Before traveling to Europe, make sure your passport is up to date. A visa gives official permission for you to enter specific countries or territories.
Citizens of the United States
Though viral posts with millions of views claiming US citizens will need visas for travel to Europe starting January 2024 have garnered widespread views, this entry requirement has not yet been implemented and may never take effect. Originally expected to go into effect by January of 2024, its launch has been repeatedly postponed – it may never launch at all!
ETIAS application process takes only minutes to complete, with applicants required to provide passport data, home address, current employment information, level of education received and parents’ names as part of the application. They also need to confirm whether or not they have visited war zones as well as divulge any criminal convictions they have.
ETIAS may not technically qualify as a visa, but it will still add another layer of security by digitally screening and tracking travelers who enter or leave Schengen Zone countries, enabling border agents to make informed decisions regarding whether to grant entry.
Citizens of Canada
Canadian citizens currently can travel visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180 day period, enjoying Europe’s historic cities, art museums, and scenic landscapes. But things are changing; from November 2023 Canadian citizens will require an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) visa waiver in order to travel within the Schengen Area countries.
This new system aims to enhance border control and security while making travel more comfortable for travelers. Applications are processed quickly online; results are processed instantly; ETIAS lasts three years per passport number.
The application requires personal details as well as answers to several security and health-related queries. Individuals with criminal backgrounds may not be eligible to submit an application.
Citizens of Australia
Australian citizens do not require a visa for short visits to Europe; however, starting 2025 they will require an ETIAS authorisation number in order to visit the European Schengen area.
ETIAS is an electronic system for European travelers to undergo travel security screening checks similar to US ESTA and Canadian ETA applications.
Australia currently enjoys bilateral visa waivers and reciprocal agreements with many EU countries, but individual requirements differ, so for more detailed information it’s best to contact the nearest high commission or embassy for specific visa information. It should also be noted that Australians cannot spend more than 90 days per six month period in any single Schengen member state – making sure their passport is always on them is also necessary.
Citizens of New Zealand
New Zealanders travel regularly to Europe for various reasons. Be it visiting Spain’s stunning Mediterranean or Atlantic beaches, taking in Rome’s ancient history or sampling pizza in Naples; Europe offers New Zealanders plenty of opportunity and excitement.
But it is essential to remember that different countries have differing visa requirements for visitors from New Zealand, and these requirements can change at any time. So before travelling from New Zealand, always check your destination country’s embassy website in order to be fully informed.
Starting 2025, passport holders from New Zealand who wish to visit the Schengen area for tourism, business or transit purposes will have to register with ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System).
Citizens of the European Union
European citizens possess a special status that grants them freedom of travel within the EU. However, this right comes with certain conditions that must be fulfilled for its application – these include having a passport valid for at least six months upon arriving at any country.
ETIAS was developed to make entering Europe for visa-exempt nationals more straightforward; however, this does not obviate the need for valid passports on arrival in any of the participating countries.
Application for ETIAS authorization is quick and most people can receive their permit within minutes. Your permit will be linked with your passport, allowing up to 90-day stays during any 180-day period in Schengen area.