travel restrictions eu

A common approach to travel measures in the EU

Common approach to travel measures: key areas.

On 25 January 2022 the Council adopted a revised recommendation on facilitating safe and free movement in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. This agreement follows the Commission’s proposal of 25 November 2021 .

Under the updated recommendation, COVID-19 measures should be applied based on the individual situation of persons and no longer on the region of origin, with the exception of areas where the virus is circulating at very high levels. This means that a traveller’s COVID-19 vaccination, test or recovery status, proved by a valid  EU Digital COVID Certificate , should be the key determinant. This recommendation responds to the significant increase in vaccine uptake and the rapid roll-out of the EU Digital COVID Certificate, and replaces the previously existing recommendation.

In line with the new rules, EU Member States must accept vaccination certificates for a period of 270 days (9 months) since the completion of the primary vaccination series:

• For a two-dose vaccine, this means 270 days from the second shot or, in line with the national vaccination strategy, the first and only shot after having recovered from COVID-19.
• For a single-dose vaccine, this means 270 days from the first and only shot.

EU countries should not provide for a different acceptance period for the purposes of travel within the European Union. The standard acceptance period does not apply to certificates for booster doses.

As of 1 February 2022, new rules have also been implemented regarding the encoding of booster shots in the Certificate. As already clarified in December, boosters will be recorded as:

• 3/3 for a booster dose following a primary 2-dose vaccination series
• 2/1 for a booster dose following a single-dose vaccination or a one dose of a 2-dose vaccine administered to a recovered person.

Certificates that were issued differently before that clarification need to be corrected and issued again, to make sure that boosters can be distinguished from the status of full vaccination.

This recommendation entered into force on 1 February 2022 .

On 3 February 2022, the Commission proposed to extend the EU Digital COVID Certificate system by a year, until 30 June 2023.

Read more in this factsheet

Person-based approach

Travellers in possession of a valid EU digital COVID Certificate should, in most cases, not be subject to additional restrictions to free movement.

A valid EU Digital COVID Certificate includes:

• A  vaccination certificate  for a vaccine approved at European level if at least 14 days and not more than 270 days have passed since the last dose of the primary vaccination series. Vaccination certificates for booster doses are valid immediately and without a maximum validity, at this stage. EU countries could also accept vaccination certificates for vaccines approved by national authorities or the WHO.
• A negative PCR  test result  obtained no more than 72 hours before travel or a negative rapid antigen test obtained no more than 24 hours before travel.
• A  certificate of recovery  indicating that no more than 180 days have passed since the date of the first positive test result.

Persons who are not in possession of an EU Digital COVID Certificate should be required to undergo a test prior to or no later than 24 hours after arrival.

Travellers with an essential function or need, cross-border commuters and children under 12 should not be required to be in the possession of a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate.

Map of EU regions

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will continue to publish a map of Member States’ regions according to a traffic light system (green, orange, red, dark red). The map will be based on the 14-day case notification rate, vaccine uptake and testing rate.

The traffic light map serves mainly as an information tool, but also to coordinate measures for areas with particularly high circulation of the virus. Based on this map, EU countries should apply measures regarding  travel to and from dark red areas , where the virus is circulating at very high levels. They should discourage non-essential travel and require persons arriving from those areas who are not in possession of a vaccination or recovery certificate to undergo a test prior to departure and to quarantine after arrival.

Certain exceptions to these measures should apply to travellers with an essential function or need, cross-border commuters and children under the age of 12.

Emergency brake

When a Member State imposes restrictions in response to the emergence of a new variant, the Council, in close cooperation with the Commission and supported by the ECDC, should review the situation. The Commission, based on the regular assessment of new evidence on variants, may also suggest a discussion within the Council. Similar measures are also possible in case the epidemiological situation in a Member State or in an area within a Member State worsens quickly.

During the discussion, the Commission could propose that the Council agree on a coordinated approach regarding travel from the areas concerned. Any situation resulting in the adoption of measures should be reviewed regularly.

