EU EES, Entry/Exit System starts 10/12/2025 - European Travel Information and Authorization System - ETIAS will be operational in 2026, UK ETA has started

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This is going to be confusing, two systems (now three), sound alike, but are different and require purchase before traveling.  EU EES has started July 30, 2025, EU Entry/Exit System has been added to begin rolling out ETIAS.  Verify with your airline, cruise line, and check online, you have to know what you need.  

Americans Can Continue Travelling to EU Without an ETIAS for now; on April 2, 2025, the UK version of ETA begins.   Check ETIAS News & Information for Visitors Coming to Europe website, you will need to know before traveling to Europe.  It's time to re-check your electronic travel authorization requirements.  It's not a VISA requirement, it's the new Electronic Travel Authorization for Europe, from the European Union.  You may not need a visa, but you may need an ETIAS.  And, if going between Schengen countries and non-Schengen, you may need a multi-access travel authorization.  

ETIAS is not a visa, it is an electronic travel authorization, also known as a visa waiver.

The UK has ETA also called Electonic Travel Authorization; they are not the same thing.  ETA for the UK is simply downloading an app, register, sign in, fill out the info needed and pay. 

It is recommended you apply for the travel authorization before planning a trip, it does say the process is quick but expect delays once it becomes operational.  

And, as you would expect, all require a fee.

This link will take you to the ETIAS application.

From the ETIASvisa.com or ETIAS.com website (where you will find a lot more detail, including a list of countries)

The UKETA is found at Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK

U.S. citizens travelling to Europe will shortly need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), the new travel authorization for Europe that will come into effect in 2024.  

ETIAS for Americans | Europe Entry Requirements for US Citizens

Beginning 2025 Americans travelling to a European country in the Schengen zone will be able to apply for ETIAS. The Schengen Area is composed of European Union countries like France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, and Spain, as well as 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. ETIAS will permit visa-free travel to all Schengen countries for short stays during its validity.  You will find a map on the ETIASvisa.com website.

Non-EU citizens from visa-waiver countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States will need to apply.

International carriers (airlines, coaches, and sea carriers) will verify passengers hold a valid ETIAS before boarding. It will also be checked at the external Schengen border.

With ETIAS, eligible travelers can visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per 180-day period for tourism, business, or short-term study. To stay for longer than 3 months, or for other purposes, a visa application must be submitted.

Your ETIAS check-list