Europe is one of the most popular tourist destinations for U.S. travelers, attracting 16 million visitors from the US in 2016. Because of the Schengen Area Agreement between 26 European countries (most of which are part of the European Union), once visitors are in Europe they can travel freely between nations. But do Americans need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area? Here’s what you need to know about visa requirements to go to Europe. If you’re planning a trip, make sure to renew your passport so that you will have it up-to-date before travel.
Americans Only Need A Passport to Visit Europe Now, But That is Changing Soon
Historically, people from the U.S. have not needed any visa or travel authorization to visit Europe for short periods (up to 90 days). But that is going to change.
By mid-2023 US visitors will be required to obtain a European Travel and Information Authorization System (ETIAS) travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area. Originally ETIAS was planned to launch January 1 of 2021, but has been delayed. It is now planned to launch at the end of 2022, but won’t be mandatory until 6 months later.
The ETIAs authorization is an online form that you will need to fill out, and once approved the ETIAS authorization lasts for three years. Here’s what you’ll need to provide once the application is live:
-Your passport information
-Basic background information such as your criminal history
-Credit or debit card information to pay the 7 euro fee
Will This Authorization Be Required to Visit All of Europe?
ETIAS is a system used only by Schengen Area counties, which is a coalition of 26 nations that have decided to waive border restrictions and visa requirements between them and act, for travel purposes, like one country. Most of the Schengen countries are also part of the EU, but not all. There are also EU countries that are not part of the Schengen Area, such as Ireland, and have their own visa requirements. However, most countries in Europe follow Schengen guidelines for visas.
The 26 Schengen countries are currently: 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.
Is the Travel Authorization a Visa?
The ETIAS registration system is not a visa; the Schengen area member countries refer to it as a visa waiver. Unlike a visa, the ETIAS authorization lasts for 3 years, and you can enter and leave any Schengen Area country as many times as you like (as long as you stay less than 90 days) during that time. The ETIAS authorization will be processed for most applicants within just a few minutes of submitting it. You will need a valid passport when you travel in addition to the authorization.
How Long Can You Stay In Europe without a Visa?
US visitors can stay up to 90 days in the Schengen Area in any 180-day period. If you would like to visit the Schengen Area for longer, you can apply for a visa to study or work in the Schengen Area, but these visas are harder to obtain than the ETIAS authorization.
If you’re preparing to visit Europe, make sure that your passport is up-to-date and will be valid for up to six months after your visit.