Do Americans need an ETIAS to travel to Europe?

Yes. From the end of 2026, US citizens will be required to obtain an ETIAS to enter the Schengen area, even if it’s just for a few days.

Europe is implementing this system to enhance border security, while maintaining ease of access for visa-exempt countries such as the USA. It works in a similar way to theAmerican ESTA, required since 2009 for Europeans traveling to the USA.

What exactly is ETIAS?

The ETIAS is not a visa, but an electronic travel authorization. It consists of a form to be filled in online, with a reply generally provided within 96 hours. Once approved, the authorization is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport. It will be required for :

Stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period;
Tourism, business travel, family visits and transit.

Do Americans need a Schengen visa in addition to ETIAS?

No. US citizens will continue to benefit fromvisa exemption for short stays. TheETIAS is an additional formality, but does not replace the Schengen visa. However :

For stays of over 90 days, a long-stay visa is still required.
For reasons such as work or study, an appropriate visa must be requested from the consulate of the country concerned.

How do I obtain ETIAS if I’m an American citizen?

Here are the steps to follow to obtain an ETIAS as soon as the system is operational:

Connect to the official ETIAS website;
Fill in the ETIAS form online;
Pay ETIAS fees. Under 18s and over 70s are exempt;
Wait for confirmation by e-mail ;
Travel with a valid passport to which the ETIAS is electronically linked.

Once obtained, the ETIAS will be valid for 3 years or until the passport expires.

Which countries are covered by ETIAS for Americans?

The ETIAS is required for entry into the 30 countries of the Schengen area and assimilated countries, including :

Click here for the full list of countries requiring ETIAS.

What’s in it for American travellers?

If you’re an American citizen planning to visit Europe from 2026 onwards, you’ll need to obtain ETIAS authorization before you leave. The process is fast, inexpensive, and essential to ensure a smooth trip to the Schengen area.

FAQ – ETIAS for US citizens

L’ETIAS est-il obligatoire pour tous les Américains, même pour un court séjour ?

Oui. Même pour un séjour de quelques jours dans un pays européen, l’ETIAS sera requis dès sa mise en place.

Un enfant américain a-t-il aussi besoin de l’ETIAS ?

Oui. L’autorisation est obligatoire pour chaque voyageur, quel que soit l’âge. En revanche, les enfants de moins de 18 ans sont exemptés de frais.

Est-ce que l’ETIAS remplace un visa Schengen ?

Non. L’ETIAS est une autorisation de pré-entrée, mais ce n’est pas un visa. Pour les séjours de plus de 90 jours ou certains motifs (travail, études), un visa reste nécessaire.

Peut-on voyager dans plusieurs pays européens avec un seul ETIAS ?

Oui. Une fois obtenu, l’ETIAS permet de voyager librement dans l’ensemble des pays membres de l’espace Schengen, pendant 90 jours sur 180.

Combien de temps avant le départ faut-il demander l’ETIAS ?

Il est recommandé de faire la demande au moins 4 jours avant le départ, même si la plupart des réponses sont traitées en quelques minutes.