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EU Visas for US Citizens

EU Visas for US Citizens

Are you an American planning a trip to Europe? If so, you’ll want to consider the visa requirements you’ll need to meet in order to enter certain European countries. If you can’t wait to explore Europe’s historic and cultural sights, and sample the culinary delights of this diverse continent, it’s a good idea to make sure you’ve got your travel documents in place before you set off.

This includes making sure you’re in the know about the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver. From 2022/3, this will be a requirement for any US citizen to enter many of the countries in Europe, namely in the so-called Schengen area.

Once it comes into effect, the ETIAS EU visa for American citizens is valid for Multiple-Entry travel. When your travel pass has been approved, it will be valid for a total of 3 years, so the good news is you won’t need to apply very frequently. During its 3-year validity, it is possible to enter any of the Schengen zone European countries included as many times as you like.

Read on to learn about how this new system will affect you, and how to apply with Byevisa if you are a citizen of the US!

All About the ETIAS European Visa for US Citizens

The European Union’s (EU) planned visa waiver program to protect and strengthen its borders is known as the ETIAS, and will come into effect at the end of 2022 or in early 2023. After this time, travellers from 60 countries around the world, including the US, will be required to complete an online application prior to their trip.

The ETIAS US citizen visa for Europe will be needed to enter 26 countries (though more are expected to be added to the list) that make up the Schengen Zone of Europe. This is composed of 22 EU countries including France, Italy, Germany, Sweden and Spain, as well as 4 non-EU countries, namely Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

This waiver is valid for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period for business or tourist purposes only. It cannot be used as a substitute for other types of travel permit, including for study or work. For any other types of visa, such as student or work visas, travellers are advised to apply via the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit.

EU Visa Exemption Versus the ETIAS for US Citizens

Do US citizens need a visa for the EU? Well, currently, citizens of the United States are visa-exempt for travel to countries within the Schengen area for short stays.

From 2022/3, however, this will change, and all Americans will be required to obtain a European visa waiver to stay in Schengen countries for short stays up to 90 days. You will be required to acquire travel authorisation by obtaining an ETIAS prior to your trip.

The good news is that you can complete your application online on any electronic device such as a PC, tablet or a mobile phone with Byevisa (full details provided later). So you don’t need to spend time travelling to the embassy, waiting in long queues or filling out lots of paperwork.

If you intend to stay in one of the countries within the Schengen area beyond 90 days, or you’re travelling for purposes other than those permitted with this travel waiver, you are required to apply for a Schengen visa. The length of a Schengen visa for Europe is determined on an individual basis.

ETIAS USA Application Process for American Travellers

Fortunately, you can easily complete the online ETIAS application with Byevisa. The application will be a quick and simple process, similar to the ESTA for international citizens travelling to the US, and will take an average of just 10 minutes to complete.

Applicants will need to fill out our online form with information such as their contact details and passport information, including:

  • Name and surname
  • Nationality
  • Date, place and country of birth
  • Current address
  • Contact phone number
  • Email address, where we’ll send you your valid waiver
  • Passport number
  • Passport issue/expiry date

After filling in the online application form, you will need to pay the official ETIAS fee of 7 EUR using either a valid credit or debit card, or PayPal, plus Byevisa’s processing fee to handle your application for you.

Then, the system will conduct checks against the EU’s information databases for health and security reasons and, in the vast majority of cases, issue your travel authorisation within minutes. You’ll receive notification of the valid authorisation via a confirmation email.

It’s important to apply for your travel pass in plenty of time before your intended departure date. In limited cases, where further checks on the traveller are needed, the issuing of your travel authorisation could take up to 30 days.

ETIAS EU Visa Requirements for US Citizens

To obtain this Europe visa for US citizens, Americans will need to have the following:

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity remaining after your entry date.
  • A current email address, where you’ll receive confirmation of your valid pass.
  • A credit or debit card, or PayPal account, to pay the ETIAS fee and Byevisa’s processing fee.
  • To answer a few health and security related questions.
  • To answer a few personal questions such as your name, address and contact number, as listed above.
  • To select your preferred processing speed from our Standard, Rapid and Highly Rapid options.

Once approved, your travel pass will be electronically linked to your passport, and so it will not be mandatory to print a copy of the visa waiver! You can simply catch your flight as normal, where your passport will be scanned. However, it’s a good idea to carry a copy of the waiver during your travels anyway, in case of any problems with the electronic system.

What Is the ETIAS EU Visa for US Citizens Fee?

The EU’s fee for the visa waiver is 7 EUR, although for children under 18 years and adults over 70, there is no official fee. You will also pay Byevisa’s processing fee. This sum is payable when you submit your online application, and depends on how quickly you choose to receive your travel permit.

ETIAS EU Visa for US Citizens FAQs

If you’re eager to learn more ahead of visiting the so-called Old Continent, below you will find answers to some common FAQs!

Can All Americans Obtain this EU Visa for US Citizens?

Yes, so long as you have a US passport no older than 10 years that’s valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of entry. You must also hold an approved ETIAS visa waiver obtained prior to travel.

Is It Safe for Americans to Travel to Europe?

Yes. Most areas of Europe are established tourist destinations, which welcome US citizens and other nationalities. In most instances, visits are without trouble; however, you should exercise the usual cautions when travelling as you would anywhere in the world.

What Do I Need to Know Before Travelling to Europe From the US?

Currently, the euro is the official currency of 19 out of 27 EU member countries. That said, if you are visiting one of the other countries which do not use the euro, such as the UK, then they use their own currency. Also, currency values vary depending on which country you are visiting, so it’s best to check the exchange rate before crossing any borders.

Full Information on How to Apply For an ETIAS USA

We hope you’re now ready to obtain your European visa waiver! For a more detailed explanation of how to apply for an ETIAS with Byevisa, visit our ETIAS Travel Authorisation page, or our Visit Europe page.

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