Visa Requirements - 2021

[Alpinista]

Apologies if this has been addressed, but don't recall seeing a thread.

There is a program starting 1 JAN 2021 that will require US travelers to apply for an electronic visa before entering a Schengen-zone country, which includes Italy. You can sign up for a notification for the implementation of the on-line application system.

https://yourmileagemayvary.net/2019/02/27/info-about-visa-traveling-to-europe-u-s-citizen/

Appreciation to VICOGIRL51 (our wonderful "neighbor" in Italy who alerted me to this change).

 

[Parigi]

Schengen countries (you only need to get a visa to one of the countries): Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

 

[coleyfagiole]

Does anyone know if or how this affects the 90-day Schengen rule?

 

[JustTravel]

It is not really a visa but the equivalent of ESTA (US requirement) called ETIAS - European Travel Information and Authorisation System to address security concerns with terrorism and migrant crisis.

Here's the official website: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/etias

In part, it says -

"ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a completely electronic system which allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. In a way, it resembles the U.S Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose. The legal procedures to pass the ETIAS have started in 2016, and the system is expected to be in place by 2021."

 

[JustTravel]

Additional quote from the above website:

"Americans to Apply for EU Travel Authorization starting 2021
US citizens will have to apply for an ETIAS prior to their travel towards Europe, in order to be allowed to enter the territory, starting January 1, 2021.

The ETIAS visa waiver stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, which will require US passport holders to apply online for an entry permit in Europe before entering the area, similar to the ESTA that the United States use.

This process allows EU authorities to pre-screen all travelers and confirm their status before permitting them enter or even to board a flight to Europe, thus improving security measures throughout Europe.

US travelers will have to pay an amount of €7 when applying for an ETIAS. It is estimated that the application process takes around 10 minutes to complete. An ETIAS can be issued for three years, and can be used to enter and remain in Europe for 90 days within a six-month period."

 

[coleyfagiole]

Ah so its just "paperwork" and more money. Great.

So that leads to my next question:
I have never had to pay very close attention but now I do: I don't need any special visa, permesso, or insurance as long as I stay less than 90 days, correct?

 

[Andrew]

Other countries, notably Croatia, may join Schengen by 2021.

 

[HappyTrails2]

NWL,
Until the travel authorization discussed above goes into effect, tourists holding a passport from many countries, including the US, do not need any visa, insurance or documents to stay up to 90 days within any 180 day period. The 2021 changes will not affect the length of time you can stay in the Schengen Zone. If you will be making multiple trips and want to be certain you’re not overstaying the limit, there are free online calculators to help, including https://adambard.github.io/schengencalc/

 

[JustTravel]

My question for next year is whether we will need to apply for ETIAS before leaving for Venice in late 2020 and staying in Venice until after January 1, 2021.

 

[HappyTrails2]

My understanding is the ETIAS will be checked upon entry to the Schengen Zone, not when you exit. I’ve also read articles indicating the start date is a target, not a firm date. I’m certain we’ll see more information as the date approaches.