TripIt Blog
  • Home
  • Travel Tips
  • News & Culture
  • Airport Guides
  • Loyalty Programs
  • Home
  • Travel Tips
  • News & Culture
  • Airport Guides
  • Loyalty Programs

Planning to Visit Europe in 2023? You Might Need an ETIAS Travel Authorization

By Amanda Wowk • May 26, 2022 • Travel Tips
ETIAS travel authorization

Recent data from TripIt showed that nearly one-third of Americans traveling for Memorial Day weekend are headed to Europe—and that’s just the start of the summer travel season. Indeed, as the pandemic wanes, more and more people are returning to Europe for personal and business trips alike. 

But soon there will be a new requirement for those planning trips to Europe. Starting next year, many non-European citizens, including Americans, will need to apply for and receive approval for a visa waiver—i.e., an ETIAS travel authorization—in order to visit. 

Haven’t heard of an ETIAS travel authorization, or feel unsure about the process for applying for one? Not to worry! You can find all the need-to-know details, below. 

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, is a visa waiver program created by the European Union (EU). The program was created with the goal of protecting the Schengen Area—i.e., the 26 European countries that have adopted a common visa policy and eliminated the need for passport or border control among them—from visitors arriving from outside the region. By requiring visitors to register, the EU will be able to better identify any possible threats or risks associated with travelers coming into the area. 

By the start of 2023, all visitors—i.e., tourists and business travelers—who do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. An exact effective date has not yet been announced. 

What is an ETIAS travel authorization? 

The ETIAS travel authorization is a visa waiver, similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waiver. All eligible visitors (i.e., those who do not need a visa) will be expected to present an approved ETIAS when traveling to any of the Schengen Area countries.

Approved ETIAS visa waivers will be valid for three years, and will allow people to enter the Schengen Area for periods of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

How do I apply for an ETIAS travel authorization? 

To apply for an ETIAS travel authorization, you must have a valid passport, internet access, and the financial means to pay for the fee. 

An ETIAS travel authorization will cost €7. Travelers will be required to pay for the cost of ETIAS when they complete their online application form. 

In addition to a fee, travelers will be required to provide their personal information, and answer questions about the country they intend to enter and public health risks, disclose any criminal history, as well as provide information as to whether they’ve previously been refused entry or been ordered to leave a member state.

Applications should take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and most applicants will receive their authorization in a matter of minutes. 

What countries will I need an ETIAS travel authorization to enter? 

You will need an ETIAS to visit any member country of Europe’s Schengen Area. 

Currently, that includes Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, as well as the microstates of San Marino, Vatican City, and Monaco.

At the time of publication, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus are in the process of joining the Schengen Area. Once they’re approved, travelers will be required to have an ETIAS travel authorization to visit those countries, as well.

ETIASeuropetravel authorizationtravel tips
Tweet
City Break: London
City Break: Detroit

About the Author

Amanda Wowk

Amanda Wowk is a freelance writer, founder of Amanda Wowk Creative — a content writing services company — and avid traveler. Her experience spans the travel industry, supporting clientele in travel tech, luxury travel, and consumer brands. When she's not helping clients tell their stories, Amanda writes about her own experiences to inspire others to travel as far, wide and frequently as possible.

    TripIt's New Traveler Resource Page

    Subscribe & Follow

    Archives

    Find us on Facebook

    Popular Posts

    first tent camping trip

    10 Things to Know Before Your First Tent Camping Trip

    On July 8, 2021
    01
    bleisure trip

    4 Tips for Taking a Bleisure Trip

    On July 14, 2021
    02
    COVID-19 travel guidance

    TripIt Adds New Enhancements for Navigating Travel Based on Your Vaccination Status

    On July 22, 2021
    03

    Latest News

    • Lauren Richardson

      Going Places: A Conversation with Lauren Richardson

      June 29, 2022
    • rising travel costs

      American Travelers Budget Thousands More to Afford Rising Costs of Trips

      June 22, 2022
    • safest cities LGBTQ+ travelers

      Top 10 Safest Cities for LGBTQ+ Travelers to Visit 

      June 17, 2022
    • Fourth of July 2022

      TripIt Data: Americans Celebrate Fourth of July 2022 by Traveling Overseas 

      June 15, 2022
    • City Break Detroit

      City Break: Detroit

      June 9, 2022

    Products

    • Download App
    • Tripit
    • Tripit Pro
    • Help Center

    Company

    • Press
    • Jobs
    • User Agreement
    • Privacy Policy
    • Security
    • Google Data Policy

    Partners

    • Developer API
    • Supported Booking Sites
    TripIt
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube RSS

    Our Products

    Products

    • Download App
    • Tripit
    • Tripit Pro
    • Help Center
    Concur

    © 2006-2022, Concur Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. TripIt® and Concur® are registered trademarks of Concur Technologies, Inc. Other trademarks held by their respective owners.