Common passenger locator form and data protection

Passenger locator forms play a key role to ensure effective contact tracing of travellers. Data exchanges between Member States' contact tracing authorities can be particularly important when passengers are crossing borders in close proximity to each other, such as in airplanes or in trains. In order for Member States to exchange relevant passenger data across borders, the Commission adopted two implementing acts in May and July 2021, thus providing the necessary legal conditions for processing such personal data and establishing a passenger locator form exchange platform. To support the digitalisation and harmonisation of passenger locator forms, the EU Healthy Gateways Joint Action developed a web application for an  EU Digital Passenger Locator Form . Digital passenger locator forms combined with the passenger locator form exchange platform allow for easier and more rapid data collection and exchange between Member States, making contact tracing more effective and efficient.

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The U.S. Is Off the E.U.’s ‘Safe List.’ What Does That Mean for Americans Traveling to Europe?

Italy will require unvaccinated travelers from the United States to quarantine for five days and asks that vaccinated travelers take a coronavirus test. In other parts of Europe, the shift seems more symbolic so far.

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By Heather Murphy

For more information on evolving travel restrictions in Europe and elsewhere, see our up-to-date list of countries that U.S. travelers may visit here .

On Monday, the European Union removed the United States from its “safe list” of countries whose residents can travel to its 27 member states without requirements such as quarantine and testing. This generated confusion, with some people writing on social media that Americans have been banned from visiting Europe. That’s not actually what the recommendation means .

Americans have not been explicitly prohibited from going anywhere in Europe. But as of Tuesday, at least one country had put new restrictions on travelers depending on their vaccination status: Italy said it would require unvaccinated travelers to quarantine for five days; vaccinated travelers must take a test for the coronavirus before entering. Here’s a look at what the new developments mean for vaccinated and unvaccinated people:

What just happened? How will this change my trip to Europe?

Since June, the United States has been on the European Union’s safe list for travel, which cleared the way for American travelers to visit many E.U. member countries without quarantining. In addition to taking the United States off the safe list on Monday, the European Council, the European Union’s governing body, released a recommendation urging member countries to issue travel restrictions for visitors from the United States who are unvaccinated against the coronavirus. The European Union is encouraging authorities across Europe to reinstate the sort of mandatory quarantine and testing requirements that seemed to be on their way out, though primarily for unvaccinated travelers.

Ultimately it’s up to a given country to decide if it wants to issue new requirements, however.

How does this affect vaccinated travelers?

The first notable changes were announced Tuesday, by Italy. Even if visitors are vaccinated, they must now obtain a negative coronavirus test 72 hours before arrival. Previously, some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, required this, but the Italian government did not.

In general, though, if you are fully vaccinated with an E.U.-approved vaccine, which include those manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, the requirements you face entering an E.U. country are unlikely to change significantly. Many member states have already been urging travelers to bring proof of vaccination and waiving quarantine requirements for those who can show proof of vaccination.

Countries beyond Italy could decide to add new restrictions, but it’s unclear how many will. Still, you’d be wise to have your Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine record card handy no matter where you are headed.

What about unvaccinated travelers?

Under Italy’s newly announced policy, unvaccinated American travelers will now have to “self-isolate” for five days upon arrival in the country according to the Italian National Tourist Board.

Previously, unvaccinated visitors from the United States needed to take a coronavirus test 48 hours before touching down in Italy, but they did not have to quarantine.

As of Tuesday afternoon, it was not yet clear how the new recommendation would change travel beyond Italy.

Tom Milanovic, a marketing manager for the Spanish tourism authority, said that many worried people had called him on Monday, wondering if they had to cancel upcoming trips. But so far, the European Union’s recommendation has not altered Spain’s requirements even for unvaccinated travelers, he said.

“Any U.S. citizen regardless of their status is still good to go,” he said, adding that the country issues new guidelines each week. The current guidelines , which hold until Sept. 5, continue to categorize the United States as “low risk,” meaning Americans don’t have to show a negative antigen test before flying to Spain.

Tourism authorities from several other countries said that they were not at liberty to discuss the new requirements, but as far as they were aware, the European Union’s recommendation did not change anything immediately.

Does this mean all European countries are now requiring unvaccinated travelers to quarantine?

No, but it underscores how quickly rules and regulations continue to change. Unvaccinated travelers should be prepared to keep hitting refresh on the entry requirements for their chosen location until the moment they set out to the airport. It’s also worth remembering that long before this recommendation, some countries were already requiring unvaccinated travelers to quarantine.

