ETIAS for US Citizens - Your Complete Guide for 2026
American passport holders currently visit Europe visa-free. That is not changing, but starting late 2026, you will need to apply for ETIAS before you travel. Here is exactly what that means for you.
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What It Means for You
What ETIAS means for American travellers
If you hold a US passport, you are among the roughly 30 million Americans who visit Europe each year. ETIAS will not change your visa-free status, but it will add a mandatory pre-travel registration step. Think of it as Europe's version of the ESTA that foreign visitors already need to enter the United States.
Not a Visa
ETIAS does not replace your visa-free access to Europe. Your US passport still qualifies for visa-free short stays. ETIAS is a pre-registration that screens travellers before they arrive.
Linked to Your Passport
Once approved, your ETIAS is digitally linked to your US passport. No stickers, no stamps, no paper documents. Just travel with the same passport you used to apply.
Three Years, Unlimited Trips
One ETIAS covers unlimited trips to any of the 30 Schengen countries for three years, or until your passport expires. No need to reapply for each trip.
Minutes to Apply
The application is entirely online. Enter your details, answer a short set of background questions, and most approvals come through within minutes.
US-Specific Details
What US passport holders need to know
You already use a similar system
The US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) has required European visitors to pre-register since 2009. ETIAS is the EU's equivalent. If you have ever helped a European friend apply for ESTA, the process will feel familiar.
Dual citizens with an EU passport
If you hold both a US passport and an EU member state passport, you do not need ETIAS. You should enter Europe using your EU passport. ETIAS only applies when you travel on your US passport.
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
ETIAS is separate from any US trusted traveller programmes. Having Global Entry or TSA PreCheck does not affect your ETIAS application. You will need to apply for ETIAS independently through the EU's official portal.
Applying from the US
You can apply for ETIAS from anywhere in the world. There is no requirement to apply from US soil. The application is entirely online and does not require a visit to any embassy or consulate.
Payment
The fee is paid online with any major credit or debit card. Your bank may apply a small foreign transaction fee depending on your card issuer.
Comparison
ETIAS vs ESTA - how they compare
Americans are already familiar with the ESTA system that European visitors use to enter the US. Here is how ETIAS stacks up against the system you already know.
| Feature | EU ETIAS | US ESTA |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | Small one-time fee | $21 |
| Validity | 3 years | 2 years |
| Max stay | 90 days / 180-day period | 90 days per visit |
| Countries covered | 30 Schengen countries | United States only |
| Application time | ~5 minutes online | ~10 minutes online |
| Approval speed | Usually minutes, up to 30 days | Usually 72 hours |
| Biometrics required | No | No |
| Linked to passport | Yes | Yes |
Step by Step
How American citizens apply for ETIAS
The process is entirely online. No embassy visit, no interview, no biometrics.
Confirm you need ETIAS
As a US passport holder who currently visits Europe visa-free, you will need ETIAS once it launches. If you also hold an EU passport, you do not need one.
Complete the online form
Enter your personal details, passport information, employment history, and answer a short set of security and health questions. The form takes around 5 minutes.
Pay the application fee
A small fee is paid online by debit or credit card at the time of application. It is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Fee waivers apply for certain age groups.
Receive your approval
Most applications are approved within minutes. You will receive an email confirmation. Your ETIAS is digitally linked to your passport. No printing needed.
Travel to Europe
Present your passport at the border. Your ETIAS is checked automatically. It covers unlimited trips for three years across all 30 Schengen countries.
Questions from American Travellers
ETIAS FAQ for US citizens
The most common questions American travellers are asking about ETIAS.
Other Guides
ETIAS guides for other nationalities
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