Anyone planning to travel to Europe in the future? Well, make those trips happen now!
2020 is the last year to travel to Europe without needing a VISA. Starting 2021, US citizens will need a Schengen visa or ETIAS visa waiver to travel to the European Union!
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a border control system put in place by the European Union to better protect it’s countries. If your stay is less than 90 days, you can apply for the ETIAS visa waiver, which is the new type of travel authorization to enter Europe. This VISA waiver will be valid for 3 years from the day of approval and can be used for multiple entries to the Schengen countries (see list below).
** limit of 90 days within every 180 day period.
If you are staying for more than 90 days, US citizens will have to apply for a Schengen visa.
The 26 Schengen Countries include:
- 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
- Switzerland
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania are not part of the Schengen countries even though they are part of the European Countries. They have a separate set of requirements and rules for entering those countries.
Why is the the European Union making this change now?
They are doing this to improve security and safety of their citizens and visitors. It is also an effort to cut down on illegal immigration and terrorism.
Requirements & Rules for applying:
- Apply via the ETIAS website by submitting an online form.
- A valid passport
- passport may not be more than 10 years old
- passport must be valid for three months after the planned stay
- Credit or Debit Card
- to pay the service fee of about $8USD.
- Email Address
- to print and carry as a backup copy
Planning on getting an International Driving Permit? Check out this post!
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