The Essentials

European Travel Information and Authorization System for 2025

It’s an idea that has been introduced a few times, then announced as a mandatory travel requirement, and suddenly postponed a few times.

But next year, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is becoming a reality.

It will require passport holders from more than 60 visa-exempt countries — that means the U.S. and American citizens — to apply for approval to enter 30 European countries if you’re staying for less than 90 days.

Once the program is running, travelers to Europe will fill out the form online or via a mobile app and pay a 7 euro charge (nearly $8).

One pleasant consolation is that the fee is dropped if you’re older than 70.