Autumn is arriving in Europe, and the forests are beginning to turn brilliant shades of red and gold. In France and Italy, the grape harvest and winemaking season is getting underway. After an intensely hot summer, the cities seem quieter, gentler, and more relaxed.
This is an ideal time for families to explore countries across the European Union. Traveling from September onward means avoiding both the summer heat and the crowds of international tourists. Airfares, hotels, and other travel expenses may also be more affordable than during the peak season.
This year, however, travel to Europe comes with a small—but very important—change that anyone planning an upcoming trip needs to know about. If travelers overlook these new requirements, they could encounter serious problems at the airport. By then, it may be too late, as the airline could refuse to let them board.
Nothing could be more disappointing than arriving at the airport with the entire family—suitcases, carry-on bags, and backpacks in hand—excitedly waiting in line at the airline counter, only to be told that you cannot travel because you do not meet the destination’s entry requirements.
Here is the issue: The United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand now require foreign visitors—including U.S. passport holders—to obtain digital pre-travel authorization or undergo biometric screening. Without the required authorization or screening, travelers may be denied boarding.
In the past, U.S. citizens generally needed only a valid passport to visit hundreds of countries worldwide, provided they did not remain beyond the permitted length of stay—usually 90 to 180 days, and sometimes longer. Upon arriving in another country, American travelers simply presented their passports at immigration, where an officer stamped them “ENTRY.” When leaving, they passed through immigration again and received an “EXIT” stamp. That was how international travel traditionally worked.
Under the newly announced requirements, U.S. citizens still do not need a traditional visa to enter countries that offer visa-free travel. However, they may now need digital pre-travel authorization or biometric screening. Applying for these authorizations is generally straightforward and involves only a relatively small processing fee.
The following destinations require travelers to complete additional procedures before or upon arrival:
United Kingdom
All U.S. travelers visiting or transiting through the United Kingdom must obtain an ETA—Electronic Travel Authorization—before departure.
This requirement applies to tourism, family visits, business meetings, and short-term study programs lasting up to six months.
The ETA application fee is approximately $26. Once approved, it remains valid for two years and permits multiple entries. Applications submitted through the official UK ETA app, available from the Apple App Store and Google Play, are often reviewed and approved within minutes. However, the British Home Office recommends applying at least three days before departure.
Europe
Beginning this past April, countries in the Schengen Area—a group of 29 nations consisting of 25 European Union members and four non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland—began using a biometric screening system known as the EES, or European Union Entry/Exit System.
Travelers complete the procedure upon arriving in the first Schengen country on their itinerary. The process includes providing fingerprints from four fingers, having a facial photograph taken, and submitting passport information. Once the procedure is completed, travelers may continue throughout the Schengen Area.
The European Union also plans to introduce another system called ETIAS—the European Travel Information and Authorization System—later this year.
U.S. passport holders will be required to apply online and pay a fee of approximately $21.80 before departure.
ETIAS is similar to the system used by the United States for foreign visitors who qualify for visa-free travel but must obtain an ESTA—Electronic System for Travel Authorization—before entering the country.
Travelers from countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program must receive ESTA approval before boarding an airplane or ship bound for the United States. Their immigration inspection then takes place at their first U.S. port of entry. The ESTA application fee is approximately $40.27.
Citizens of countries that do not participate in the Visa Waiver Program, including Vietnam, must obtain a U.S. visa from an American embassy or consulate before traveling. The length of time they are permitted to remain in the United States is determined by an immigration officer at the port of entry.
Australia
Visitors traveling to Australia must obtain an ETA—Electronic Travel Authority—before departure. This digital travel authorization can be requested through the official Australian ETA app or the Australian Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
The application fee is approximately $13.85.
An approved ETA allows multiple entries into Australia, with each visit lasting up to three months. The authorization remains valid for 12 months.
The Australian government advises travelers to apply only through the official app or government website. Third-party services may charge higher fees, and applications submitted through unauthorized providers may not be valid.
New Zealand
New Zealand requires eligible visa-exempt foreign visitors to obtain an NZeTA—New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority—before traveling. This requirement has been in effect since 2019.
An NZeTA is valid for two years and allows multiple entries, with each visit generally limited to a maximum of three months.
Travelers may apply through the official NZeTA app or the Immigration New Zealand website at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz.
The application fee is approximately $9.70, in addition to a $20 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
Canada and Mexico
For many years, U.S. citizens could visit their two neighboring countries—Canada to the north and Mexico to the south—with only a government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license. That is no longer sufficient for most international travel. A passport is now generally required.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents entering Canada do not need to obtain an eTA like visitors from many other countries. They may generally remain in Canada for up to six months.
Travelers from other visa-exempt countries must obtain a Canadian eTA—Electronic Travel Authorization—for a fee of approximately $5 per person.
Mexico does not require U.S. citizens to obtain an ETA. Travelers may instead be required to complete an FMM—Multiple Immigration Form, which may be provided aboard the aircraft or at the border. Visitors may be permitted to remain in Mexico for up to 180 days.
Before traveling to any foreign country, U.S. travelers should review the latest information from the U.S. Department of State at Travel.State.gov.
Travelers should also consider enrolling in STEP—the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad. It allows the Department of State to contact enrolled travelers quickly during an emergency.
Important updates and security alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can also be sent directly to travelers while they are visiting or residing in another country.
-Đức Hà-
Special to HuuTri.org