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Wait, do you need a visa to go to Europe now? The new ETIAS requirements, explained

Emily Olson

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements Andrea Pattaro/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements

Already thinking about next summer's vacation plans? If Europe is on your short list, there could be one extra step to take before boarding that plane.

Starting in 2024, American passport holders traveling to 30 European countries will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

Though it may sound complicated, the ETIAS and the reasoning behind it are quite similar to existing travel requirements and reflect increasing fear of terrorism in the U.S., Europe and around the world.

Here's what you need to know.

What is ETIAS? Is it a visa?

While some media outlets are taking a cue from the European Union's travel site and calling this a visa, in truth, ETIAS is more like a travel authorization form.

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"It's definitely not a visa," said Dan Hamilton, a senior non-resident fellow for foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. "It's an electronic entry-point, an authorization for countries that are currently visa-free."

Even the European Commission has said as much (and in bold letters) , writing this is "not a visa" but rather an "automated IT system" in a press release on the discussions around it back in 2018.

Whatever you want to call it, the ETIAS form is not what you'd seek if you're trying to work or live in Europe, but rather what you'll need for short-term trips — up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Why is it being implemented?

These new requirements have been years in the making, stemming back to a rise in terrorism fears following 9/11. It's very similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization — or ESTA — program that the U.S. implemented in 2008 .

At the heart of ETIAS is an electronic database system to better track who's coming and going. According to the EU's latest report on terrorism data , EU law enforcement authorities arrested about 388 suspects for terror-related offenses in 2021, more than half of whom were accused of being associated with Jihadist groups based abroad.

The European Commission says ETIAS may have the added impact of cutting down on "irregular migration" (i.e. illegal immigration), but one thing the form is definitely not aimed to do is deter tourism in general.

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Crowded cities, inflated airfare and extreme heat disasters may all be making headlines this summer, but many of these European countries are still depending on tourism revenue to help them bounce back from pandemic slumps, Hamilton said.

And the pandemic is another one of the many reasons this new requirement has been delayed by decades — there was no need for ETIAS when countries closed their borders to all travel amid fears of spreading COVID-19.

"Another part of it is simply the pace of the way this parliament and European commission works," Hamilton explained in an interview with NPR. "They're ending their term and pushing through a lot of these directives because parliamentary elections happen next June."

"And getting 30 countries to agree on anything takes a long time," he added.

When does it take effect?

The European Union's website says the new authorization will start in 2024 but hasn't clarified a specific date. A press spokesperson for the union's travel arm did not respond to NPR's request for information.

And, similarly, a spokesperson for the State Department told NPR that the U.S. government website for international travel (travel.state.gov) would be updated "once the regulation goes into effect," but didn't specify when that would be.

"Frankly, I'd be surprised if this starts on time," Hamilton said. The rollout of ETIAS has already been delayed at least once.

But it couldn't hurt to plan ahead for any 2024 travel just to be safe.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS approval?

Basically, all passport holders from 60 countries who can currently travel to most European destinations without a visa — and that includes American passport holders — will now need to get ETIAS authorization for the same trip. That's about 1.4 billion people, by the European Union's estimation.

There are 30 European countries in total on the impacted destination list , including those in the "Schengen Area" — 27 European countries, many that are part of the European Union, that agreed to ease border restrictions to facilitate the movement of people within Europe.

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Those Schengen countries include top vacation spots like France, Italy and Spain.

The other three countries on the list are Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, which are all trying to become a part of the Schengen Area soon.

You can check the full list of both impacted passport holders and affected European destinations here.

How can you apply for ETIAS approval (and does it cost money)?

The application isn't open yet, but the European Union says that when it is, all necessary forms can be filled out via a web portal or mobile phone application.

You'll be asked to share personal information such as your date of birth, parents' names and details about your current occupation and previous criminal convictions. You'll also need to share a passport that is not set to expire in less than three months.

Oh, and you'll have to pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8).

When is the right time to apply?

If you want to play it safe, apply well in advance of your trip — no later than a month out.

ETIAS says most applications "are processed within minutes" and decisions are delivered within four days. But that wait could take up to 14 days if you are requested to supply additional information and up to 30 days if you're invited to interview.

