Americans will soon have to obtain a travel authorization for trips to 30 European countries. A fee of seven euros (approximately $7.40) per person is required, and nonrefundable. This authorization must be acquired by using the European Travel Information and Authorization System, and it is planned to be operational in 2024. This system is implemented in order to improve security.
Americans soon will have to obtain a travel authorization for their trips to Europe. This requirement will take effect in 2024 and will apply to 30 European nations, such as France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain. In order to apply for the authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a nonrefundable fee of 7 euros (equivalent to $7.40 as of noon ET on Thursday) is required. Note that persons under 18 or over 70 years old are exempt from the fee. U.S. citizens are known as major international travelers to Europe, and they will have to secure a travel authorization to gain entry to any of the aforementioned countries. Without it, they won't actually be allowed to board the plane, as per Sofia Markovich, a travel advisor and founder of Sofia's Travel.
The European Commission proposed the creation of ETIAS in 2016 to enhance security checks for American citizens and those from approximately 60 other countries that are able to travel to the Schengen region without needing a visa. This system is comparable to the one implemented by the United States in 2008 following the events of 9/11. "It's all about keeping things secure and being aware of who is entering and leaving," stated Markovich. It should be noted that while this authorization is not a visa, it does not guarantee entry and those who have a valid visa don't require the authorization.
The European Union expect the ETIAS to be up and running by 2024, however, no official launch date has been fixed. Consequently, travelers are not obligated to take any action at this point. According to Sally French, an authority on travel from NerdWallet, there is no need for any action to be taken at this stage, but travelers ought to remain updated on news pertaining to the requirement. The implementation of this measure has already been postponed a number of times, with the original date set for 2021 and then again for 2023. French further notes that there is a possibility for further delays.
Most applications will be handled by the EU within minutes up to 96 hours, yet it could take up to an additional 30 days for travelers who are asked to submit extra information or documentation or have an interview with national authorities. Markovich suggests that people get the ETIAS authorization prior to buying tickets and booking hotels. French pointed out that the seven euro fee for the application is insignificant in comparison to the cost of a European trip, and so travelers should not miss this step. The authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expiration date - whichever comes first. As a result, travelers with a valid ETIAS don't need to get a new one each time they visit Europe. Don't miss these CNBC PRO stories about banks, protection against an S&P 500 drawdown, investing a million dollars, a profitable industry, and risks for employers due to insurance coverage of weight loss drugs.
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