Americans interested in visiting Europe may want to do so before 2021.

According to a report, the European Union said any U.S. travelers coming to the European Schengen area will need another kind of visa for entrance.

The visa called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS, for short) will be required effective Jan. 1, 2021, but it’s not known how much it’ll cost Americans to attain.

The visa will be necessary to visit 22 of the 26 countries that make up the European Schengen region such as Germany, France, Spain and Italy. Americans who want to travel to the United Kingdom do not need this visa.

For Americans to get this visa, they must hold a valid passport, have an email account and use a debit or credit card to apply for it. They’ll also be required to answer basic security questions. Minors do not need the visa; just their regular passport.

The visa will good for three years and allows visitors access any time during this timeframe.

Americans are allowed to travel in Europe for 90 days without a visa.

Why the need for the new visa?

The ETIAS website said the visa is the result of Europe looking to improve its security level to stave off any more issues with terrorism and illegal migration. With the new visa process, European customs and immigration authorities can check travelers out ahead of time, confirming their status before the visitors get on the flight.

Europe is vested in keeping its citizens safe, and ensuring safety when traveling.

Building displaying the European flag.

Source:  Travel Pulse

The World Brief was written exclusively for World Footprints by contributor Susan Powell.

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