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Those denied an application can appeal, but that process could be even lengthier.

The European Union says ETIAS approval will stay valid for three years or until the passport you used in your application expires.

Naturally, you'll also need to follow the ETIAS rules to stay in good standing.

Those with ETIAS approval can stay in the European countries on the list for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. So you can leave and come back, but you can't stay in the confines of the countries on the list for 91 days or more non-stop.

What happens if I don't apply for this and try to travel to Europe?

Your ETIAS approval will be linked to your passport. So without it, airport security (or cruise, bus or train line staff) won't let you board.

In other words, you can kiss that dream vacation goodbye.

• European Commission
• Europe travel
• European Union

Americans Will Need a ‘Visa’ to Visit Europe in 2024—Here's What to Know

By Jessica Poitevien

United States passport holders have long traveled throughout most of the world without having to worry about visa applications: American travelers currently have visa-free access to 184 destinations worldwide, according to this year’s Henley Passport Index , which ranked the U.S. passport as the eighth most powerful in the world . But that’s set to change next year, as the European Union prepares new travel document requirements for American tourists.

The new regulations are called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). When the system launches in early 2024, it will require all visitors who currently travel to Europe visa-free, such as citizens from the US, Canada , Australia, and New Zealand, to apply for travel authorization and receive approval prior to their departure.

ETIAS is not a visa in the traditional sense; it only requires a quick online application, with approval delivered via email. In order to receive authorization, visitors must fill out an online form providing details about their basic biographical information, travel plans and travel history, as well as other security questions.

Most applicants will be granted travel authorization within an hour, but if further checks are required, the process could take up to 96 hours. The application costs €7 ( about $8) and is required for all travelers regardless of their age. Once approved, this authorization is valid for multiple entries over the course of three years, or until the traveler’s passport expires.

Although many Americans were apprehensive about waiting on another travel document when the program was first announced, as more details about ETIAS become available, many travelers are expressing relief at the simplicity of the process. 

“Honestly, the buzz around [ETIAS] on social media made me a little nervous, but after doing some research, that initial shock definitely subsided,” says Alexa Moore , a frequent traveler who visits Europe for both business and leisure at least two to three times per year. “It's still easy for us to travel to Europe. It’s just one more step we have to think about before our trip.”

The authorization will be required for travel to all ETIAS member countries , which fall into one of four categories: full Schengen members like Spain , France, and Italy; European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries like Iceland , Norway, and Switzerland; future Schengen members such as Bulgaria and Cyprus; plus European micro states like Andorra and Monaco .

The goal of ETIAS is to tighten border security, as well as digitally screen and track travelers entering and leaving EU countries. Its purpose and application process are similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program for visitors headed to the US—a fact that has also made many people more understanding of the new requirement.

“I’m bummed about it, but it does seem easy enough,” says Nicki Post, a travel blogger and YouTuber who has spent extensive time in Europe. “It’s only fair since the US makes it more complicated for Europeans and people of other nationalities to enter the US.”

As Europe gets ready to roll out its new ETIAS program, it is important to note that the length of time that Americans can spend in Europe as a tourist is not changing. US passport holders are allowed to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For any stay longer than 90 days, a special visa is required.

At the moment, the exact date when the new travel authorization will become a requirement is still unclear. Moore suspects there will be a bit of chaos when it does launch, but also that ETIAS will ultimately not deter anyone from traveling to Europe .

“Initially, we may see more videos on social media and reports of people forgetting to apply for ETIAS, and possibly not being able to go, but that’s the norm any time we get a new travel requirement in place,” Moore says. “I also think pandemic travel has actually helped people be a little more prepared for the possibility of new systems and requirements being in place like having to submit test results, health information, and other documents in preparation for entry even to a visa-free country.”

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Visas for U.S. citizens traveling abroad

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel abroad, you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements.

While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool . On the country’s information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements. You will also find travel advisories and a link to the country’s embassy.

