US tourists are set to enjoy an extra year of fee-free travel within the European Union as the bloc has postponed introducing an entry fee. European officials officially confirmed the delay on Friday. To then reveal that the “ETIAS” travel authorization scheme would necessitate US travelers to complete an application form and pay €7 ($7.50). The new travel requirement will now be effective in 2025 instead of 2024, according to the original plan.
New Rules
These new regulations will apply to 60 visa-free countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada for fees. The European Union has stated that the application process for entry will take at most 10 minutes. Some travelers might encounter longer wait times, up to 30 days, should they encounter additional interviews. They could also be required to provide additional documentation.
Under the revised plan, the ETIAS authorization will remain valid for up to three years or until the passport expires. US tourists can visit the 27 countries within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days without a visa. The European border-free area includes countries like Spain, Italy, France, Croatia, Portugal, The Netherlands, and Greece, among others.
Digital Stamping
Despite the forthcoming introduction of entry fees, one notable change that US tourists won’t experience is the traditional passport stamp. The EU plans to replace manual passport stamping with a state-of-the-art digital system. This system relies on fingerprint and facial scans, with this transition expected to be fully implemented by 2024.
This delay is a boon for US travelers eager to visit Europe this year. International travel is gradually rebounding from the extensive setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the trade group Airlines for America reveals that the number of passengers traveling between the US and Europe in July of this year had surged by 14% compared to the same period in 2019.
The EU’s decision to postpone the implementation of the ETIAS entry fee will provide travelers with an additional year of unfettered access to the continent, an appealing prospect for those who wish to explore Europe without the financial constraints of entry charges.