What if I am vaccinated, but my children aren’t?

If children are too young to get vaccinated, then the new recommendation does not affect them, a European Union official said.

What if I’m unvaccinated, but the travel is essential?

The new recommendation makes an exception for essential travel.

Does this mean that as of this week, I can safely assume that all the Americans on my flight have been vaccinated?

No, this does not change anything yet. There is no guarantee that the person sitting next to you on your flight has been vaccinated.

I now feel compelled to cancel my trip. Can I get my money back?

You can certainly try.

Kate Kilcoyne, a travel adviser for All-Travel, a Los Angeles-based travel agency, said that it’s too soon to know how airlines and cruises will respond to this new development, but her clients have generally had more success receiving credits rather than cash refunds when canceling their travel plans.

Tammy O’Hara, a travel agent for Million Miles Travel Agency , a boutique company based in New York, echoed this point. Most hotels, she has found, are more willing than airlines to offer full refunds, she added.

Standard travel insurance may not be all that helpful, said Svetlana Stein, the president of L&B Travel, L.L.C ., an agency in Los Angeles.

“Covid-19 is now considered a foreseen situation and is often not accepted as a covered reason for cancellation,” she said. Ms. Stein urged travelers to buy insurance that offers a “cancel for any reason” feature for this reason.

Heather Murphy is a reporter on the Travel desk. She welcomes tips, questions and complaints about traveling during the pandemic. More about Heather Murphy

France, Spain: European Union countries tightening COVID-19 restrictions for US tourists

The list of restrictions for people traveling from the United States to Europe is growing as European Union members implement new rules amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

EU countries including France, Spain, Denmark, Italy and Norway are tightening restrictions for tourists traveling from the U.S. in the wake of the European Union's removal of the country from its safe travel list  and as COVID cases continue to rise stateside.

The EU's August move signaled to member states that they should no longer ease restrictions on nonessential travel for people from the U.S. amid the latest surge in COVID-19 cases. The U.S. was added initially to the EU's  safe travel list in June .

►At-home COVID-19 tests: Here's what travelers should know

►Can Americans visit Europe this fall?: It's complicated. What travelers need to know.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

France only welcoming vaccinated U.S. tourists 

Beginning Sept. 12, only vaccinated visitors will be allowed to visit for vacation , the French embassy confirmed Friday. Non-vaccinated travelers can only visit for essential reasons and need a negative COVID-19 test as well as must isolate for seven days upon arrival.

Spain requiring proof of vaccination

Spain began requiring proof of vaccination from travelers coming from the U.S. starting  Sept 6. U.S. citizens can enter Spain for non-essential tourism by showing proof of vaccine, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Spain and Andorra .

"Additionally, U.S. citizens traveling from the United States to Spain must present upon arrival in Spain a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal, obtained through the website or by downloading the 'SpTH app' in Google Play Store or iTunes App Store for each traveler, regardless of their age," the Embassy said on its website.

The rule applies to all coming from the U.S., even if they stopped in a third-party country before entering Spain.

Denmark bans unvaccinated tourists from the U.S.

Denmark is banning unvaccinated tourists from the U.S. The change came after the country moved the U.S. to its "orange" travel advisory category on Sept. 4. Previously, U.S. tourists could enter Denmark by showing a negative coronavirus test or proof of recovery. 

Some unvaccinated people from the U.S. can still enter Denmark with proof of a negative COVID-19 test but will need to have "a worthy purpose" such as work, school or legal matters, according to a joint website of the Danish authorities. Unvaccinated travelers permitted to enter will be required to quarantine.

Entry requirements do not change for fully vaccinated U.S. travelers, who are still exempt from testing and quarantine requirements. 

Bulgaria moved U.S. to its 'red zone'

Bulgaria announced earlier this month it would move the U.S. into its "red zone" and prohibit travel from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, as the country faces its fourth surge of COVID-19. 

Italy added testing, isolation requirements

Italy added testing and self-isolation requirements for American travelers at the end of August after the EU removed the U.S. from its safe travel list.

Though the most dramatic policy changes affect unvaccinated travelers – who are still welcome to enter the country, so long as they take the time to self-isolate – vaccinated travelers will have to jump through additional hoops of new testing requirements. Travelers can offer proof of vaccination through a paper card with a CDC logo.

