Seas Your Adventures Blog

TAMPA, Fla. — August 8, 2026 — Americans traveling to Europe will soon need a new electronic travel authorization known as ETIAS.

ETIAS is expected to begin during the final quarter of 2026 and will apply to most U.S. citizens visiting 30 participating European countries for short stays.  However, ETIAS is not operating yet, applications are not being accepted, and the European Union has not announced an exact launch date.

“Travelers should learn about ETIAS now, but they should not attempt to apply yet,” said Michael Davis, CEO and CLIA Certified Travel Agent with Seas Your Adventures. “Be cautious of unofficial websites asking for money or passport information before the official system opens.”

• ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization, not a traditional visa.
• The standard application fee will be €20.
• Travelers under age 18 or over age 70 will not pay the application fee, but they will generally still need ETIAS authorization.
• An approved ETIAS will normally remain valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
• Travelers who receive a new passport will need a new ETIAS authorization.
• Most applications are expected to be processed within minutes, but some may take several days or longer if additional review is required.
• ETIAS does not guarantee entry. Border officials will continue to make the final admission decision.

There is only one official European Union ETIAS website. No applications are being collected at this time.  Travelers should not pay anyone promising early approval or provide passport information to an unverified website. Once the program begins, applications will be available through the official European Union website and ETIAS mobile application.

ETIAS will authorize eligible travelers before departure.  Europe’s Entry/Exit System, known as EES, is already operating and registers travelers at participating borders using passport information, facial images, fingerprints, and entry and departure records.  Many Americans traveling to Europe will eventually encounter both systems.