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New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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Traveling in Europe

If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.  The Schengen Agreement is a treaty creating Europe's Schengen Area, which encompasses 27 European countries , where internal border checks have largely been abolished for short-term tourism, business trips, or transit to non-Schengen destinations.  Because many Schengen countries assume that all entering travelers will stay for the full three months allowed for visa-free visitors, we recommend the following:

• Have at least six-month’s validity remaining on your passport whenever you travel abroad.
• Check the expiration date on your passport carefully before traveling to Europe – especially children’s passports, which are valid five years, not 10 years like those issued to U.S. citizens aged 16 and older.
• Carry your passport when traveling to another country in the Schengen area.  Even if there is no border check at that time, officials may reinstate border controls without notice.

You can find passport validity requirements for your destination country, along with other important information, on our  country pages .  If your passport does not meet the Schengen requirements, you may be:

• Refused boarding by the airline at your point of origin or while transferring planes. 
• Denied entry when you arrive in the Schengen area, regardless of how long you will stay.

An immigration official will determine if you qualify for visa-free entry when you first cross any external border of the Schengen area and present your passport.  The officer may bar your entry if you do not qualify.

** Make sure you receive a stamp in your passport when you enter and exit the Schengen area.* * Without a stamp from your first Schengen port of entry, you may have problems if you encounter local authorities while in the Schengen area or with immigration officials when you depart.  

• Spend three months in the Schengen area during any six-month period, you must wait another three months from the last date of departure from the Schengen area before you can apply to enter the Schengen area again without a visa.
• Do not meet these conditions, or if you plan to stay in the Schengen area longer than three months, contact the embassy of the country where you plan to spend the majority of your time to apply for a visa. 

Schengen area countries may reinstate temporary internal or external border control without advanced notice.  U.S. citizens should carry their U.S. passport at all times when entering or leaving the Schengen area and when traveling between Schengen countries.  For additional information on traveling to and within the Schengen area, see our FAQ below.

What is the Schengen Borders Agreement?

The  Schengen Borders Agreement  permits citizens from certain countries - including the United States - to travel freely to 26 European countries within the Schengen area (see list below) for up to three months for tourism or business.  

As a U.S. citizen, how long can I stay in the Schengen area without a visa?

With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay  up to 90 days  for tourism or business during any 180-day period.   Do not overstay!  You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area.

To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa.  Apply for a visa through the embassy of the country where you will spend most of your time.

What do I need to enter the Schengen area?

• A U.S. passport (with applicable visas, if needed), valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area.  Note: Border officials often assume you will stay the maximum 90 days, even if this is not your intention.
• Sufficient passport validity for each country you will visit. 
• Justifiable purpose of travel.
• Proof of sufficient financial resources for the visit.
• Compliance with other entry requirements for each country you will visit or transit. 

What do I need when traveling to Schengen countries?

• Make sure your passport will have sufficient validity or renew it  before traveling.
• Be sure immigration officials stamp your passport upon entering the Schengen area and again when you exit.
• Carry your passport with you when traveling to other countries in the Schengen area in case officials reinstate internal borders without notice.

Does the Schengen Borders Agreement apply to students, interns, or workers?

• Check with the  embassy  of the country before you travel to determine if it requires a visa for the type of activity you wish to pursue.
• If you DO need a visa, wait until you receive it before traveling to any country in the Schengen area. 

How can the U.S. government help me if border officials do not let me enter?

• We can give you the contact information of  foreign embassies  of the countries you wish to visit.
• We can provide information about hiring an  English-speaking foreign attorney overseas if you choose to do so.
• Note:  We cannot influence a foreign government’s decision about allowing you to enter, and we cannot intervene in another country’s criminal or administrative procedures. 

What countries are members of the Schengen Borders Agreement?

Click on the country name for more information.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Slovakia  
• Switzerland

Additional Resources

• The European Union’s  Schengen Fact Sheet
• The European Parliament’s  Regulation 562/2006
• The European Union  website    

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Next year will bring more (digital) paperwork for travel to Europe. Here's what to know.

Visiting Europe will get (slightly) more complicated and expensive for most U.S. travelers next year as new visa requirements take effect.

According to the official travel site of the European Union, visitors from more than 60 countries that are visa-exempt will be required to apply for European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) approval ahead of their trips starting in 2024. ETIAS visas are not physical documents but are electronically linked to the traveler's passport.

U.S. nationals can travel to most E.U. countries without authorization now, but that ease of movement will change with the new law. Meanwhile, visitors from many countries have had to apply for similar approval to travel to the U.S. since 2009. The U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) process is similar to the ETIAS plan.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)?