Sweden barring travelers from the U.S.

Sweden announced  Sept. 2 that travelers from the U.S. would be barred from entering the country regardless of vaccination status starting Sept. 6, amending its travel entry ban.

"Effective September 6, Sweden has removed the United States from its list of countries whose residents are exempted from its entry ban," the U.S. Embassy in Sweden said on its website. "U.S. citizens who reside in an exempted country are still exempt from the entry ban."

Norway not allowing U.S. citizens unless visiting family

Norway has also blocked U.S. citizens from entering with one exception: Family. 

"Unless the traveler qualifies for a travel exception such as close family members and persons in an established relationship with a resident of Norway," the U.S. Embassy in Norway said on its website .

Belgium requiring COVID vaccine proof

U.S. residents must be able to show proof of vaccination to enter Belgium on non-essential travel.

"U.S. residents may travel from the United States to Belgium without an Essential Travel Certificate if they can present a valid vaccination certificate," the U.S. Embassy in Belgium said on its website. "Travelers from the United States who cannot present a valid vaccination certificate will not be permitted to travel to Belgium for non-essential reasons unless they hold an EU citizenship or residency."

The Netherlands has added testing requirements

The Netherlands began considering the U.S. to be "a very high-risk area" Sept. 4, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in the Netherlands said on its website.

Travelers are allowed to enter if they are fully vaccinated and comply with a mandatory quarantine (unless they "meet the criteria for an exemption"). 

"As of September 6, 2021, such travelers also must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test OR a negative antigen test performed within 24 hours prior to departure for entry to the Netherlands," the embassy continued. "Even travelers who are exempt from the testing and quarantine requirements must complete a quarantine declaration."

Germany added the U.S. to its 'high-risk' areas

Germany added the United States to its "high-risk" area list in mid-August, before the EU's announcement. 

Since Aug. 15, travelers who recently spent time in the U.S. need to be fully vaccinated or demonstrate an "important reason" for entering. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to show proof of recovery will need to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. The quarantine period can end on the fifth day with proof of a negative coronavirus test. 

Contributing: Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY

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A Country-by-country Guide to COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Europe

Everything you need to know for a safe and healthy trip to Europe.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first spread around the world, many countries shut their borders. In the years since, countries have opened, welcoming tourists with different vaccination or testing rules in place. 

But many countries in Europe have since dropped travel-related restrictions, reverting back to pre-pandemic times and making it easier than ever to plan a trip. 

Here, we've outlined every country in Europe and its current reopening status, including entry any requirements foreign travelers need to know.

Albania does not require U.S. travelers to show any COVID-19-related documents or tests, according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania .

To get to Andorra, visitors need to go through France or Spain, and therefore abide by the rules and regulations for those individual countries. Beyond that, there are no further entry requirements for coming to Andorra, according to the Andorra tourism site .

Austria is open to travel and there are no vaccination or testing requirements in place, according to the country’s official tourism site . In Vienna, masks must be worn on public transportation. 

Belgium welcomes travelers from the U.S. and does not require them to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test, according to the U.S. Embassy in Belgium . 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Bulgaria welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria . 

Croatia welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the Croatian National Tourist Board .

Cyprus has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism . Masks remain mandatory on public transportation. 

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic .

Denmark eliminated all of its COVID-19 entry and internal restrictions, according to the government’s COVID-19 website .

Estonia has eliminated all COVID-19-related rules, according to the government .

Finland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Finnish government .

France has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, according to the French government .

There are no longer any COVID-19-related entry rules for travel to Germany, according to the German Missions in the United States .

Greece has lifted all pandemic-era travel rules, according to the government . Greece has an optional Passenger Locator Form travelers can choose to fill out.

Hungary has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Hungarian Police .

Iceland welcomes travelers without any pandemic-era entry rules in place, according to Iceland’s COVID-19 website .

Ireland has removed all COVID-19-related entry rules for travel, according to the government .

Italy has lifted all COVID-19-related travel rules, according to the country's National Tourist Board .

Travelers entering Kosovo are not required to show proof of vaccination, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo , but the embassy recommends travelers bring such proof. The country also doesn’t require pre-arrival testing, but the embassy said some airlines may.

