What Visas are required to enter Europe?

It is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be operational in 2024. This has been tossed around for a number of years, and postponed each time, but it appears next year will be the launch date.  This will not be unlike the process that was required to enter Mexico up until a year ago and will apply to 60 countries throughout Europe. Note:  the actual date in 2024 has not yet been announced and applications are not being accepted yet.

As a general rule, you will need an ETIAS travel authorization if you meet all the following criteria:

• you are not an EU national;
• you are a citizen of a country whose nationals are not required to have a visa for short-term stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS;
• you do not have a residence permit/card/document issued by any of the European countries requiring ETIAS

The ETIAS is not equivalent to a residence permit or visa

• Having the travel authorization only allows you to enter and remain on the territory of the European countries requiring ETIAS for a short-term stay.

• Also, it does not give you the right to study long-term or to work in these countries. If you plan to stay in a European country requiring ETIAS for a longer period, you will most likely need a long-term visa.

• Travelers with a valid visa do not need an ETIAS travel authorization.

Do I need to apply for a new permit each time I travel to European countries requiring the ETIAS?

• No. Your ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. 

• You can leave and return as many times as you wish, as long as you respect the overall limit of your authorized stay.

How do I apply?

• You can apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation yourself by filling in and submitting an application, or you can authorize somebody else to do this for you, e.g. a friend, a family member or a commercial intermediary such as a travel agency. 

• You will need to have a valid travel document and pay a EUR 7 application fee.

When should I apply?

• You are strongly advised  to obtain the ETIAS travel authorisation before you buy your tickets and book your hotels. Most applications will be processed within minutes and at the latest within 96 hours. 

• However, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documentation or to participate in an interview with national authorities, which may take up to additional 30 days.

Keep checking the website to final official launch date details and instructions on how to apply for the permit.

The official ETIAS website is https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. When ETIAS will be in operation information on ETIAS travel authorisation, will be best found on the official ETIAS website. The European Union does not issue authorizations nor licenses to commercial intermediaries.

Source:  https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en.