Add this to your list of things to do before traveling to Europe – apply for travel authorization with ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
Starting January 1, 2023, all U.S. citizens will need this travel authorization to enter any of the 26 countries in Europe’s Schengen Zone. You can apply online with a valid passport, email address and credit card to pay the application fee, which is €7. There is no fee for those under 18 or over 70. You should be approved within about four days.
The authorization is good for three years or until your passport expires.
Here are the 26 countries in the Schengen Zone:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The travel authorization will also be required in San Marino, Vatican City, and Monaco will also require the