New 2025 travel requirements coming to enter Europe

Starting in 2025, travelers who plan to visit certain countries in Europe will be required to have a Travel Authorization form approved through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This isn't a visa, but rather is a pre-authorization to gain entry into the area. An official start date hasn't been announced yet, but it's anticipated to be May 2025 or later.

Thankfully this process is not as intensive for short-term travel (90 days or less within a 180 day period) as it is for someone looking to spend extended time in Europe needing a visa.

The ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any one of thirty European countries. It is linked to a traveler's passport and is valid for up to three years, or until the passport expires. The cost for applying is only 7 Euros, or less than 8 US dollars.

Most applications through ETIAS are processed within minutes, but it is possible that the process could take longer. It is said that you will receive a decision within four days. In addition, you could be extended by up to 14 days if you are required to provide additional information or documentation, or up to 30 days if you are invited to an interview.

Once you have applied, you'll receive an email confirming the submission of your application which will include your unique ETIAS application number. You'll then receive an email informing you of the outcome. If your application is refused, the email will provide the reason for the decision and information about how to appeal.

Once you arrive to the airport, you'll be required to have your ETIAS travel form linked to your passport. Otherwise, you won't be allowed to board your flight, bus or ship, or enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS. And, having your ETIAS authorization form approved also doesn't automatically grant you entry into any of the participating European Countries. You can still be subjected to border checks and refused if you don't meet entry conditions.

The document you use to apply for the Travel Authorization and the Travel Authorization will need to be with you your entire stay. The countries that will require the Travel Authorization can be found listed below.

Austria	Germany	Netherlands
Belgium	Greece	Norway
Bulgaria	Hungary	Poland
Croatia	Iceland	Portugal
Cyprus	Italy	Romania
Czech Republic	Latvia	Slovakia
Denmark	Liechtenstein	Slovenia
Estonia	Lithuania	Spain
Finland	Luxembourg	Sweden
France	Malta	Switzerland

Additional information about applying and what is needed.

Your ETIAS checklist

• If you have a trip planned to Europe, apply for the Travel Authorization well in advance of the trip you are looking to take. While the application process can be pretty quick, you won't want to get bogged down or risk missing your trip since you waited so long.

• It is also recommended that you have your ETIAS travel authorization well in advance before you book your accommodation or buy your ticket.

• Make sure your passport details match up with your ETIAS authorization. If they don't match, you'll be refused boarding and entry.

• Make sure your passport is valid for three months after your intended departure from the list of countries above.

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