If you’re a U.S. citizen planning to travel to Europe next year, there’s one crucial thing you need to be aware of. Until now, U.S. citizens have been able to travel to Europe without a visa, but starting next year, you will need to apply for pre-approval through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
The application form can be conveniently filled out on the official ETIAS website (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en) or through the mobile application. The processing fee for the application is 7 euros (approximately $7.79). All communication, including inquiries and delivery of the authorization letter, will be conducted via email.
Once the ETIAS authorization is granted, you will be permitted to stay in the European country that requires ETIAS for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period from the date of the authorization issuance.
ETIAS stated that applications for travel authorization are typically processed within a few minutes. However, in some cases requiring additional time, the applicant will be notified within four days. If any supplementary documents need to be submitted, the entire process can take up to 14 days.
Please note that the ETIAS travel authorization will remain valid for three years or until the expiration date of the documents submitted with the application, whichever comes first.
Additionally, the authorization is linked to a personal travel document, such as a U.S. passport, which is required for boarding a plane, bus, or ship to enter a European country that necessitates ETIAS.
Being aware of these new requirements and the simple application process will help ensure your seamless travel to Europe next year.
BY BYONG IL KIM [kim.byongil@koreadaily.com]
