What US Passport Holders Need to Know About ETIAS

By Sofa Ibrahim

Heads-Up for U.S. Travelers: 

Europe Will Soon Require ETIAS

If you're dreaming of a European getaway, there's a new travel requirement you need to know about: ETIAS — the European Travel Information and Authorization System. It’s not a visa, but starting last quarter of 2026, U.S. passport holders will need it to enter many of Europe’s most popular destinations.

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting select European countries. Think of it like the U.S. ESTA program — designed to enhance border security while making entry quicker and more efficient.

Who Will Need It?

If you're a U.S. citizen, you’ll need ETIAS to visit:

All 27 Schengen countries
(France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands — to name a few)

➕ Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus

That’s a total of 30 European countries that will require ETIAS once the system launches.

How Much Does ETIAS Cost?

  • €7 per traveler (around $7–$8 USD)

  • Required for travelers ages 18 to 70

  • Free for those under 18 or over 70

When & How To Apply

You’ll apply online via the official ETIAS website or mobile app (once live). Here’s what to expect:

  • Submit your application at least 96 hours before your trip

  • Most are approved within minutes

  • In rare cases, processing can take up to 30 days if additional checks are needed

How Long Is ETIAS Valid?

  • Valid for up to 3 years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first

  • Covers multiple entries

  • Allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Why This Matters (Especially for France-Lovers)



France is one of the most visited countries in the world — and yes, ETIAS will be required to enter.

While the fee is minimal, it’s mandatory, and airlines won’t let you board without it. For families, it’s also an added layer of planning (and paperwork) to account for.

This is your chance to get ahead: add ETIAS to your 2025–2026 travel checklist now so you're not caught off guard later.

Final Travel Tip

Be sure to apply only through the official EU website or app — and skip the third-party sites that might overcharge or mislead.

✈️ Ready to explore Europe stress-free?

Planning international travel can feel overwhelming — especially with new systems like ETIAS on the horizon.

I specialize in slow-paced, immersive France itineraries designed for busy individuals, families with neuro-divergent children and solo travelers.

👉 Book a free 10-minute chat to start planning your next Grand Voyage.
Or, join my newsletter for weekly travel tips, real-life inspiration, and updates like this one.

Follow me on Instagram and support my youtube channel. 


Source: Etias


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Famous River Cruise Around The World for First Cruiser

By Sofa Ibrahim
Image
If you never ever been on a cruise and you are ready for an adventure beyond the shore, this blog is for you. Hello Travel Lovers,  My name is Sofia, I am a travel lover who has never considered to go on a cruise until I became a travel agent. I feel very ashamed to say this but I've always felt that cruise is for seniors. I looked down on taking cruise because I thought it was boring. As I earned my way to be a travel agent, I learnt that traveling on a cruise offers a complete different experience. It can equally fun and exciting as the land tours I did. Cruise holiday is for everyone - of any age and lifestyle. Cruise tour is chic. Cruise tour is fun. There is something for everyone and I am here to share what I've learned from my intense training about holiday on a cruise. There are two types of cruise - river and ocean cruise. River cruise are cruises that sail along the river, while ocean cruise are cruises that sail across the deep blue waters. As there are a lot of info...
Read more

Flying with Your Autistic Child: How to Plan Your First Flight Without the Overwhelm

By Sofa Ibrahim
Image
Flying on an airplane should feel like an exciting adventure. But if you're the parent of an autistic child, the idea of air travel can bring up a whole wave of anxiety. What if they have a meltdown at security? What if the plane is delayed and you’re stuck on the tarmac? What if... what if... what if? You’re not alone. I’ve been there. The fear is real—but with the right strategy, your first flight doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, it can be the beginning of something amazing. First, Let’s Talk About the Real Fear When most parents think about flying with their autistic child, the first concern isn’t the suitcase—it’s the uncertainty . Our kids often thrive with structure and predictability. Airports and airplanes? Not exactly known for either of those. The key is to make that first experience as calm, simple, and predictable as possible—for both of you. My Solution: Start Small, Start Smart Your first flight should be a practice flight , not a big international adven...
Read more

Week 1: Our Worldschooling Adventure - Learning on the Road with a Neurodivergent Child.

By Sofa Ibrahim
What is Worldschooling? At its heart, worldschooling is learning through travel—using the world as a classroom. For some families, it means exploring new countries while following a structured curriculum. For others, it’s about letting experiences guide the learning. For us, it’s a mix of both. How I Approach It I’m still old school when it comes to education. I believe in the power of pen and paper. There’s something about writing things down that helps imprint information—it anchors the lesson. Technology has its place, but I’m very much a notebook-and-pencil kind of learner, and I try to pass that along. I also believe in structure and repetition. That’s how I learned growing up in Singapore, where the pace and depth of learning always felt just right—until high school, when it sped up too much and I began to struggle. I eventually took night classes to get to college, and I saw first-hand the difference in workload, discipline, and support. That experience shaped how I now supp...
Read more