For decades, U.S. citizens traveling to most European countries have been exempt from visa requirements. Sadly, this ends on January 1, 20121, when all Americans traveling to any Schengen Zone nations will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) Visa. This dramatic change is the result of recent EU regulatory changes meant to improve security and address migration issues.
U.S. citizens 18 and older will need to secure the required visa for European travel by completing an online ETIAS registration form. Applicants will have to provide proof of a valid U.S. passport—valid for at least 3 months beyond their European visit—a credit card and an email account. There will be a €7 fee and they will need to answer questions on the following topics:
- Drug use
- Terrorism
- Human trafficking
- Travel to conflict areas
- Criminal history
- Employment history
- Past European travel information
- Security information
The Schengen Zone nations covered by the visa scheme include:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Spain
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Small correction to the year. I think you meant 2021.
I don’t remember years for past travel. All I could say is many years ago.
I wonder if this will affect Australian travellers too. We’ve never needed visas for these countries either.
I think it is only for America. And probably because we all need a Visa waiver/ESTA for entering the US, so I guess it’s only fair that it’s the other way around too?