A new requirement for American travelers bound for Europe slated to take effect next year was delayed — again — to 2025.
The requirement — an online travel authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS — applies to visitors to 30 European nations, including popular destinations such as France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
The European Commission, the executive body of the EU, in 2016 proposed to establish the ETIAS to strengthen security checks on people from more than 60 nations (including the U.S.) who can visit Europe’s Schengen Area without a visa. The new European system is similar to one the U.S. put in place in 2008.
The travel authorization requirement — which carries a nonrefundable fee of 7 euros a person, or about $7.40 at current exchange rates — has already been delayed many times. It was initially meant to take effect in 2021, then 2023 and 2024 — and now 2025.
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People under age 18 or over 70 are exempt from the application fee.
Most applications will be processed in minutes and within four days at the latest, according to the EU. However, it can take longer — up to an additional 30 days for travelers asked to provide extra information or documentation or do an interview with national authorities, the EU said.
“We strongly advise you to obtain the ETIAS travel authorization before you buy your tickets and book your hotels,” the EU website said.
The ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Travelers with a valid ETIAS don’t need to apply for a new one each time they visit Europe.
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Source link : https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/10/25/travel-requirement-to-visit-europe-delayed-again-to-2025.html
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Publish date : 2023-10-25 07:00:00
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