Two different travel authorizations will soon be required for travelers—who do not need a visa—to travel to select European countries.
1. European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) Travel Authorization
Starting in 2025*, U.S. passport holders—along with visa-exempt nationals from many other countries—will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to 30 European countries.
Once authorized through ETIAS, travelers may visit those countries as often as needed for short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Applications—once available—can be submitted using the official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile app.
The application will cost seven euros (approximately $8 USD) and the authorization will be valid for up to three years. Similar to passport application fees, the ETIAS application fee is not reimbursable as a U-M business expense since the authorization can also be used for personal travel.
Most applications should be processed within minutes, but may take up to four days. Some approvals could take up to 30 days if additional information is required. Make sure to apply well in advance of your trip. The ETIAS website recommends applying at least 30 days in advance of your trip. You must have a planned trip to one of the included countries to apply, as the first country you visit is a required field on the application.
The official ETIAS website and this FAQ have more information about the new authorization requirements and process.
2. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for the UK
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will soon be required for passport holders from select countries who do not need a visa to come to the UK. It will give permission to travel to the UK and will be electronically linked to your passport. The ETA will be required for travelers to:
- Come to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or study
- Come to the UK for up to three months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- Transit (layover) through the UK—including if you’re not going through UK border control
The new ETA requirement will be rolled out in a phased approach:
- November 15, 2023: Qatar passport holders will need an ETA, with applications available beginning October 25, 2023.
- February 22, 2024: Passport holders from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates will need an ETA, with applications available beginning February 1, 2024.
- Throughout 2024: Requirements for passport holders from all other visa-exempt countries—including the United States—are expected to roll out by the end of 2024.
Once available, applications can be submitted using the UK ETA mobile app or on the GOV.UK website. The authorization will cost 10 British pounds (approximately $13 USD) and will be valid for up to two years. Similar to passport application fees, the fee is not reimbursable as a U-M business expense, since the ETA can also be used for personal travel.
Most ETA applicants should get a decision within three working days, but it may take longer if additional information is required. Travelers are advised to apply at least a few days before their planned trip to the UK.
Please review the ETA website and this informational video to learn more about the new authorization requirements and process.
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*Previously reported 2024 however it is now postponed to 2025. ETIAS.com