Access to public institutions, malls, and indoor dining inside does require proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test for customers over 16.

Latvia has lifted all COVID-19-related travel rules, according to the Latvian tourism board .

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein, a landlocked country, is accessible through Switzerland or Austria. Switzerland handles all immigration for Liechtenstein. COVID-19-related travel restrictions have been lifted in Liechtenstein, according to the European Union .

Lithuania no longer requires any pre-arrival testing or proof of vaccination to visit, according to the national tourism development agency .

Luxembourg welcomes travelers from all countries, regardless of their vaccination status, according to the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg . Travelers do not need any pre-arrival COVID-19 tests.

Malta has eliminated all pandemic-related travel restrictions, according to the Malta Tourism Authority .

Moldova does not have any COVID-19-related entry restrictions in place for U.S. travelers, according to the U.S. Embassy in Moldova .

To get to Monaco, most visitors must travel through France. Monaco does not have any pandemic-related travel restrictions in place, according to the government .

Montenegro does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place, according to the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro . Face masks are required on public transportation, according to the country’s government .

Netherlands

The Netherlands has lifted COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the government .

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is open to American travelers who are not required to undergo any COVID-related entry requirements, according to the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia .

Norway has discontinued all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, including pre-arrival testing, according to the government . 

Poland has lifted all pandemic-era entry rules, including for vaccination and testing, according to the government . 

Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira, no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter, according to Visit Portugal .

Romania has lifted all pandemic-era entry rules, according to the government . 

San Marino is a landlocked country surrounded by Italy. The country doesn’t have any specific COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the International Air Transport Association .

Serbia has removed all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia .

Slovakia has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, according to Slovakia Travel . Travelers no longer have to show any proof of vaccination or tests to enter hotels, restaurants, or other venues.

Slovenia has eliminated pandemic-era travel restrictions, according to the government .

Spain has dropped all COVID-19-related health controls at entry points, according to the government , becoming one of the last European countries to do so. However, the country still asks that travelers from outside the European Union travel with either proof of vaccination administered within 270 days, proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, proof of a negative rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure, or proof they contracted COVID-19 and recovered within 180 days.

Sweden no longer has any COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden .

Switzerland

Switzerland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Federal Office of Public Health .

Turkey is open to foreign travelers and does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey .

Visitors to Ukraine must show proof of either vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine . Travelers must also have a health insurance policy to cover the potential costs of COVID-19 treatment.

The U.S. Department of State has currently issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning against visiting Ukraine due to the ongoing war and Russian invasion.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has dropped all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the government .

Vatican City

Vatican City is the world's smallest country and is encircled by the Italian city of Rome. It is open to travelers who are able to enter Italy .

The information in this article reflects that of the publishing time above. However, as statistics and information regarding coronavirus rapidly change, some figures may be different from when this story was originally posted. While we strive to keep our content as up to date as possible, we also recommend visiting sites like the CDC or websites of local health departments.

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Travelling to the EU and Schengen area

You do not need a visa for short trips to the EU or countries in the Schengen area if both of the following apply:

• you’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period
• you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons

Other reasons include:

• studying a short course
• getting medical treatment
• travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference
• journalism or other media activities

Check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting to find out what you can and cannot do during your stay.

These rules do not apply to travelling and working in Ireland .

Travelling to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period

You can travel to more than one country in a 180-day period. How long you can stay in each country depends on whether or not it’s in the Schengen area.

The countries in the Schengen area are:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Your total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. It does not matter how many countries you visit. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

To work out if your stay is within the 90 day limit, use the following steps.

Check the date you plan to leave the Schengen area on your next trip.

Count back 180 days from that date to get the start of the 180-day period.

Add up the number of days you have already spent in the Schengen area in that 180-day period (you can use the dates stamped in your passport showing when you entered and left a country).

Work out how many days you will spend in the Schengen area on your next trip. Add this number to the number of days you worked out in step 3.

Check that the total number of days is not more than 90.

Travelling to EU countries that are not in the Schengen area

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not in the Schengen area. You can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in each of these countries without a visa.

Any time you spend in the Schengen area does not affect the number of days you can spend in these countries.

