask for biometric passport details, some basic personal information, contact information, and information about your history that will help border officials detect any travel or legal issues.
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Yes, U.S. citizens will be required to submit an application through ETIAS when it becomes mandatory in 2025. While there will be a short, 6-month grace period after it first goes live, you should not use this as an excuse to delay applying. Once ETIAS is fully implemented, U.S. travelers will not be permitted entry into Germany or any other Schengen country without ETIAS approval.
Please note that your ETIAS approval does not automatically guarantee that you will be permitted entry into Germany or the Schengen Area. German border officials always have the final say. Along with your ETIAS approval, they may ask you to provide proof of the following:
This will help detect potential terrorist threats or illegal immigrants by ensuring that travelers are entering the Schengen Area for the stated purpose of their stay.
Border officials may also ask for specific documents related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is you why should stay up to date on the German government’s current requirements, as ETIAS will not replace any necessary COVID-19 information and documents.
Yes, before a minor travels to Germany, their parent or legal guardian must submit an ETIAS application on the child’s behalf. Minors are not exempt from the ETIAS authorization process, and they are held to the same rules as adults, meaning their ETIAS can only be linked to one travel document and cannot be shared with anyone else. That said, minors should not complete an ETIAS application form on their own. Only legal adults should fill out ETIAS forms, so a minor’s form should only be completed by their parent or legal guardian.
To go from the United States to Germany, you will need to complete an ETIAS application form and receive ETIAS approval. This process will usually only require you to have a valid biometric passport and a valid email address (where you will receive a notification regarding your application’s status of approval or rejection). You will also be asked to pay a fee for ETIAS processing.
Completing an ETIAS application will require you to provide some standard personal information (including your legal name and address), as well as some other personal details. You will also be asked to answer questions regarding travel history and any history of criminal or terrorist activity. This will help increase border security by detecting potential threats before people even depart for their destination.
The application process should only take about 10 minutes, and you should receive a decision notification via email within 24 hours. Occasionally, border officials may flag an application as suspicious. When this happens, they will usually request additional information or documents, and, in rare cases, they may request an in-person interview.
While the process is normally straightforward and quick, you should never wait until the last minute to start your ETIAS application process. You should start your application no later than 8 days before your intended departure. Because your ETIAS will be valid for 3 years from its date of issue, there is no need to worry about it expiring before your trip.
No, ETIAS approval is not a visa or a substitute for the traditional visa process. It is only meant to be used for short-term travel purposes, and you are only permitted to stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days or fewer (within a 180-day period) when using ETIAS. If you want to work or study in Germany, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa. If you attempt to work, study, or overstay in Germany without receiving the appropriate visa, your ETIAS can be cancelled, and you will face legal consequences.
Disclaimer: This website is owned and operated by a private agency. We provide information, application requirements, updates, and news about ETIAS (the European Travel and Information Authorization System). We are not affiliated with the European Union or any other government agency.