According to E.U. documentation, ETIAS “is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of these 30 European countries .”

The government adds that ETIAS approval is intended only for short term stays, up to 90 days in any 180 day period. 

How can you apply for an ETIAS visa?

When the ETIAS requirement begins next year, the E.U. will provide applications through an official website and mobile app.

To apply, travelers will need to provide their passport information or another travel document to which a visa can be affixed.

Parents and legal guardians can apply on behalf of minors in their care.

How long does ETIAS approval last?

ETIAS approval is valid for three years or until the passport it is registered to expire, whichever comes first. 

How much will an ETIAS application cost?

The ETIAS processing fee is set at 7 euros ($7.74), but applicants younger than 18 or older than 70 can apply at no charge. 

Too hot to fly? Extreme heat can snarl flights even without a cloud in the sky

How long will ETIAS application processing take?

According to the E.U., ETIAS approval should come within minutes for most applicants but can take up to 30 days. The government encourages travelers to apply well in advance of any trip and strongly advises travelers to receive their ETIAS approval before purchasing flights or booking hotel stays.

Travel insurance: Here are options for travel to Europe

Can I be denied entry to a country with a valid ETIAS visa?

Yes. According to the E.U., travelers will still be subject to border formalities on arrival, and an ETIAS visa is not a guarantee for entry.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected] .  

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Traveling to Europe is changing for millions of tourists. Here’s what to know.

The EU’s new visa waiver system for foreign visitors has been delayed until 2025. We explain how and when to apply.

Europe has delayed yet again its new visa waiver system, which by May 2025 will require travelers from the United States and dozens more countries to get pre-approval to enter most European nations.

Called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), it will replace manual passport stamping with digital registration, and aims to identify travelers who pose a security risk or are trying to breach immigration laws.

This system was originally set to launch in 2016, but has been postponed repeatedly, most recently last week when the European Union deferred its 2024 rollout. It will be adopted by 30 European countries, including tourist hubs France , Italy , Germany , Spain , and Greece .

ETIAS will apply to more than 60 countries which currently have visa exemptions for Europe, such as the U.S., the United Kingdom , Canada , Australia , Japan , and Singapore .

Travelers from other countries will lose the privilege of using only their passport to visit most of Europe. Instead, they’ll also need to successfully complete an ETIAS application, similar to the U.S.’ ESTA process for granting tourist visa waivers.

The EU warns that travelers will need to apply for ETIAS well in advance—before booking flights or hotels. While most applications will be processed in minutes, some may take weeks.

ETIAS essential info

Once this system is launched, the first step for travelers will be downloading the ETIAS mobile app or visiting its official website.

Travelers will need a passport less than 10 years old, and which doesn’t expire for more than three months.

Travelers will have to submit their passport data, home address, current occupation, level of education, parents’ names, and details of their itinerary in Europe.

Applicants must also disclose criminal convictions, deportations, and past visits to war zones.

( Learn about the the contentious history of the passport .)

After completing this process, travelers will receive an email containing their unique ETIAS number, which they’re advised to keep for future reference.

Airline and Immigration staff will also be able to confirm a traveler’s ETIAS status via their passport number, which is linked to the ETIAS database.

An ETIAS application will cost 7 euros for people between 18 and 70 years old, but will be free for all other ages, and for family members of EU citizens.

An approved ETIAS is valid for three years. Its holder can then stay in participating European nations for a maximum of 90 days during any 180-day period.

This system is being adopted by all 27 countries in Europe’s Schengen Area, as well as Bulgaria , Cyprus , and Romania .

Biometrics won’t be required during an ETIAS application. But travelers using the new system will have to submit to facial and fingerprint scans upon arrival in Europe.

This may increase immigration processing times at European airports, says Kuan-Huei Lee, associate professor of tourism at Singapore Institute of Technology. “If the [biometric] process is added to the entry process, careful logistic planning is crucial to avoid congestion,” Lee says.

( Here’s how to plan a trip around the world .)

