What US Citizens Need To Know Before Visiting Europe Visa-Free In 2026
Citizens of the United States who plan to travel to Europe in late 2026 will need to take some extra steps before finalizing their plans. The European Union plans to implement its European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in the last quarter of the year. This new system will impact visa-exempt nationals traveling to 30 countries within the European Union.
For U.S. citizens, this means an application form must be submitted alongside a valid passport prior to making travel plans to most of Europe. The new system impacts travelers from 59 countries around the world and serves as a way to enhance security at the borders of countries within the European Union. While an official visa will still not be required for short visits, this additional documentation will be. U.S. residents must have a valid passport with an expiration date that is at least three months past the date of your departure. The ETIAS is for those who plan a short-term stay in any of the 30 EU countries involved, including almost all 13 of Europe's most peaceful countries. Short term stays typically include those totaling 90 days or less within a 180-day period.
Those planning to visit European Union countries in the immediate future are not yet required to apply for the authorization and are free to travel with just a valid passport. Several months before the ETIAS becomes active, however, authorities will alert travelers, giving them plenty of time to complete the application process. More information and a detailed list of countries requiring the application can be found on the official ETIAS website.
Know what to expect when applying through the ETIAS
While U.S. residents will still be required to have a valid U.S. passport to enter European nations, the additional ETIAS screening will ask for more detailed information. Travelers should be prepared to provide their name, location and date of birth, nationality, address, parents' first names, and contact information. The form will also ask about travelers' level of education and current occupation.
According to the ETIAS site, the questionnaire will also include a section about any criminal convictions one may have or if you have ever been required to leave a country or territory, and you may want to make sure your travel documents aren't at risk of being revoked before completing the form. Details about the purpose of a trip and any additional countries that may be included on an itinerary will also be necessary. The price of the application is €20 (around $23).
Travelers who are under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 will not be required to pay the application fee. Family members of an EU national are also exempt from the fee if they meet the outlined conditions, such as being a spouse, registered domestic partner, or a direct descendant under the age of 21 of an EU citizen. Once approved, an ETIAS verification is valid for three years or until a passport expires, whichever comes first.
What happens after you apply through ETIAS?
The application process for ETIAS is designed to be user-friendly and travelers can fill out forms either on the European Union website or through its mobile app. Once all the information is completed and the fee is accepted, most travelers will know within minutes whether or not they have been approved through an email message. In some instances, however, it could take up to four days to learn the results.
If an application is refused, an email will be shared with the reasons behind that decision. Everyone who applies and is refused through ETIAS has a right to appeal the decision. The email containing the decision will elaborate on the appropriate next steps to take if an appeal is desired.
If the application is approved, the approval message will contain a link to the same document used when filing online and it's not necessary to print out the result. However, it is important to arrive at your destination country's border with the correct passport or documentation. Follow these steps to replace any damaged passport that could pose a problem for international travel. If you bring a passport that is not linked with the ETIAS form with you, you will not be allowed to enter.