The simple answer is no, Americans will NOT be required to obtain a visa before entering the European Union; however, we will need to apply for a VISA WAIVER called a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) beginning January 1, 2021.
What Happened?
The EU finalized this new rule last summer, but Travel + Leisure published an article last week which implied that Americans (and non-EU citizens) would need to obtain a visa before traveling to Europe. Other news agencies picked up the story and ran with it, causing lots of traveler confusion. Those news reports were misleading because American leisure and business travelers have never needed a visa for travel to Europe, nor would they need one going forward. Moreover, the process for obtaining a visa is very different from the process for obtaining a visa waiver. Nevertheless, mass hysteria ensued on social media after the T+L article published.
Watch this short video explanation on ETIAS:
Why Is An ETIAS Required?
Like most nations around the world, the EU and Schengen countries want to improve the security of their borders. They want to know who is visiting their countries before they arrive. The United States has required European and Australian visitors to apply and pay for visa waivers for years. Our system is called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The EU is simply catching up to our travel security measures.
What Do I Have to Do?
If you’re planning to travel to Europe and/or Schengen countries after 2021, you will need to complete an online form and pay €7 well before your travel dates. Your application will be processed within minutes after a quick background check. Once approved, an ETIAS is good for 3 years, though you’re still limited to a 90-day stay in the EU.
So what happens if your online application is not immediately approved online? Your application data will undergo manual processing by a member of the ETIAS staff, which may delay online . If it’s still not approved online, then travelers can appeal the decision via snail mail.
Because of the potential delays involved with implementing a new travel security system, it’s a good idea to apply for an ETIAS waiver before booking your flights.
When Do the ETIAS Changes Go Into Effect?
The ETIAS changes take effect January 1, 2021.
Here’s a nifty infographic that illustrates the process for obtaining an ETIAS visa waiver.
Additional Reading