ETIAS is also likely to cause disruptions at airports outside of Europe, predicts Jun Wen, professor of tourism at Australia’s Edith Cowan University. He says that in the months after it launches, many travelers won’t know they need an ETIAS, and will then be barred from boarding their flight to Europe.

However, both Wen and Lee believe that ETIAS won’t deter many people from visiting Europe.

Several popular European destinations will not be adopting ETIAS, such as Ireland and the U.K. Travelers from many nations, including the U.S., will still be able to enter these countries simply by providing a valid passport.

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New requirements for americans traveling to europe postponed until 2025.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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U.S. Citizens Will Need to Register and Pay a Fee to Travel to Europe—Here’s When and What to Know

The launch of europe’s new etias travel authorization program has been delayed yet again. here’s what travelers need to know for when it finally goes into effect..

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France is among the more than two dozen Schengen countries in Europe that will (eventually) have new entry rules.

Photo by Chan Lee/Unsplash

Europe is the most visited region in the world and has always been a very popular destination for U.S. travelers. After pandemic travel restrictions were dropped across Europe in 2022 and now that U.S. citizens are plotting future journeys to the continent once again, they should be aware that the rules for entry into the European Schengen Zone will soon change.

Initially meant to come into effect on January 1, 2021 and then delayed (again and again) until 2024, the European Travel Information and Authorization System ( ETIAS ) is now slated to launch sometime in 2025 (more on the actual launch date below). At that point, all U.S. citizens who want to travel to the 27 member countries of Europe’s Schengen Zone will need to register with ETIAS or risk being turned away at the border.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new ETIAS process.

Why are the requirements for entering Europe changing?

The European Union decided to implement this new travel authorization program to protect and strengthen its borders amid mounting terror threats in Europe. By requiring visitors to register, the hope is that the EU will be able to identify any possible threats or risks associated with travelers coming into the participating countries before they arrive.

Which European nations will require ETIAS authorization to visit?

The new travel authorization applies to those entering any member country of Europe’s Schengen Zone. Currently, that includes 23 countries that are also members of the European Union, four non-EU countries, plus three European micro-states. That means that you’ll need to register to enter:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

While Romania and Bulgaria aren’t currently Schengen countries, they are in the process of joining and will be subject to the same requirements once they do. However, there are still many European nations that aren’t part of the Schengen Zone, mostly in Eastern Europe. That means you’ll be able to travel to Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine without an ETIAS registration.

Who will need to obtain ETIAS authorization?

American citizens, as well as travelers from 60 other countries, will require an ETIAS visa waiver to travel to any of the Schengen-zone countries for short stays once the ETIAS program goes into effect. The list of ETIAS-eligible countries includes Canada, Mexico, Australia, and many more. All travelers, regardless of their age, will need their own ETIAS approval in order to travel to Europe’s Schengen Zone countries.

How will travelers apply for ETIAS?

Once the ETIAS application is available online, it should only take about 10 minutes to fill out, according to ETIAS.com, the landing page for news and information regarding the new travel authorization process. To apply, you’ll need a valid passport , an email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the nonrefundable 7-euro application fee, which applies to individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. Those under the age of 18 or over 70 still need to have an ETIAS but will not be charged.

How much will it cost to enter Europe?

To obtain an ETIAS registration, there will be a required, nonrefundable application fee of 7 euros (US$7.43, based on conversion rates at time of publication). Only travelers who are younger than 18 years old or older than 70 years old will be exempt from the fee (though the will still need to have ETIAS approval). There are no other fees associated with the program.

How long will the authorization process take?

After you fill out your application online with the personal information on your passport and answer a series of security and health-related questions, your ETIAS application will be processed immediately, and you will receive an email confirming that your ETIAS has been approved within 96 hours.

“A small percentage of applications may take up to four weeks to process if additional documentation is required from the applicant. If your ETIAS has not yet been approved and you do not have any other travel authorization, you will not be able to enter a country within the European Union,” according to the ETIAS website .

Will you have to reapply for each trip to Europe?

No, you will not need to reapply after each trip to Europe. After you apply for the first time, your ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years—or until your passport expires , whichever comes first. Because the ETIAS is valid for short-term stays of up to 90 days for both leisure and business travelers, you’ll be able to re-enter Europe multiple times within that three-year period without renewing it, as long as your stay doesn’t exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. Those who want to study or work in Europe will need to apply for a proper work or study visa.

