Slated for launch in the second quarter of 2025, ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. 

It is not a visa but is an equivalent to the ESTA authorization that visa-exempt nationals from third countries need to have in order to enter the USA, or the ETA authorization for Canada. Similar to the two examples listed, it intends to facilitate traveler screening.

Get all the details you need and sign up for announcements on the official information page for ETIAS.

If you are a US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holder, you will need an ETIAS travel authorization. Check this list for other countries.

ETIAS is not currently active. Once it is, ETIAS will be an online application form. It is recommended to fill it out about 96 hours before travel. Processing should be immediate and the authorization will be issued in electronic format.

The form will ask for personal biometric data like name, gender, date of birth, the applicant’s passport information, questions on travel plans and background questions about health and criminal record and potential EU immigration history.

The application will be associated with a small fee (approximately $7), with applicants under 18 and over 70 years of age exempt.

Each Travel Authorization will be valid for 3 years, but will end sooner if the linked passport expires sooner. With the same ETIAS, travelers can enter and exit Europe multiple times within the allowed 90/180 Day Rule time frame.

ETIAS will be required by the airline carrier during the check-in process, and it will be checked again by border control.

The ETA is similar to the U.S. ESTA system and acts as a pre-clearance for travel. This change is part of the UK’s move towards a digital border system. 

Whether you can apply depends on the date you travel and your nationality as shown on your passport. Check if you can apply for an ETA.

The processing time can take up to 3 days, sometimes a bit longer, so we suggest that you start thinking about this when your travel plans are firming up.

You can apply within the ETA app or online. See more details on the official ETA website.

When you’re ready to apply, you will need your original passport that you are planning to travel with, access to your emails, an electronic means of payment (credit card, Apple pay, etc.). Be ready to upload or take photos of your passport and the face of the person applying. Travel details are not needed. Read all details on the official ETA website.

The fee to apply is GBP 10. Refunds are not possible.

Your ETA lasts for 2 years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA.

For travelers with a US-passport, required passport validity is at least six months beyond the date you intend to return to the USA. No matter your nationality, make sure you are familiar with the validity requirements. Airlines can be quite strict about the expiration date.

For US-passports, you can obtain application and renewal forms online at the US Department of State, or locally at any post office. It can take up to six weeks (plus mailing time!) to receive your passport, so plan accordingly, or use the expedited renewal for an extra fee.

Should this happen to you while abroad please let your Tour Leader know right away so they can facilitate and support to contact the consulate or embassy of your country. Most countries provide guidelines on what to do online. For example, the US Department of State’s Lost or Stolen Passport page is very helpful.

When traveling abroad, it’s a good idea to carry a copy of your passport with you. Make sure you carry the copy separate from your actual passport and leave another copy with someone at home. With smartphones and cloud storage, it may also be helpful to have digital copies you can access while traveling.

US-American and Canadian passport holders do not need a visa to visit any European country, Chile or Argentina for periods of less than three months.

Resources are available on official government websites, e.g.:

• Travel.State.Gov for US passport holders
• Travel.gc.ca for Canadian passport holders
• Smartraveller.gov.au for Australian passport holders
• SaveTravel.govt.nz for New Zealand passport holders

Customs is fairly easy these days as long as you are not trying to smuggle forbidden items. Even fruit is often considered contraband because it can introduce pests and diseases. Be aware of what you have packed away so you’re not held up at the border.