Do you need a visa to visit Europe in 2024?
The short answer is yes for United States citizens: before you can sip rosé in the south of France or cruise around the Greek islands, you’ll need to get a visa, even if you’re American.
Why is this changing, how do you get one, and how much will it cost? I’ve got all the answers to your questions below!
What is a travel visa?
A travel visa grants you authorization to enter a country for a certain amount of time. Different countries have different application processes, fees, amounts of time that they allow you to stay in the country for.
A travel visa grants you authorization to enter a country for a certain amount of time. Different countries have different application processes, fees, amounts of time that they allow you to stay in the country for.
Why do I need a visa to visit Europe? (and why now?)
You know how in every friend group there’s that one person who takes their sweet time to make decisions? That’s what the EU is doing with ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorization System). They’ve seen other countries, like the US, Canada, and Australia, using similar visa waiver systems to keep things in order and have created the ETIAS to enhance security and tighten the borders.
The ETIAS is being launched to make sure that only the cool cats (law-abiding citizens) get to enjoy the European Union. If you’re an American, this means you’ll need to obtain your virtual permission slip before you jet off to the land of baguettes, pasta, and schnitzels. Be sure to check the ETIAS official website for eligibility requirements.
When is ETIAS happening?
It’s happening soon, but not like tomorrow-soon. Right now, the launch date is set for 2024.
How much will the visa to Europe cost for Americans?
Ah, the million-dollar question – or in this case, the ETIAS question! The cost of ETIAS is planned to be a budget-friendly €7 (approximately $8) per application.
How do I get a visa to go to Europe?
Navigate to the official ETIAS website and fill out some essential personal information, like your name, date of birth, passport details, and travel plans.
After you’ve completed the form and paid the small fee, ETIAS will work its magic and grant you access to European wonderlands for up to three years. Yep, you heard that right – it’s like getting a golden ticket to roam around as many Schengen countries as you like for three whole years! Time to start brushing up on your “Bonjour,” “Ciao,” and “Hallo” greetings!
So, there you have it– do you need a visa to visit Europe? From the US, yes! With its impending arrival, be sure to check out the ETIAS’s website well before you leave for a trip to Europe. ✈️
I know what you’re thinking: “This is great for you, but how can I afford to travel more?” I’ve been there!
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Sarah is the passionate solo female travel blogger behind Wait, Where is She? She’s a full time traveler, scuba diver, foodie, and adventure seeker with a deep love for sharing the special places and bucket list destinations that she’s found herself in.
She LIVES for tasty street food market grills, quiet ocean sunrises, pour over coffee, long train rides with a Taylor Swift album, that feeling when you shower after a salty beach day, and living with an insatiable curiosity for the wonders of the natural world and all of its vibrant cultures.
Wait, Where is She? serves people with the information and inspiration to confidently seek out their own adventures and make the joys of travel easier, more accessible, and budget-friendly. Come along for the laughs while she makes all the mistakes (so you don’t have to). Let’s go!
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Hi there,
Nice blog and website …just a small correction – you mentioned the ETIAS as "a golden ticket to roam around as many Schengen countries as you like for three whole years". This is not quite accurate – thiliugh valid for three years, it only allows you to visit for 90 days in any 180 day period. Plenty for most tourists, but not to roam for theee whole years 🙂
Happy travels