One benefit U.S travelers to Europe have long enjoyed is a visa waiver, as many countries have allowed Americans to visit for of up to 90 days for tourism without a visa.

However, starting in 2025, U.S. travelers will have to go through a few more steps to visit much of Europe.

More than two dozen countries will soon require visitors from the U.S., United Kingdom and many other visa-exempt countries to apply for a pre-travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, commonly known as “ETIAS.”

Here’s what you should know about ETIAS.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a travel security program set to launch in 2025 for travelers from visa-exempt countries to enter the Schengen Area. Affected travelers include U.S. citizens.

The program is being implemented as a method of protecting the region’s borders. It requires an online application and fee, and approval is needed for all short-term stays including vacations and business trips.

Though not a visa, it is an additional clearance step for visitors to the region. An ETIAS approval allows you to visit the included countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

When is the estimated ETIAS start date?

According to the European Commission’s latest update in October 2023, ETIAS is set to launch at some point in the first half of 2025, though an exact date has yet to be announced. The program has already been delayed multiple times in the past, so an official start date is still to be determined.

Is ETIAS approval required for U.S. citizens?

ETIAS is required for travelers from visa waiver countries — those whose citizens can enter the Schengen area without needing to apply for a visa — which includes the U.S.

Along with ETIAS for U.S. citizens, those from 59 other countries will also need to apply to visit Europe. These countries include, but aren’t limited to, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

A full list of countries that will require ETIAS approval to visit Europe is located on the official ETIAS webpage.

Which destinations will require an ETIAS application for entry?

If you’re headed to one of the countries listed below, you’ll need to fill out an ETIAS application prior to traveling.

ETIAS countries:

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.