As per the European Union’s official travel portal, travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries will soon need to obtain European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) approval before embarking on their journeys, with the program’s launch pushed to 2025 from its initial 2024 schedule. ETIAS approvals will be electronically linked to the traveler’s passport, eliminating the need for physical documents.
While U.S. citizens currently enjoy visa-free travel to most European Union countries, this convenience is poised to change under the new regulations. In contrast, citizens from various countries have been required to apply for similar travel authorizations when visiting the United States since 2009, through the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) process, which bears resemblances to the forthcoming ETIAS system.