Posted on 07/29/2023 9:02:01 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Starting next year, Americans will need one more document in order to enter countries in the European Union.
To visit, you'll have to apply for approval under the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). You will apply online, and the authorization, which will be linked to your passport, will account for short-term stays, including up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
In addition to adding some hassle, this requirement will make a family vacation slightly more expensive. Applications will cost 7 euros, which right now is close to $8.
The ETIAS website says that "most" applications are processed in minutes, but it could extend to within four days of an application. Additionally, some requestors may be asked for more information or to do an interview, which would extend the process by up to 14 days, for more documentation, or 30 days, for an interview. So if you're planning travel, remember to apply well before you have to go.
The good news is that once you're approved, the authorization lasts for three years. But if your passport expires within those three years, you'll need to apply again.
Email is important to this process. You apply online, and then receive an email confirming your application. That email "will include your unique ETIAS application number: make sure you keep this number for future reference," the ETIAS website says. You will get another email once your application is processed.
If your application gets rejected, the email will have the reasons for it. You will have the option to appeal a rejection.
To fill in the application, you'll need some basic information. This includes your name, address, passport information, current occupation, as well as information about past travel to conflict zones and criminal convictions. You will also have to share information about your travel plans, as well as answer questions about if you have relatives who are citizens in Europe. The application will not require any health information or biometric data, like fingerprints.
One more thing to look out for: ETIAS warned this spring that many unofficial ETIAS websites have sprung up. ETIAS says these sites have incorrect information and some "already collect travellers’ personal data, which is concerning." Protect your identity by only using the official ETIAS website.
This is a big change for Americans, since there hasn't been a visa requirement to visit EU countries before. Keep this in mind before your big trip to Greece, Italy, France, or any of the other 30 Euro nations.
But, Cameron Hewitt, content and editorial director at Rick Steves' Europe, told the Washington Post: "It certainly shouldn’t cause anyone to rethink a trip to Europe. From what we know, ETIAS looks like it’ll simply be a manageable bit of red tape."
Soon enough, your biggest concern will be avoiding the crowds on Santorini.
Just step off the boat and you’ll need nothing.
I’m thinking, if this new rule effects Tourism in a negative way, it will vanish just as quickly as it appeared.
To my European online-friends; “You’se guys need us Yanks with all of our disposable cash just burning holes in our American pockets!
North Africans in boats exempt.
So they let in millions of muslim Syrians, Iraqis, Algerians, Libyans and Sub-Saharan Africans who simply march in en masse, but the citizens of the country that saved their miserable butts in two world wars and is currently pouring billions in to save them yet again have to fill out their petty bs forms.
Got it.
When Vlad’s on your doorstep, don’t call us.
This sounds like a GREAT reason to stay away from Yurp... not that I need a reason.
Europe is one of many laces I never had an interest in putting up with long flights.
Only to be assailed by mobs of ill-washed smokers everywhere?
The Pacific islands were always a lot more appealing. Australia and New Zealand.
For NZ you will need one of those online visa thingies ...
Good for 2 years,,,
These sort of things just don't happen around the world simultaneously.
Who is the man behind the curtain, the invisible Politburo that gives the international left their marching orders?
I trust the EU suffers from a dramatic reduction of tourists.
Been there done that....didn’t get any t shirts. No burning desire to return.
For right now, this hurdle is minimal though I could easily see them demanding more and more and more information in the next few years.
Tourism is one of the biggest industries Europe has and their #1 source of tourists - and the biggest spending tourists - is America. If this noticeably cuts into tourist numbers from America, European businesses are going to scream at their regulators and this will go away fast.
I’m 75 and have zero interest in going to Europe. None, Zilch, Nada.
I am right where I belong, deep in the heart of Texas.
PS, Europe, “who are you gonna call” to bail you out this time.
Just showed them my US passport, and they waved me through at each border crossing.
I was a little perturbed that they didn't stamp my passport because I had nothing to show that I had been in those countries.
When are the people of this country going to tell europe to f^*k off?
They told us before WW2 ended.
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