BOSTON – New requirements are coming into effect for travelers with U.S. passports looking to travel to Europe.
The European Union continues to plan the rollout of new travel document requirements through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Travelers with US passports must complete an online visa application before being allowed to enter the EU.
“It’s not more complicated, it’s just more annoying,” said CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg. “Most Americans, in fact, all Americans, are not used to doing something like this to go to Europe, so if this goes into effect, you’ll be denied boarding for the first few weeks, and there will be a lot of people at the boarding gate. There will be some surprises.”
Greenberg was quick to point out that this new system is not a done deal. It is currently scheduled to roll out in January 2024, but the idea has been delayed before and is expected to be delayed again.
“Because if they enact it, there’s nothing to stop Americans from requesting a visa to come into the United States,” Greenberg said. “It’s just more paperwork, more wasted revenue, and nothing to prove.”
As currently proposed, ETIAS would be an online application and would cost $8 per traveler. The application asks for basic information, travel plans, history, and other security questions.
Approval can take as little as 10 minutes, but more complex requests can take up to 96 hours. Greenberg said U.S. airlines will face pressure to prevent passengers without approved visas from boarding flights to the EU. An approved visa will be valid for the traveler for a period of three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
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