Key Takeaways:
• Visa-exempt travelers (including US and UK passport holders) to 30 E.U. countries will require an Authorization for Short Stay (business and pleasure travel) beginning in 2024
• Authorization will be granted via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), an online application that will link approval directly to the traveler’s passport
• The application will be fast, inexpensive, and simple, but impacted travelers should apply well in advance of planned travel in case of technical, procedural, or substantive eligibility delays
| Traveler Passport From: | Requires ETIAS Authorization to: |
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Beginning in 2024, certain visa-exempt travelers (including U.S. and U.K. passport holders) to 30 E.U. countries will require an Authorization for Short Stay (business and pleasure travel). The precise roll-out date is yet to be announced but impacted business and pleasure travelers, as well as Global Mobility Teams who support such travel, should now consider these new requirements as they plan for 2024 E.U. travel (as early as January 1, 2024).
Applications for ETIAS authorization will be made online or via the ETIAS app. The cost will be 7 EUR and applications will be approved within four (4) days, most of them immediately. In some cases where an applicant is asked to provide additional information or documentation, processing can extend to 14 days, or 30 days if an in-person interview is required. Some issues which may extend processing time could be past criminal matters, prior E.U. immigration violations (overstay or unauthorized activity), or background/security checks where an individual works in certain sensitive industries.
Once approved, the ETIAS authorization will be valid up to the earlier of three (3) years or until the associated passport expires. Travelers who obtain a new passport during the validity period will require a new authorization. The authorization allows multiple entries and short-term stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) to any of the applicable countries). Similar to prior visa-exempt short-term stays, the ETIAS authorization does NOT convey work authorization, and where the activity exceeds permissible ‘visitor’ activities, additional visa/work permits will be required.
Applicants who are refused the ETIAS authorization may appeal, but may be found ineligible and require a (more resource and time consuming) visa to facilitate entry to the participating countries.
Currently available information about the ETIAS program is found here.
Please contact your Dentons Immigration Group member if you have any questions.
