Whether you are heading to Spain’s Madrid or Barcelona, Italy’s Rome and Venice, or other European destinations next year, you need to plan ahead for a travel pass. Meanwhile, this travel pass is in addition to Spain’s Sustainable Tourist Tax and tourist tax to enter Venice’s center. This comes as the ETIAS is finally ready to launch in 2024.

Who needs ETIAS to travel to Europe?

Currently, Americans and travelers from other countries like Great Britain and Canada, require no special travel pass or visa to visit the Schengen zone or other areas of Europe for under 90 days. This is about to change.

From 2024, any American or passport holder from another 59 visa-exempt countries, will require ETIAS to travel to Europe. ETIAS, or European Travel Information and Authorization System, will be required to enter certain EU nations. While this might sound like a visa, it isn’t really the same thing. It is a travel pass, or visa waiver and is similar to the ESTA some international travelers need to visit the US or the eTA to enter Canada.

Meanwhile, ETIAS hasn’t been planned to make travel harder for Americans. It has been designed to help the European Commission enhance security at its borders and prevent travelers from overstaying their visit.

When does ETIAS come into play?

While the ETIAS was originally approved in 2016, the launch has been delayed several times. However, now it officially has the launch date as 2024, but without the official start date.

The best thing to do if you are planning on traveling to Europe in 2024 is to ensure you keep up to date with the latest travel news. It is particularly recommended to bookmark the European Union’s official ETIAS page.

If you’re traveling to Europe in 2024, we suggest staying updated with travel news and bookmarking the European Union’s official ETIAS page to periodically check for updates.

Which European countries require the ETIAS to enter?

European officials have recently announced the complete list of 30 EU countries where US and other visa-exempt nationals will require a travel pass once ETIAS launches. The full list is included below:

• 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

Meanwhile, there is one benefit of the ETIAS if you are planning to visit multiple European countries – you will only need one. Meanwhile, the travel pass is linked to your passport and is valid for three years, or until the passport expires (whichever comes first), which is easier than having to buy one each time you travel.

How to apply for the ETIAS

Applying for the ETIAS is pretty straightforward compared to visas. It will reportedly be as easy as applying for the eVisa required for Americans to enter Turkey or the Electronic Travel Authority they need for vacationing in Australia.

It will be necessary to complete an online application with information, including passport number, date and place of birth, email address, address and travel information. Moreover, it will be necessary to provide information about your current occupation, prior criminal convictions and details of the length and purpose of your stay.

The next step is to pay the €7 ($7.60) fee and wait for approval. It is important to note that anyone under the age of 18, or over the age of 70 is exempt from paying the fee. According to ETIAS.com, the application shouldn’t take longer than four days, unless further information is required.

If you are planning on visiting Europe in 2024, keep up to date with the official ETIAS page.