Starting early next year, every US citizen wishing to travel to Europe will need to submit an initial application to the European Travel Information And Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to most European countries.
Once you submit your application and are approved for your first visit, you must then apply to ETIAS to enter Europe prior to every visit going forward. Your initial approved application is valid for 3 years or until your passport number changes, whichever comes first. The date when this procedure shall be initiated is still not final.
Europe was looking to initiate this system starting January 2023. It was postponed until January 2024, and now is slated for early 2024 with no date set. Once the system is initiated it is expected that the ETIAS will have numerous initial applications causing some chaos in the beginning. However, once the first wave subsides, applications and subsequent requests are expected to be approved within an hour. The cost of the initial application is currently set at 7 Euros. There will be no cost for subsequent requests for travel.
The ETIAS system does not change the length of time a US citizen can stay in Europe. That remains at 90 days total in any 180-day period. Stays beyond 90 days will require a special extended stay visa. If you would like more information or updates, please do not hesitate to contact me.
An Ohio REAL ID.
(Courtesy Photo/Ohio BMV)
Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.
For information by state, including where to obtain a REAL ID, visit the DHS REAL ID website and click your state on the map.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibit federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as getting through the airport security checkpoint to board a plane.
