Etias visa waiver for Europe

A New Travel Authorization System For EU Travelers

Beginning in 2022, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) travel waiver program will go into effect. All U.S. citizens will need either a European Visa or a ETIAS Visa Travel Waiver to visit countries within Europe's Schengen Travel Zone.

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How it works

How to apply for an ETIAS Visa Travel Wavier

Applying at Your Home

Beginning in 2022, or early 2023 based on readiness, travelers who wish to apply for an ETIAS from the comfort of their home, must take certain steps. All applicants will need a valid passport, access to the internet, and a valid payment to pay the initial ETIAS fee. All visa-exempt countries will need to have an approved ETIAS in order to travel to the Schengen area. The online application will take approximately twenty minutes to complete, however, additional information may be required if prompt to do so.

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Payment

A valid credit card or debit card is needed for application. The fee is seven euro, however, those who are 18 and under are exempt from payment. Each traveler will be required to apply for an ETIAS. There may be addition administration fees associated with the initial payment. The process is straightforward and anticiapted to be quite simple.

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System Response

System Response


The ETIAS system will cross-check all information provided by the applicant against European Union information systems.

  • Schengen Information System (SIS): is a large-scale information system. It supports external border control as well as having law enforcement cooperation in the Schengen zone.
  • Visa Information System (VIS): this system allows all Schengen countries to exchange data on visas. Including a central Information Technology system and a communication infrastructure, this system links the central system to other national systems.
  • Eurodac: this is the European Union fingerprint database, used to identify those seeking asylum and irregular border crossing.
  • Europol: is the European Union’s law enforcement agency.
  • Interpol: is the world’s largest international police organization. There are 192 member countries.
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Printing

One can either take a print, or there is no specific need to print. The ETIAS is stored electronically against the details provided on the applicant’s passport. These details are then stored in the European Immigration system.

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Boarding

Once the applicant receives confirmation of acceptance of the ETIAS, travelers can then travel to Europe. An ETIAS, much like a visa, does not grant one an automatic right to enter the borders of the European Union. It’s the border guard who reserves the final decision of entry. The border guard will check the ETIAS database to check if access is permitted or denied.

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Border Patrol Final Decision

The guards at the borders will have the final say so of whether entry will be permitted or not permitted. Proper steps prior to this final decision by border patrol must first be taken before this last and final step.

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ETIAS for Europe Travel and Visiting
The Schengen Area

  • You will need your passport and a Credit or Debit card to complete the ETIAS application.

  • Fill out our easy to understand online application form and then verify your information.

  • Submit your application and payment.

  • Our ETIAS specialists review your application for mistakes. We will contact you if any corrections are needed.

  • After our review, we submit your application to the eu-LISA ETIAS system. Approval usually takes less than 24 hours.

What is ETIAS Travel Visa Waiver

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a program designed for nationals of countries, such as the United States, who are currently not required to have a Visa to visit Europe. US Citizens will be able to enter any of the 26 European countries included in the Schengen Travel  Area using an ETIAS Visa Travel Waiver instead of a traditional European visa. Applying for a traditional travel visa is time-consuming and can feel daunting. The good news is, if you are traveling to Europe for 90 days or less within a 180 day period, you can apply for ETIAS Visa Travel Waiver online.

For US citizens, the ETIAS visa travel waiver is by far the best choice. A traditional European visa involves many steps and includes an onsite interview at the embassy or consulate.

With ETIAS EUROPE US, navigating the application process for your ETIAS Visa Travel Waiver is simple, allowing you more time to focus on planning your trip, instead of securing a visa. Once your ETIAS application is approved, you will receive a Visa Travel Waiver which is valid for three years or until your current passport expires, whichever comes first. The ETIAS program's approved purposes of travel are tourism, short term business, medical, and transit.

The ETIAS Application process

The ETIAS Application system will be fully electronic. Your application can be completed and submitted via our online system. You will need to provide information about your passport data, travel history, citizenship, and personal details along with answers to some basic questions. The application is designed to gather information on travelers to assess security concerns and certain risk factors.  In most cases, ETIAS will be approved quickly, within 24 hours or less.

Please note, it is mandatory that ETIAS applications contain 100% correct information or the application will be denied. Anyone whose application gets rejected will be required to obtain a traditional travel visa.

Why should you use ETIAS EUROPE US?

At ETIAS EUROPE US we will make the process effortless. We provide easy-to-understand information about ETIAS Visa Travel Waiver and the application process.  Our ETIAS specialists review your application for accuracy before it is submitted. We contact you if any corrections are needed to ensure your application is approved.

