American nationals visiting the majority of EU countries will need to obtain an ETIAS permission starting in 2026. Travelers from countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand that do not require a visa are the target audience for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Even Indians who hold passports from any of these visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETIAS to enter Europe.
For non-EU visitors who do not need a visa to enter 30 European countries, the European Commission has suggested raising the price. European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) fees will increase from EUR 7 to EUR 20.
What is ETIAS travel authorization
Visa-exempt citizens visiting any of these 30 European nations must have an ETIAS travel authorization. It is connected to a tourist’s passport. It remains valid until the passport expires or for a maximum of three years, whichever comes first. You must obtain a new ETIAS travel authorization if you obtain a new passport.
You can enter the territory of these European nations as often as you like for brief visits, often lasting no more than 90 days during 180 days, provided you have a valid ETIAS travel authorization. It does not, however, guarantee admission. A border guard will check that you match the requirements for admission and request to see your passport and other documents when you arrive.
Where to Apply for ETIAS travel authorisation
It is recommended to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance – before you buy your ticket or book your accommodation.
To apply for ETIAS travel authorisation, you can fill in the application form using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 20, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee.
The majority of applications are completed in a matter of minutes.
However, there’s a chance that processing your application will take longer. If so, a judgment will be sent to you in four days. Please be aware that this time frame may be extended by up to 30 days if you receive an interview invitation, or by up to 14 days if you are asked to provide more information or supporting evidence. You should thus apply for an ETIAS travel authorization well in advance of the trip you intend to take.
If you have a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can spend up to 90 days within any 180 days in any European country that requires ETIAS. For the duration of your visit to any European country that requires ETIAS, you must have a valid ETIAS travel authorization.
ETIAS is currently not in operation, so no applications are being collected and no action is required from travellers at this point. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is scheduled to start operations in the last quarter of 2026.