Are you planning a golfing trip to Europe for 2024? Even if you are a U.S. national used to travel to the European Union without requiring a visa, you may need to complete some new digital paperwork before.
This week, the official travel website of the EU announced that beginning in 2024 visitors from 60+ countries who are not required to obtain a visa will be required to submit an application for entry into 30+ countries via the European Travel Information and Authorization System. The visas that are required will no longer be paper documents, but digital links to the passport of visitors.
The announced program for 2024 excludes the Republic of Ireland. This is a notable omission, as Ireland is probably the most popular EU country for U.S. golfers on trips. For those who have been busy hitting balls on the golf range and missed the news, popular golf destinations England Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland no longer belong to the EU. This new application process does not apply.
Currently, U.S. citizens do not need to submit an application. However, this will change for trips beginning Jan. 1. EU officials said that ETIAS approval usually takes only a few moments, but it can take several days. It’s therefore best to apply early to avoid any hassles or missed tee time.
The application process will be conducted through an app and official website. Travelers will also need to submit their passport details or other documents to which a visa can be attached. The application process is not yet open.
The fee for processing is currently 7 euros. This is less than $8. Seniors over 70 and children under 18 can apply free of charge. The approval allows 90 days of stay in the country selected over a period of 180 days. It is valid for three years, or until the expiration date on the passport that it is registered to. Children can be represented by their parents or legal guardians.
This program is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) that the U.S. uses for many of their international visitors.
ETIAS approval will also be required by citizens of Canada and Great Britain. Australia, too, is on the list. Click here to view the complete list of countries that will require approval.
Below is a list of countries that require an ETIAS, according to the official travel website of the European Union.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
