Across the globe, new entry requirements are coming online that will make international travel safer. The the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) affect American travelers heading to Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand — and you can find everything you need to know about these two programs in this blog post.
At a Glance
Below, find a full breakdown of both programs.
ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorization — a security measure that all all visa-exempt foreign visitors (including U.S. citizens) must apply for and obtain before traveling to certain destinations.
Several nations require ETAs for visiting travelers - see the list below for applicable destinations and the tours that visit these countries.
All non-visa travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an ETA prior to entry into any of the above countries. The U.S. is included in this list.
You can apply via smartphone app for some ETAs, and online for others. A full breakdown is below.
United Kingdom
Australia
New Zealand
Kenya
Application should take no more than 20 minutes, the automated assessment process will start immediately after the application is submitted, and approved travelers will receive confirmation within three business days.
Fees for each application range from $13 to $72 per person.
Your ETA is digitally linked to your passport, so you do not need to bring any physical documents with you, though we recommend printing a copy of your email confirmation to bring with you. Upon arrival at a border crossing point, the border guard will be able to electronically read the travel document data after scanning your passport.
ETA requirements are unique and vary by destination, but typically include the same basic information: full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, passport information, phone number, email address, travel details, and a photograph for identification purposes.
We recommend you obtain an ETA 60-75 days before your departure date (and 45-60 days for Kenya). Although many ETAs are approved within three business days, this allows ample time for any processing delays while still allowing you to input your flight information into the application.
ETAs for the United Kingdom and New Zealand are valid for two years from the date of issue, the Australian ETA is valid for one year from the date of issue, and Kenya's ETA is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, a new travel authorization database that the European Union is expected to implement in early 2026. This program will require all travelers from the U.S. to obtain an authorization (not a visa) prior to their trip.
According to a European Commission press release:
"The ETIAS authorization is not a visa. Nationals of visa liberalization countries will continue to travel the EU without a visa but will simply be required to obtain a travel authorization via ETIAS prior to their travel... An ETIAS travel authorization does not reintroduce visa-like obligations. There is no need to go to a consulate to make an application...and significantly less information is gathered than during a visa application procedure."
The ETIAS is expected to be implemented in early 2026. If you have reserved a tour that will be impacted by the implementation of ETIAS, we will contact you in advance of your tour date to ensure you have sufficient time to apply for an ETIAS. We will also update this post when the official launch date is announced.
The ETIAS will be required for all travelers visiting countries within the European Union and Schengen Area:
All non-visa travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain ETIAS authorization prior to entry into any of the above European countries. The U.S. is included in this list. For a full list of visa-exempt countries, click here.
First, you will complete an online application via a dedicated website or mobile app. This application is expected to take 10–20 minutes to complete. The automated assessment process will start immediately after the application is submitted, and the vast majority of applicants (expected to be more than 95%) will be approved within minutes. You'll receive an email with confirmation of your ETIAS submission, and after approval, you'll receive an email response confirming your travel authorization.
The application process will include a fee of 7EUR for travelers between ages 18 and 70. Travelers outside this age range will not need to pay the fee (but will still need to complete the application).
Your ETIAS authorization is digitally linked to your passport, so you do not need to bring any physical documents with you (though printing your authorization email just to be safe is never a bad idea). Upon arrival at a border crossing point, the border guard will be able to electronically read the travel document data after scanning your passport.
The ETIAS will require such information as biometric data (e.g., name, gender, date of birth, etc.), passport information, health information, criminal record, and previous EU immigration history, if applicable (see a full list of requirements here).
More details on application requirements can be found here.
The application website has not been made public yet. Once it goes live, we recommend you apply at least several weeks before your trip as a precaution (although to reiterate, some 95% of authorizations will be approved and available to print within minutes).
The EU recommends applying before you book any travel accommodations or transportation as a safety measure, in case additional information is needed for your authorization.
Your ETIAS will be valid for multiple entries over a period of three years or until the date of your passport expiry, whichever is sooner. A valid ETIAS entitles you to stay in the applicable countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Find answers to more ETIAS questions on the European Union's website here.
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