Oui, oui let’s travel for free!
American tourists won’t have to pay Europe’s new entrance fee until 2025 as the authorization process has been delayed again.
The European Union previously announced plans to require visitors to get pre-approval via the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and pay a fee of about $8.
The plan was set to begin in May 2023 but has hit several roadblocks. A recent announcement from EU officials delayed the change until 2025.
The new regulations will apply to 60 visa-free countries, including the US, UK, and Canada and only necessary to enter 30 European countries, including Spain, Germany, France, and Greece.
Applicants will be required to provide travel documentation, such as a passport, as well as personal information, education level, current occupation, anticipated trip details, and any criminal convictions.
While most applications are expected to be processed within minutes, some may take longer sprruing officials from the EU to advise visitors to apply “well in advance.”
Once the authorization, which is not a visa, is secured it is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires. During this time, jetsetters can enter these European countries as often as they want for short-term stays — typically for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
However, the EITAS does not guarantee entry.
The ETIAS system is modeled on the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) visa waiver program, which has been set in place for those traveling to the US since 2009.
For those looking to travel to Europe before the EITAS is enforced, this year’s Global Peace Index is a great place to start considering travel options.
The list is compiled by the Institute of Economics and Peace, the ranking takes into account statistics like homicide and prison population, terrorism, military might and international conflicts.
Iceland, which earned a special mention as one of the best, happiest and safest places to see this year, Finland, Denmark and Austria were all ranked high on the list and will eventually require an EITAS.