Planning on traveling to Europe in 2024?You'll need more than just a passport to travel to 30 European countries.
With the launch of the ETIAS system, the rules for traveling to Europe will change. Traveling to Europe will no longer be free. Starting in 2024, about 1.4 billion people from more than 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to obtain a travel permit to enter most European countries.
With the launch of the ETIAS system, a new mandatory document will be changed for those wishing to travel to the Schengen space
Following the same approach as the United States of America and Canada, European countries are working to approve a new system in 2024 that will be applied to all those wishing to enter the Schengen Area.
Europe will follow the United States to strengthen the protection of its borders, according to the principle of the Electronic Travel Authorization System (Esta). Which has been implemented in Uncle Sam's country since 2009. Starting in 2024, the European Union will impose this document, which will be mandatory for all those seeking entry to the Schengen Area.
Also, “Etias” is not a visa but an electronic travel permit prepared by the European Commission, which will allow a security check to be conducted for each candidate for the trip to determine whether they can enter one of the 33 countries in the Schengen area or not.
This document will be linked to the traveler’s passport, as any application for a new passport will require its holder to submit a new application for an “Etias” travel permit, which entitles its holder to reside in any European country for a period of up to 3 months.
Travelers will be able to obtain their “Etias” online, within a few minutes, as adults will pay 7 euros, unlike minors who benefit from the service for free, and the applicant must wait between 4 days and two weeks until obtaining transit approval.
You'll need an ETIAS authorization from the 'European Travel Information and Authorization System'.
The EU (European Union) are wanting to strengthen it's border security and make sure you're not a security threat or try to emigrate illegally.
The ETIAS is officially scheduled to come online in 2024.
Once initiated, there will be a 180-day period of grace.
The six-month grace period will also provide European travel authorities ample time to be sufficiently trained on new protocols and a vetting period wherein technical issues with the system can be identified.
You'll apply for the authorization through it's web portal or mobile application once the application is open.
There will be a fee of approx. $8 (those under 18 and over 70 are free.....although authorization is still required).
Authorization will be linked to your passport, which is how airport security will know whether you've gotten the authorization or not.
FYI....without the authorization, airport security (or cruise, bus or train line staff) won't let you board.
If you will be traveling to Europe in 2024, please go to this link to get more information along with answers to your questions.