5 Reasons Every US Citizen Needs to Apply for ETIAS Before Traveling to Europe

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, an entry requirement that every traveler from the United States must apply for before they are allowed to travel to the Schengen Area. The ETIAS program in the US will take effect by the end of 2022. That means that if you are a US citizen and have not yet applied for ETIAS, you will not be able to enjoy the many benefits of having an ETIAS visa waiver.

1. You Don’t Have to Apply for a Visa Every Time You Travel to Schengen Zone

If you’re a US citizen, you don’t have to apply for a visa every time you travel to the Schengen Zone. All you need is a valid passport and an ETIAS visa waiver. With ETIAS, you can travel to all 26 Schengen countries without having to go through the hassle and expense of applying for a visa each time. Applying for a visa through the embassy takes more time and is expensive, especially if you need to do it in person.

One good thing about ETIAS is that it’s valid for three years and doesn’t expire unless the application date has passed or if there are false statements on the application form. It’s also cheaper because it costs €7 per year and is free for those under 18 years old instead of €60 per person. However, you may ask, when will etias be required for US citizens? While the exact date has not been set yet, from the end of 2022, US citizens will need to get an ETIAS to travel freely within the Schengen area. If you plan on traveling to any of these countries, it’s time to get an ETIAS right now, so your travels are smooth sailing!

2. You Can Stay in The Zone for More Than 90 Days.

A visa will allow you to stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days, if not for tourism or business purposes. However, if you need to extend your stay beyond that, this could cost anywhere from €60-300. It is also possible that the embassy may deny you a visa. However, an ETIAS application avoids all of these fees and concerns. The ETIAS visa waiver will allow you to stay longer than the 90 day Schengen limit. That way, you’ll never have to worry about overstaying your welcome again.

3. ETIAS Will Allow You to Freely Travel All The 26 Schengen Countries

By the end of 2022, US citizens will have an option to apply for ETIAS before traveling to the 26 countries in the Schengen zone. That includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. ETIAS is a quick and easy online application that takes just a few minutes to complete. Once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for multiple regional trips over three years.

4. It’s Easy to Apply

Applying for ETIAS is a quick and easy process that you can do entirely online. All you need is a valid passport, an email address, and a credit or debit card. You will also need to provide basic information about yourself, including your full name, date of birth, and country of citizenship. Also, you’ll have to answer some security questions. The information you provide helps in assessing the eligibility. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

It’s crucial to note that it takes less time and costs than applying for a visa through the embassy. If you are traveling by air, you should apply for ETIAS at least 72 hours before departure, whereas if traveling by land or sea, you should fill out the application form at least 15 days before departure.

5. It Will Help Improve Security

The primary goal of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is to strengthen security throughout the Schengen Area. It will help enhance security from terrorism threats, illegal immigrants, people smuggling, and any other illicit activity that could put lives at risk within Europe and beyond. ETIAS will make it easier to identify potential risks and keep everyone safe by collecting data on travelers in advance and running security checks.

Takeaway

ETIAS will ensure that eligible travelers from the US can visit Europe freely. You can visit European countries without applying for a visa or any other travel restriction, but you must apply for ETIAS before traveling there to enjoy these benefits. You can also apply through an agent, who can process your application in five minutes or less, and then submit it on your behalf – all you need is your valid passport, credit or debit card, and an email account.

The post 5 Reasons Every US Citizen Needs to Apply for ETIAS Before Traveling to Europe appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.

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By: Marina 'Travel Experta'
Title: 5 Reasons Every US Citizen Needs to Apply for ETIAS Before Traveling to Europe
Sourced From: travelexperta.com/5-reasons-every-us-citizen-needs-to-apply-for-etias-before-traveling-to-europe/
Published Date: Tue, 26 Jul 2022 19:30:04 +0000

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