Attention all American travelers, prepare to jump through hoops before getting your European summer fix. In a shocking move set to take effect in January 2024, the European Union has announced that US visitors will need to apply and pay for a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) application before they can enter 30 European countries.
This move will cost travelers approximately $8 and will require them to provide an extensive amount of personal information, including education level, criminal history, and anticipated trip details. And that’s not all – applicants may be forced to wait up to 30 days before receiving their authorization, adding even more stress to an already complicated process.
But wait, there’s more. Even with a valid ETIAS travel authorization, there is still a chance that you’ll be denied entry upon arrival. A border guard will still have the power to reject your entry, making all the effort and money spent to apply for the travel authorization completely useless.
To rub salt in the wound, popular destinations such as Spain, Germany, France, and Greece are included in the 30 countries that require the ETIAS application. Sorry, “Mamma Mia!” fans – it looks like your dream of dancing in the Greek islands may be put on hold.
While the requirement was set to go into effect in January 2024, experts have stated that it may be delayed even further. But don’t get your hopes up just yet – CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg warns that the US may also start implementing its own visa charge and application process, making international travel even more of a hassle.
So if you’re a US resident dreaming of a spontaneous European vacation, you may want to rethink those plans.
