As of 2024, U.S. citizens, regardless of their age, will need to apply online and pay a minor fee for a visa to enter Europe, according to a recent announcement.
Americans currently have free, visa-less access to 184 destinations worldwide, making it the eighth most powerful passport in the world, with Singapore, Germany, Italy and Spain taking the top positions.
The new regulation is called the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS and it will also affect visitors from Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
If the thought of a visa sounds stressful, don’t worry — it should be relatively painless, as the online application is brief, includes basic security, travel and biographical questions, the decision is sent via email within 96 hours and it costs just €7 (about $8).
The effort also has lasting results — once approved, the visa will be valid for multiple entries into Europe over three years, or until the traveler’s passport expires.
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