Why US and UK citizens will need visa to travel to Europe in 2024

The era of visa-free travel for US and UK travellers to most European countries is coming to an end. Starting from 2024, a significant change is on the horizon for over 60 visa-exempt nations, including the US and UK.

The European Union has introduced the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require travellers from these visa-exempt nations to obtain prior permission before visiting Europe. This new system aims to assess potential security risks associated with visitors and combat cross-border crime and terrorism.

Currently, US citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the majority of EU nations, but with the implementation of ETIAS, the process will become slightly more complicated.

ETIAS will function similarly to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which has been in place since 2009 for travelers entering the United States from various countries.

Notable countries impacted by this change, according to The National News, will include the UK, New Zealand, Canada, and the US, all of which rank high on the Henley Passport Index for visa-free access to numerous countries.

The ETIAS visa is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals planning to visit any of the 30 European countries. It is specifically designed for short visits, limited to 90 days within a 180-day period. The approval will be electronically linked to the traveler’s passport, eliminating the need for physical paperwork.

To be eligible for an ETIAS travel authorization, the following criteria must be met: the traveler is not an EU citizen, belongs to a nation whose citizens do not require visas for short stays in European countries requiring ETIAS, and does not possess a residence permit, card, or document issued by any of the European countries with ETIAS requirements.

Applying for an ETIAS visa can be done through a dedicated website and mobile application provided by the EU. Travelers need to submit passport or travel document information for visa attachment. Parents or legal guardians can apply for minors under their custody. The approval is generally granted within minutes, although it may take up to 30 days in some cases.

The processing fee for the ETIAS is set at 7 euros (~Rs 639), but applicants under 18 or over 70 years old are exempt from paying this fee.

It’s essential to note that having a valid ETIAS visa does not guarantee entry into a European country. Travelers will still undergo border procedures upon arrival, and the travel document used must match the one submitted during the ETIAS application process. Failure to comply may lead to travel restrictions within Europe.