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Do Americans Need ETIAS to Travel to Europe? What to Know Before Visiting Italy or Greece
- Sonja Thayer
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve been hearing about a new travel rule called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, you may be wondering:
Do Americans suddenly need a visa to visit Europe?
The short answer is no.
But there is a small change coming in the next few years, and understanding it now can save confusion later.
Let’s break it down.
When Does ETIAS Start?
ETIAS has not started yet.
The system is currently expected to launch in late 2026, and there will likely be a transition period before it becomes mandatory.
So if you are planning a trip to Italy, Greece, or anywhere else in Europe before then, nothing changes.
Travel remains exactly the same as it is today.
Is ETIAS a Visa?
No.
ETIAS is not a visa.
It is simply a pre-travel authorization for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the United States.
It works similarly to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which travelers complete before visiting the United States.
Once the system launches, Americans visiting Europe will complete a short online application before their trip.
How the ETIAS Application Will Work
When the program begins, travelers will:
Fill out a short online application
Pay a small fee (currently expected to be about €20)
Receive authorization linked to their passport
Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes.
Children under 18 and adults over 70 will still need authorization but are expected to be exempt from the fee.
How Long ETIAS Is Valid
Once approved, ETIAS will usually be valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires.
That means multiple trips to Europe without reapplying.
So whether you return for another visit to Italy or decide Greece is calling you back, the same authorization should cover those trips.
How Long Americans Can Stay in Europe
ETIAS does not change the current travel limits.
Americans can still stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
This includes many of the most popular destinations for travelers:
Italy
Greece
France
Spain
Portugal
and much of the rest of Europe.
Can You Apply for ETIAS Yet?
No.
Applications have not opened yet.
When the system launches, travelers should apply through the official European Union website. Until then, there is nothing you need to do.
If you see websites offering ETIAS applications today, they are likely third-party services charging unnecessary fees.
What This Means for Travelers
The reality is simple.
Travel to Europe is not suddenly becoming complicated.
When ETIAS arrives, it will simply mean filling out one quick online form before your trip.
And once that’s done, you’ll still be able to do the things that make travel to Europe so special — wandering through Tuscan villages, sharing long meals with locals, or swimming in the clear blue waters of Greece.
Those are the experiences that make people fall in love with a place.
It’s also exactly the kind of travel experience I love to create on my retreats in Italy and Greece, where we slow down, connect with local culture, practice yoga and breathwork, explore beautiful landscapes, and experience these places in a deeper way.
Because sometimes travel isn’t just about visiting somewhere new.
It’s about remembering how good life can feel when you step outside your routine and into something inspiring.
And Europe will always be a wonderful place to do exactly that.
If Italy or Greece has been calling your name lately, you can explore my upcoming retreats and travel experiences here.
Common Questions About ETIAS
Do Americans need ETIAS to visit Italy?
Not yet. ETIAS is expected to launch in late 2026.
Will Americans need a visa for Greece?
No. ETIAS is not a visa. It is simply a travel authorization.
How long can Americans stay in Europe?
Up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The expected fee is about €20, although travelers under 18 and over 70 will likely be exempt.
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