Answering Your ETIAS Questions So You Can Travel With Ease

Answering Your ETIAS Questions So You Can Travel With Ease

Something big is coming to shake up the travel world. For those who enjoy vacationing abroad, it’s time to start preparing for 2024 as new travel conditions are coming into place that are going to impact many US citizens. 

For travelers looking to escape to the historical lands of Europe, ensure you’re well-equipped to meet the new requirements coming into place as a new form of visa will come into effect, known as an ETIAS. 

This visa is something many seasoned travelers may not be aware of yet, let alone those of us who are novices when it comes to navigating the travel world, and something you definitely don’t want to get caught out on. Especially as it can essentially halt your European vacation at the airport’s doors if you do not have an ETIAS to hand!

But do not dispair, in this guide we’ll be answering all of your ETIAS questions and how this could impact a future vacation to Croatia. From what is an ETIAS, to who it will impact and providing you with the information required to ensure you’re properly prepared for travel to Europe in 2024. 

What is an ETIAS visa?

First on our extensive list of ETIAS questions is a fairly straightforward one – what is an ETIAS visa? Well to answer this, it is simply a new form of ETIAS travel authorisation and a mandatory entry requirement for all visa-exempt nationals. This means, without an ETIAS you will not be granted access to any EU countries once this comes into effect. 

It is important to note that an ETIAS visa is not the same as a passport, but rather an extension of your travel documents. It does not guarantee access to EU countries, and you will require other valid travel documents such as a passport to be granted entry. 

What is the purpose of ETIAS?

With an ETIAS visa, it is possible to enter a variety of EU countries as often as you want for short-term stays. This is normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Do US citizens need ETIAS?

Yes. An ETIAS is required for all visa-exempt nationals. So, if you’re a US citizen planning on traveling to any EU country that requires this visa in 2024, then you will be required to apply for an ETIAS. 

However, ETIAS are not required for citizens who are part of the EU countries where the visas are required for travel.

What countries will require ETIAS?

Countries that are part of the EU will require you to obtain an ETIAS as a travel authorisation document for entry into the country. View the full list of 30 European countries for which this ETIAS visa is required for here. 

For those looking to travel to Croatia from the US in 2024, you will be required to obtain an ETIAS before your departure date. For help organizing your vacation to Croatia and more information about what is required for entry into Croatia as a US citizen, speak to our travel specialists today. 

When will ETIAS be a requirement for all travelers?

There is no exact date in place for when the ETIAS to be required, however it is expected to be operational in 2024. You can find further updates here. 

Or if you’re planning to take a vacation to Croatia next year, get in touch with our travel experts who can assist you with all the required information needed for traveling to Croatia in preparation for your intended vacation. 

How long is ETIAS valid for?

Once you have applied for the ETIAS travel authorisation, this will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. A valid passport must accompany an ETIAS for you to be granted access into any of the European countries requiring ETIAS. Due to new travel restrictions implemented by the EU, your passport should be no older than 10 years and be valid for more than three months after the intended date of departure.

Within this three year period it is possible to leave and return from any of the selected EU countries as many times as you wish. Although you must stay within the allotted short-term stay allowance of 90 days in any 180-day period.

For help planning a vacation to Croatia and understanding if your travel documents meet the requirements for your next trip, talk to our travel experts today.

How to apply for an ETIAS visa?

It is a fairly simple process of how to apply for an ETIAS in preparation for your next vacation. All you will need to do is fill out and submit an application form. It is also possible to authorize somebody to do this for you.

Some applications can be processed within minutes, with the longest time before 96 hours. However, in some cases you may be asked to provide additional information or documentation before your application can be processed. In some rare cases you may be asked to attend an interview with national authorities as part of the process. 

It is advised you apply for the ETIAS travel authorization before you book your vacation. At Adventures Croatia, our team is always on-hand and ready to assist you with all parts of the travel planning process. So, if you require help obtaining this visa as part of the planning process, we’d be more than happy to assist you as needed.

How much will ETIAS cost?

You will need to pay a €7 Euro application fee when applying for an ETIAS visa. Individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70 are not required to pay the fee.

This is a one time payment only required during the application process and will need to be paid every time you reapply for an ETIAS.

What will you need for an ETIAS application?

To apply for an ETIAS you will be asked to provide the following:

• Personal information such as your name, date of birth, home address, etc.
• Your parents’ first name(s)
• Information about your travel document details
• Information about your education and current occupation
• Details about the country of your first intended stay and the address of your chosen destination
• Information about past criminal convictions, past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been the subject of a return decision

Booking a trip to Croatia in 2024

We hope this guide helped answer all of your burning ETIAS questions. As ETIAS are coming into effect in 2024, it is important that you apply for one if you are thinking about taking a vacation to Croatia next year. For help organizing your Croatia vacation, or if you have further ETIAS questions about how this change in entry requirement can impact your future travel plans, speak to our travel experts. 

Once you have secured your ETIAS, the world is your oyster, or at least the 30 EU countries it applies for are! Why not check out our private tours to Croatia to help get you in the travel mood, or why not book a custom tour with our travel specialists for a vacation that is completely tailored to your travel preferences?

Whatever it is you’re looking for in your 2024 vacation, we can help you plan it perfectly. Get in touch with our team now!