Used to be that you could just jump on a plane and fly off to Europe, no visa required, but since the 9/11
terrorist attacks, security concerns have tightened and now with the digital
age travelers are vetted even before they leave home.
As Americans, you still don't need a visa to travel to Europe or the UK, but you need to apply for "pre-approval". This modernization of
border security streamlines entry procedures and helps track travelers entering
the country. In 2009 the United States rolled out the Electronic System for
Travel Authorizations (ESTA). Travelers from countries that did not previously
require a visa, which includes much of Europe, Australia and Japan, among
others, now have to apply for the ESTA and are charged a nominal fee of $40.27
that is good for two years and allows for stays up to 90 days.
On the surface the cynical thinking this is just a money grab, but this added process will lead in the long run to a faster, more secure travel experience.
The ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States, but only the right to reach the airport, border crossing or port of entry. You still need to clear customs to actually enter the country.
RETURNING THE FAVOR
The UK has started
their own travel authorization version called ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
in January 2025. The fee is €20 ($23.38) and is valid for two years or until
your passport expires, and it is another layer of security for the UK. Like the
US’s version ETA is basically a pre-approval system and screens travelers for
security risks before they depart.
When we travel to
England for Christmas later this year I will have to apply for an ETA. Janet
already has hers.NOW THE EU GETTING INTO
THE ACT
The European Union is
also rolling out their own pre-approval electronic layer of security. It’s
called the ETIAS, but it is not starting until the 4th Quarter of
this year. Their fee will be €20 ($23.43) and valid for three years for
multiple visits. The fee will be waived for applicants under 18 or over 70.
Also, in October the EU will start EES the EU Entry/Exit System. It will
be free, but biometric data like facial recognition and fingerprints will be
collected and the system will digitally log your arrival and departure and
automatically tracks how long you’ve stayed. The maximum length of a visit is
90 days in any 180-day period. Overstaying a 90-day limit could result in fines
or future entry bans. We won’t have to apply for
the ETIAS or EES on our next trip to Greece, but will need to for future trips.
WHAT’S REQUIRED?
The USA UK and the two EU
versions of this new normal electronic authorization are separate and there are
different requirements for each. Just make sure you visit the individual websites
(listed below) for instructions. Make sure your passport is valid and will not
expire within 6 months of your return and apply for the necessary paperwork
well in advance of your departure. Required times vary, but if you apply at
least a week in advance you should be fine.
Please avoid any scams
and only apply with these official websites listed below.
UNITED STATES ESTA
UNITED KINGDOM ETA
EUROPEAN UNION ETIAS
Good luck, and …. Safe travels.
Love to all,
Janet and greg
© 2026 by Gregory Dunaj
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