UPDATE: U.S. now to pay for a visa to travel to Europe

VOICE AIR MEDIA, News Update

As of this year 2024, the European Union will require visitors to get pre-approval via the European Travel Information and Authorisation System — and that goes for summer jet-setters from the U.S.

Before securing tickets, lodging, or a reservation at that trendy hotspot you saw on TikTok, vacationers must submit an ETIAS application for approximately $8.

Applicants must provide travel documentation, such as a passport, as well as personal information, education level, current occupation, anticipated trip details, and any criminal convictions.

While most applications are processed within minutes, some take longer to yield a decision and the European Union advises visitors to apply “well in advance.”

A response is promised within four days but could be extended by 14 to 30 days depending on the circumstance.

However, once the authorization is secured, it is valid for up to three years or until the visitor’s passport expires.

CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg said that “there is nothing to stop” the US from implementing its own visa charge and application process.

“It won’t be complicated, it’s just an annoyance,” he said, per CBS News. “Most Americans, in fact, all Americans, are not used to doing this to go to Europe so there’s going to be lots of surprises at boarding gates with people being denied boarding over the first couple of weeks if this goes into effect.”

CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg said that “there is nothing to stop” the US from implementing its own visa charge and application process.

“It won’t be complicated, it’s just an annoyance,” he said, per CBS News. “Most Americans, in fact, all Americans, are not used to doing this to go to Europe so there’s going to be lots of surprises at boarding gates with people being denied boarding over the first couple of weeks if this goes into effect.”