How EU Entry Requirements are About to Change For Americans in 2025
Updated: Oct 25
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If you have plans to travel abroad to the European Union in 2025 and beyond, you need to listen up. Upcoming changes to the EU entry requirements will have new entry protocols for Americans, Canadians, Australians and about 60 other countries.
I had the prestigious opportunity to sit down with two diplomats representing the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) and got first hand knowledge on exactly what will be changing, when (not so exact) and what you need to watch out for. Straight from the source, here's 10 Facts you need to know about the changing EU Entry Requirements in 2025.
Thanks to Izabela Cooper, Karolina Brudek-Slegers and the Media and Outreach Team at ETIAS Central Unit Division for this wonderful information.
Let's dive in.
Understanding the new EU Entry Requirements: EES and ETIAS
Europeans and other citizens of the world have been doing this for ages to enter the US (It's called an ESTA).
Since 2008, Europeans have been required to complete an ESTA for entry into the United States. Now it's only fair - it's our turn.
The practically identical upcoming changes are very straight forward.
Simply, Non-EU citizens will need to pay a one time entry fee of only 7 Euros per person to enter the below EU countries freely, starting in 2025.
This fee gets attached to an active passport number and allows for three years of entry for a short stay.
How do they define a short stay?
Well, there's another program for this called EES. This is the entry/exit system that is being implemented this year, in Autumn 2024. This simply replaces passport stamps with digital and biometric data instead. A short stay is 90 days in a 180 day period.
This EES system will help to track your comings and goings much like a Global Entry program (but for everyone), biometrically with fingerprints and facial recognition at the border. It's purpose is to prevent overstays and document fraud. To my understanding, travelers will not need to do anything differently for the new EES system.
To fully understand the difference between EES and ETIAS, visit their official website here: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/index_en
It is the ETIAS that will require all travelers to comply as an extra layer of security.
This change will affect nearly 1.4 Billion people!
ETIAS is NOT a Visa
It's a little confusing, so it's understandable to think of it this way. It is simply a tracking system, for lack of better terms. Straight from ETIAS, "you do not need to go to a Consulate, your biometric data will not be collected, and it will be much faster and cheaper than getting the Schengen visa".
All you need for your ETIAS is to submit the fee and the form. It's that easy.
There is only ONE official ETIAS Website.
Scammers are eager to take your information and your money. In fact there are 106+ known fraudulent websites out there claiming to be preparing ETIAS documents for you.
This is the ONLY website you will need for your EU Entry fees:
If you're reading articles on the internet that link out anywhere else, do not trust them.
There is no possible way to register sooner for your ETIAS so don't jump the gun, and never pay more than 7 Euros.
Do I Need An ETIAS?
If your country is on this image, the answer is YES.
When Do I Need to Get My ETIAS?
These changes will take affect in Mid 2025.
Simply, when the time comes (keep checking back here for when the site is live), ALL citizens of the required countries (US, Canada, etc) will need to fill out a simple online form and pay the fee.
The Current ETIAS System Status: Pending Mid 2025 Launch
(When this says LIVE, you can register!)
Anyone coming from a visa-free country traveling to Europe will all have to comply to board your aircraft or vessel heading abroad BEFORE getting to the airport for travel.
It is advised that when the system goes live, all eligible citizen get their ETIAS taken care of before booking travel.
What Do I Have to Do?
Here's some more details:
Ages 18-70 must all pay the 7 euro fee. Outside of this age range you must still register for the ETIAS but are not required to pay.
ALL ages need the ETIAS
ETIAS has 3 years validity for multiple entries to the EU OR until the passport expires
Passports must be valid to register (see rules on the ETIAS website). Passports need to be valid for at least three months. Read here on how to renew your US passport online!
Provide email address and personal data
One thing to note is that you may have a travel agency or tour company submit your ETIAS form for you on your behalf. This will absolutely be a possibility, but please remember the above statement regarding scammers and fraudulent websites.
How Long Does It Take to Process My ETIAS?
It is advised to get your three year ETIAS before your first eligible EU trip. All airlines will be required to check for ETIAS status at least 48 hours prior to flights.
It can take a few minutes to process the application, or as long as weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the background checks.
Don't get caught at the airport without your ETIAS once this goes live.
No ETIAS = No boarding!
Simply, you will NEED the ETIAS in order to fly to Europe.*
*There are a few exceptions, which can be found on the ETIAS website.
I Heard There Will Be Vaccination Requirements?
FALSE. This is false and has been confirmed as false from the ETIAS diplomats that I met with.
I'm a Dual Citizen - Do I Need an ETIAS?
You've maybe read my information on becoming a Dual citizen with Italy or which passport to use at the airport when you have dual citizenship, but this one is even simpler.
If you are a citizen of the EU (and hold a citizenship elsewhere as well, like the US), there is no need for you to get an ETIAS.
HOWEVER, if you are a traveler who likes to be prepared for anything, GET the ETIAS anyway. It's only 7 Euros and you are covered in the case of any event, emergency, loss of documents, or whatever else may go wrong.
So yes, in my opinion, get the ETIAS anyway for your US passport (or whatever your dual citizenship is for). It can't hurt.
Bottom Line
If you are reading this, it is likely you belong to a country that will be required to have an ETIAS for upcoming EU travel in 2025. Check back often here or at the ETIAS website before 2025 travel to be sure you get your ETIAS in time for your adventures.
Happy traveling!
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