ETIAS for US Citizens
From October 2026, every American visiting the Schengen Area (most of mainland Europe) needs an ETIAS authorisation before travel. €20 per adult, free for kids and seniors, valid 3 years. Here's how it works for US passport holders.
What ETIAS is for Americans
ETIAS is the EU's pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals — Americans, Canadians, Australians, Brits, Japanese, and others. It's online, tied to your passport, and lasts 3 years. It's not a visa; it's a security pre-check, very similar to the US ESTA in concept (but for incoming travellers to the EU, not outgoing).
Which countries it covers
ETIAS is required for entry into the 30 Schengen Area countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
What it doesn't cover
ETIAS doesn't cover the UK (that's UK ETA), Ireland (no pre-authorisation required for Americans), or non-Schengen countries like Albania, Serbia, or Turkey. It also doesn't cover work, study, or stays over 90 days — for those, you need a national long-stay visa from the specific country.
Applying as an American
Applications go through the official EU travel portal at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. You'll need a valid US passport, a credit or debit card, and about 10 minutes per person. Most decisions are returned within minutes, though some require additional review (up to 30 days).
Schengen 90-day rule still applies
Even with ETIAS, US citizens are limited to 90 days in any 180-day rolling window in Schengen countries. For longer stays, you need a national long-stay visa. Our free Schengen Family Calculator tracks days across multiple trips and family members.
Find out what your family needs
Four quick questions. Personalised per family member. Tells you exactly what to apply for and when — UK ETA, ETIAS, EES, or nothing.
Take the quizCommon questions
When do US citizens need ETIAS?
Starting October 2026. Before that date, no ETIAS is required (just your passport).
How much does ETIAS cost for Americans?
€20 per adult (18–69). Free for kids under 18 and adults 70 and over.
Can I use ETIAS to work in Europe?
No. ETIAS is for tourism, business meetings, family visits, and transit. For paid work, you need a national work visa from the specific EU country.