I have read that US citizens will need a visa in 2025 to travel to the EU. Any idea when the ETIAS system will become active, so that we can purchase two visas?
Thanks in advance.
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Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16616 posts
No one knows. It's supposed to happen sometime in 2025 but has already experienced multiple delays over the past 4-5 years or so. BTW, it's not a visa: it's only applicable to citizens of visa-waiver countries. Travelers who already need a visa will still need a visa.
One example of how far back this thing has been kicked around:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/etias-visa-57cf9988-14e3-46ad-b885-fd2532750ea0
The official website (in case you didn't have it):
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8123 posts
EITAS is connected to another effort EES, which is a Schengen wide Electronic Entry System, basically e-gates that will scan your passport, as well as verify your identity through facial recognition and biometrics. This needs to be in place before EITAS kicks in. EES was supposed to be rolled out in some airports this fall, but while some effort was made, it did not continue.
So for the time being, don't worry about it, there will be lots of notice, and if the system is anything like the US one, or the UKs ETA, it will take you a few minutes.
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1450 posts
And then there is the UK's ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) beginning 8 January 2025 that is new for U.S. Citizens.