Our company has more than a decade of experience assisting individuals with application submission for the ESTA Visa Travel Waiver program required for European and Asian Nationals traveling to the U.S. We have processed more than 500,000 applications for travelers just like you. We will oversee your ETIAS application from start to finish to ensure your ETIAS application is error-free. Once your application has been approved, your Visa Travel Waiver will be digitally linked to your passport.

Is a trip to Europe's Schengen Zone in your future? Discover your ETIAS eligibility now.

Why did the European Council decide to enact the new ETIAS program now? 

ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, conceived by the European Council and approved by the European Parliament in 2018, is currently set to become active in 2022. The European Travel Information Authorization System is designed to collect comprehensive data from ETIAS applications for all travelers to the Schengen Area. Advance screening of travelers via the ETIAS application will establish an extensive database with the ability for real-time European interagency sharing. ETIAS data will complement other existing information to achieve the critical goal of strengthening Europe's Schengen Area borders to increase Europe's overall safety and control illegal migration.

Find news and information you will need about the new ETIAS program here.

ETIAS and Schengen Travel Zone FAQs

What is ETIAS?

The ETIAS is the European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a digital visa waiver which permits visa-free travel to dozens of countries in Europe.

Do U.S. citizens need an ETIAS to travel to Europe?

Yes, beginning in late 2022 (or early 2023), U.S. citizens, along with citizens of more than 60 other ETIAS-eligible countries, will need to apply for and be approved for the ETIAS travel authorization.

What/where is the Schengen Travel Zone?

The Schengen Travel Zone, also called The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 countries most of which are part of the European Union, EU.

Which EU countries are included Schengen Travel Zone?

Included are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Additionally, the microstates of Monaca, San Marino, and the Vatican are also included in the Schengen Area.

Which countries in the European Union are NOT part of the Schengen Zone?

Presently the United Kingdom and Ireland, (aka Éire) are not participating in the ETIAS program. Countries with pending approval for inclusion the Schengen Zone include Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania. Updates to the list of countries will be added here as the information becomes available.

What is the meaning of EU?

EU is the abbreviation for European Union.

What countries are in the UK?

Four countries make up the United Kingdom. They are England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

Do I need an ETIAS if I am just traveling to one country, like France, in Europe or the Schengen Zone?

U.S. citizens will require an ETIAS visa waiver in order to visit one, or more, countries once the Electronic System for Travel authorization goes into effect.

Do children need an ETIAS

Yes, each traveler, of any age, will require their own approved ETIAS in order to travel to any countries of the Schengen Zone in Europe.

If I have my ETIAS approval do I still need a passport?

Yes, you do. ETIAS approval will be digitally connected to your passport. It is essential that the two consist of correct and matching information. 

I am traveling for tourism. Do I need ETIAS?

Yes. For travel up to 90 days within a 180-day period ETIAS is the travel approval, required beginning in late 2022 or early 2023. As long as travel is for approve purpose an ETIAS visa waiver eliminates the need for visits to and interviews with consulates and embassies.

Do I need ETIAS for business travel?

ETIAS approval is meant for limited kinds of business travel only, such as a client meeting, or to attend a workshop or conference. It does not replace any required work visas for employment at businesses within the Schengen Zone.

What are the documents required to make an ETIAS application?

You will need a valid U.S. passport, a valid email, and a valid debit or credit card.

How long is an ETIAS approval valid?

An ETIAS approval is valid for three years. If your passport expires within those 3 years you will need to renew your passport and reapply for an ETIAS authorization for further to travel again to the Schengen Zone.

Is it okay to use an expired passport?

No. Passports must be valid for a minimum 6 months at the time you complete your application. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 90 days from the first day of your travel to the Schengen Area.

When should I apply for ETIAS?

You can apply for your ETIAS authorization well in advance of your planned travel to the Schengen Area. ETIAS approval, once received, will be valid for a period of 3 consecutive years. At a minimum you should apply for your ETIAS at least 5 days before your departure. The ETIAS system is expected the be activated effective in late 2022 or early 2023.

How long will it take for ETIAS approval once I apply?

Responses should be received virtually instantly and almost always on the same day. In some instances, approval may take up to 4 days.

Is an ETIAS the same as visa?

No. ETIAS is a visa waiver so you will not be required to obtain a visa, nor will you need to visit the embassy, or consulate of the countries you plan to visit in the Schengen Area.

Does obtaining ETIAS approval guarantee entry into Schengen Area countries?

Your ETIAS approval authorizes your travel to Schengen area countries. While the ultimate decision is made by customs agents, the ETIAS travel authorization is intended so approved travelers may move freely throughout the countries in the Schengen Travel Zone. However occasional security checks may still occur. ETIAS approval does not guarantee entry to any country.

What if my ETIAS application is denied?

If your ETIAS application is denied, you will receive email notification with the reason. You may be provided a chance to appeal or you may need to apply for a visa for each country you wish to visit. 

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