When you may need a visa

​​You may need a visa or permit if you want to either:

• stay for more than 90 days

If you’re travelling for work, check the rules for the country you’re visiting .

If you’re travelling for another reason or staying longer than 90 days, check the entry requirements for the country you’re visiting .

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New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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All Britons need to know about the new EU travel entry scheme

More travel restrictions on the horizon, extra mallorca health care for british tourists.

• Spain wants Britons to show they have 113.40 euros, £97, per day for their holidays

Make sure your passports are in order to avoid any last minute disappointments. | Majorca Daily Bulletin reporter

The travel association ABTA has published new information for British travellers on the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System ( EES ) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) , to help people prepare for, and understand, the changes.

EES is a new electronic system that will replace the physical stamping of passports on arrival into EU/Schengen countries, and is expected to go live in autumn 2024 . ETIAS is the EU’s new travel authorisation which people will need to apply for ahead of their travels, it is scheduled to be introduced in mid-20251 .

ABTA says that, as these are two big changes affecting the UK’s most popular travel destinations, it is important that everyone is aware of what is happening and what the changes mean for their customers. Graeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA – The Travel Association said: “EES and ETIAS are two big changes coming down the line which members and travellers will need to adapt to.

“While many details are still not yet available about the new systems, we’re keen to share what we know so far with members to help them consider about what they may mean for their businesses and their customers. “ABTA is working closely with the EU departments responsible for implementing these changes – who recognise us as a crucial partner in getting important information to the UK travel trade and consumers. We’re also speaking to relevant UK Government departments about the changes.”

Upcoming changes for travel to Europe

The European Union is introducing two important changes for travel to Europe. These are: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) which is due to come into force in autumn 2024. European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), due in mid-2025. If you are travelling this summer, these changes won’t yet be in place, so there is nothing you need to do.

However, if you are planning to travel later this year or next year, we’ve provided some guidance on what you need to know about the upcoming changes. EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) – expected autumn 2024 The EU Entry/Exit system is a new electronic system that will replace the physical stamping of passports when you go through passport control on arrival. It will register all entries and exits to and from the participating European countries, which basically means it will register your movements every time you cross a border in or out of the EU/Schengen area .

Once the new system is live, when you go through passport control on arrival, as well as providing your passport you will also need to have a photo of your face taken, and your fingerprints scanned . EES is due to be introduced in autumn 2024, however an exact date is still to be confirmed.

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Who will it apply to? It will apply to those travelling for a short stay, from what the EU call a ‘third country’. This is people who are not an EU citizen or a citizen of the Schengen area. So it will apply to most people travelling from the UK. A short stay refers to visits, holidays or business trips that have a duration of up to 90 days and are taken within a 180 day period. The vast majority of travel between the UK and Europe will be classed as a short stay. Irish passport holders are exempt from EES. If you are a British passport holder but have EU residency, you are also exempt from EES.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) – expected mid-2025 ETIAS is the EU’s new travel authorisation which you will need to apply for ahead of your travels. It is a similar concept to the USA’s ESTA and the UK’s ETA scheme. It is due to be introduced in mid-2025, but there is not yet an exact date as to when it will come into force. This means you do not need to have a ETIAS for travel to Europe at the moment. When implemented, travellers will be able to apply for an ETIAS by the official website – www.europa.eu/etias. As the system is not live, the website itself is not live or taking applications, so you cannot yet get an official ETIAS. Any websites claiming to offer this are false.

Who will it apply to? When the system is up and running in 2025, visa-exempt travellers from third countries will need to apply for an ETIAS. Put simply, if you are travelling to the EU for a short stay and are not a citizen of an EU or Schengen country, then you will need an ETIAS. A short stay refers to visits, holidays or business trips that have a duration of up to 90 days and are taken within a 180 day period. If you are travelling on a visa, you don’t need an ETIAS. Irish passport holders are exempt from ETIAS. If you are a British passport holder but have EU residency you also don’t need an ETIAS.

How much will an ETIAS cost? ETIAS will only cost €7 (equivalent to around £6). ETIAS is free for those under the age of 18 and aged 70 and over. Once ETIAS is live, certain travellers may be exempt. You can find the list of exemptions here.

