Starting in 2025, US travellers heading to Europe will face a change in how they access the Schengen Zone. 

The era of entirely visa-free travel to Europe for US passport holders is ending with the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). 

While Americans have long enjoyed seamless entry to many European countries, the ETIAS will now act as a mandatory pre-screening measure for non-EU citizens.

The system requires travellers to obtain online authorisation before boarding their flights. Though not a visa in the traditional sense, ETIAS adds an extra step for those accustomed to unrestricted travel. 

What does this mean for Americans flying to Europe in 2025? 

Well, outside of Ireland and the UK, it means you’ll have to be more diligent about how you fly, whether for leisure or business. 

It’s a simple step, but one that can cause a lot of hiccups if you don’t know what to do or how to apply for the ETIAS.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Europe as an American in 2025 under the new ETIAS requirements.

What is ETIAS?

Ninety days of unrestricted travel throughout the European Union, currently enjoyed by millions of US citizens each year, is soon to be a thing of the past.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, is the new requirement for entering the EU. This requirement impacts more than 60 nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Starting in 2025, US passport holders will lose visa-free travel rights and must undergo a visa application process before travelling to 30 EU countries, including the Schengen Area.

To apply for the ETIAS, you can use either the online platform or the app. The application fee is approximately US$8 and applies to all travellers aged between 18 and 70.

What to Know About the Entry/Exit System (EES)

As you start to research more about ETIAS, you’ll likely see a lot of information floating around online about the EES, which is the Entry/Exit System. While related, it isn’t the same as ETIAS.

The Entry/Exit System is a new border management initiative that began in November 2024 and is aimed at enhancing security and tracking who enters and exits 29 European countries. 

It applies to non-EU nationals, both visa-free and short-stay visa-required travellers staying up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

EES will replace the traditional passport stamping process with electronic records of entries, exits and refusals. The system will also collect biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, along with traveller passport details. 

The idea behind this (yet another) layer of security is to help ensure more precise data handling and strengthen border controls.

The reality, though?

Travellers can expect lengthier border checks during their first entry under EES, as biometric information will be processed at border crossing points. 

However, future entries may be streamlined if EU member states implement an app enabling passengers to pre-enrol their data before travelling. So, as is the case with ETIAS, we will have to wait and see how it all pans out.

How to Apply for the ETIAS as an American

To complete the application for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, you will need the following:  

• Passport information
• Personal details
• Any previous criminal records
• Reason for travelling.

The ETIAS website advises applicants to submit their applications well in advance of organising travel. 

In the case of a fraudulent or invalid passport, or if an applicant is deemed to be a security risk, the application would be denied. 

Why Was ETIAS Implemented?

What is the reason behind the introduction of this new visa requirement? 

According to the European Commission, the introduction of ETIAS is aimed at identifying security threats, irregular migration and epidemic risks. The screening process will involve checking applicants against EU information systems for border and security purposes. 

ETIAS can be compared to the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which requires citizens of 40 countries to apply online for authorisation before travelling to the United States for up to 90 days. 

The introduction of the EU’s version of this system aims to maintain a similar level of information gathering and control.

Both Canada and the US have a merit-based visa waiver program, while the EU follows a rule of reciprocity. The US government claims that the countries that are currently denied access have not yet met the criteria for the visa waiver.

While Europe may not be able to afford to lose tourist dollars from lazy people who won’t get visas (although countries like China are outpacing US tourism and diminishing the need for it), the objective of the European Union is to achieve full visa waiver reciprocity for all union members.

Why Can’t Americans Visit Europe Visa-Free Any More?

What gives, right? 

Well, first, it’s fair to reiterate that the US introduced a similar authorisation program back in 2008.

As mentioned, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is the American equivalent of the ETIAS. It requires European citizens (among others) to apply for a US$21 visa waiver to enter the country.

So, this is really about reciprocity than anything else. That said, the fact that visa-free travel to Europe is no longer possible means anything is up for grabs.

How did the unthinkable happen?

First, there was denial, then there was discussion, and then the issue got pushed onto the slippery slope, which almost always leads to a loss of freedom.

For instance, there used to be a time when people thought Social Security was sacrosanct… and then someone suggested that we would have to extend the retirement age. And when the National Security Agency was formally established, people argued that the NSA would never spy on US citizens.

There used to be a time, as well, when socialism and fascism were abhorred, and the idea that either ideology could have any credence in the US was laughable. People have said, ‘It could never happen!’ about things that eventually did, and the first step has always been discussion. 

Unfortunately, US passport holders’ visa restrictions are here.

While Americans would still have visa-free access to Ireland (which has opted out of the EU’s common visa policy) and the UK, the changes are a blow to the US passport as a practical travel document.

ETIAS: What’s Replacing Visa-Free Travel to Europe for Americans in 2025 – FAQs

Getting a Second Passport is Key to Maintaining Freedom

Developing countries may soon have better visa-free access than the US and Canada. 

Having a second passport in one of these countries may actually make sense now, not just as a Plan B, but as a means of entering countries you are denied access to as a US or Canadian passport holder.

In fact, some countries already have advantages over the US. For instance, Americans can’t visit several Latin American countries without burdensome visa procedures, particularly Brazil. 

The truth is that the quality of US (and now Canadian) passports is going down. Canada has been following the US in implementing its own version of ESTA and other nonsensical bureaucracy. 

Now, the rest of the world is finally sitting up and saying, ‘enough’.

Combine that with Europe’s push to fight terrorism and increase security, and your freedom of movement is on the line. There’s also a plan to implement a system that will record the fingerprints and photos of visitors travelling throughout Europe.

Who knows what else will be compromised in the name of information sharing, the tightening of security, or even just as a casualty of the political tit-for-tat that has Europe unsure whether they’ll let you in their borders.

Now, more than ever, it’s time to set up your Plan B, get that second residency, and work toward a second passport. 

Do you have a backup plan in place, a contingency plan in case of increasing threats to your freedom and political turmoil? 

From citizenship by descent, golden visas and second residence programs to offshore bank accounts and gold storage, legitimate options can help you diversify and safeguard your freedoms. 

If you’re ready to begin your own holistic strategy, apply here to become a Nomad Capitalist client.