How long will it be valid for? ETIAS lasts for three years. You will be able to travel on multiple trips during this period using the same ETIAS. However, if your passport expires during the ETIAS validity period, you will need to apply for a new ETIAS. It will also not be valid if it expires during your stay, in these cases you would need to apply for a new ETIAS in advance of your travels, to cover the duration of your stay.

How to apply There is one official website to apply for an ETIAS which is – www.europa.eu/etias. However, as ETIAS is not currently operational, applications via the website are not yet live. You will need to do one application for each traveller, so if you are a parent applying for a child, they would need a separate application to your own.

You do have the option for someone to make an application on your behalf. If you want to do that, you will need to submit a form to show you give permission. More information will be available here – Applying on behalf of others - European Union (europa.eu)

What information do I need to provide? For each application you will need to provide: Personal information including name(s), date and place of birth, sex, nationality, home address, email address and phone number(s); Parents’ first name(s); Passport/travel document details; Level of education and current occupation; Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS; Details about any past criminal convictions, past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been the subject of an extradition. You should make sure that the details on your ETIAS match that of your passport, if they don’t your ETIAS will not be valid and you will not be able to travel. If you are applying on behalf of someone else, then there may be additional information you need to provide.

Fake websites offering ETIAS There are currently more than 60 unofficial websites offering ETIAS, despite the system not yet being live. Don’t use an unofficial website: there’s the risk that you will be overcharged, that you won’t get an ETIAS and that your personal information could be stolen.

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European union moves to crack down on foreign drivers.

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The European Union has made a major move to crackdown on foreign drivers who do not follow the rules ... [+] of the road.

Travelers to Europe who get behind the wheel may soon be more accountable when they engage in risky driving. The European Union has made a major move to crackdown on foreign drivers who do not follow the rules of the road.

New regulations approved on Wednesday by a European Parliament vote in Strasbourg, France, aim to ensure that more foreign-registered drivers face justice after committing road traffic offenses outside their home country.

The news was announced by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), a Brussels-based independent non-profit organization.

“Freedom of movement within the EU shouldn’t mean freedom to speed and drink-drive when away from home,” Ellen Townsend, policy director of the European Transport Safety Council, said in a statement.

Current rules on ‘cross-border enforcement’ within European Union member states have helped increase compliance, the safety group said, but in 2019 about 40% of offenses by foreign drivers were not followed up, either because the offender was not identified or because payment of the fine was not enforced.

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The updated rules agreed to by members of the European Parliament (MEPs) address these issues by creating new provisions that are designed to improve cooperation between EU countries.

Automated exchange of information between national authorities will continue to assist enforcement, and new mutual assistance procedures will be introduced to identify the offender and enforce fines, the safety group reported.

The most frequent and egregious offenses include speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol, but other offenses, like ‘hit and run’ – when a driver leaves the scene of a crash – will be covered under the new rules.

The legislation will come into force once it is written into the national law of all 27 EU Member States.

“It’s great that the EU is cracking down on this by extending the range of traffic offenses that can be followed up and improving the chances of fines being paid,” Townsend added. “It’s unfortunate that we still don’t have a way of applying penalty points across borders – this is an issue that EU policymakers will have to return to. Nonetheless, this deal is a step forward for road safety.”

Safety on roads abroad is a serious issue for travelers. For example, traffic crashes have been and remain the biggest killer of healthy Americans traveling in other countries, according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), a nonprofit advocacy group.

“ASIRT is pleased about the passage of long overdue legislation ensuring that more foreign drivers who commit traffic offenses in host countries will be held accountable,” Rochelle Sobel, ASIRT’s founder, told Forbes, “and that to this end there will be greater cooperation between countries. The knowledge that breaking road rules in other countries can be tracked and those who do so will suffer the consequences is critical.

“ASIRT continues to stress the importance of road users traveling to other countries availing themselves of information about the regulations, road culture, road conditions and penalties in host countries as drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists,” she added.

ASIRT produces comprehensive road safety information in its country-specific Road Safety Reviews (RSR). Road conditions, dangerous highways to avoid, driver behavior and other crucial information for travelers is available for nearly 100 countries.

“We remain deeply concerned,” Sobel said, “that despite the fact that road crashes are the single greatest risk to their safety, many travelers and corporations who send their employees abroad still do not take the initiative to educate themselves and their staff about this potentially life saving information.”

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