Does this mean I will need a visa to travel to Europe?

ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization requirement for visa-free visitors , similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) .

The new entry requirement “is more accurately referred to as a visa-waiver. The ETIAS, like the ESTA, is a travel authorization for travelers not requiring a visa to visit Europe. Under the ETIAS, these visitors will undergo additional security checks prior to being permitted to enter the EU. The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of such countries as the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada,” states ETIAS.com .

In other words, ETIAS will only pre-screen travelers who do not need a Schengen visa.

“An ETIAS travel authorization does not reintroduce visa-like obligations,” according to a fact sheet provided by the European Commission . “There is no need to go to a consulate to make an application, no biometric data is collected and significantly less information is gathered than during a visa application procedure.”

Why was the launch of ETIAS delayed?

Initially meant to come into effect on January 1, 2021, the ETIAS was first delayed until January 1, 2023, and then again (a few more times) until 2024. It is now slated to enter into operation in 2025, due to delays in the anticipated adoption of the ETIAS regulation plus the fact that ETIAS is being developed closely with the Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES was scheduled to launch in May 2023, but it has been pushed back until 2024. The EES is an electronic system that will keep track of visitors as they cross borders, and its installation is a precondition for ETIAS to enter into operation.

When exactly will ETIAS go into effect?

In October 2023, the European Commission presented an updated timeline for the launch of Europe’s new tech-driven Entry/Exit System (EES), which will keep track of visitors as they cross borders, and for Europe’s ETIAS travel authorization program. The new ETIAS travel entry requirement is now scheduled to launch in mid-2025 , following the establishment of Europe’s new tech-driven EES that is slated to go into effect in the fall of 2024, according to the Commission.

Once ETIAS goes into effect in 2025, a transitional period of six months will follow. During that time frame, the countries requiring the travel authorization will have to inform travelers of the new regulations. They will still be allowed to cross borders during that six-month period without the ETIAS. The six-month transitional period will be followed by a grace period, the length of which has not yet been determined. During the grace period, the ETIAS requirement will apply unless it’s a traveler’s first time entering Europe since the end of the transitional period.

This article was originally published in 2019. It was most recently updated on November 2, 2023, to include current information.

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Need a Visa to Go to Europe? Get in (a Very Long) Line.

Travelers who require short-term visas to visit Europe say they face monthslong delays, jeopardizing their travel plans and making an already unpredictable system worse.

By Christine Chung

For most travelers from the United States, going to Europe is a relatively smooth experience, without the need to apply for visas or pay steep fees for short visits.

But for people like Duygu Yildirim, that isn’t the case. Ms. Yildirim, 36, holds a Turkish passport and lives in Knoxville, Tenn. Within Europe’s Schengen Area, a border-free zone allowing free movement among 27 European countries, citizens of Turkey and dozens of other countries, including India, South Africa and China, must apply for visas for stays of fewer than 90 days.

The application process is expensive, anxiety-inducing and time-consuming. For every visit to Europe, the visa costs 80 euros (about $85) and requires an in-person appointment as well as hard copies of various legal documents. These appointments, usually outsourced to for-profit companies, have been scarce in recent months. Travelers say that it’s also taking longer than the typical three-week period — in some cases, several months — to get a visa in hand. Applicants have failed to receive visas in time for their trips, or receive visas for the full duration of their travel. Some have even been denied visas altogether.

Ms. Yildirim, an assistant professor, said that she had applied for at least 10 Schengen visas in recent years. There are no visa centers in her area, forcing her to travel to other states for hard-to-find appointments.

For an upcoming academic workshop in Belgium, Ms. Yildirim wrote a letter requesting a short-stay visa of at least several months. That would allow her to make future work trips to Europe without the appointment hassle and save her additional fees. But Belgium gave her a visa for just five days, barely longer than her three-day workshop.

“You will never know whether you’ll get one month or six months; it’s very arbitrary,” she said.

“Financially and emotionally, it’s very stressful. I am jealous that people might to go to Europe for two days and come back. I don’t have this luxury,” Ms. Yildirim said.

Those caught up in these visa woes have been forced to change plans, or like Ms. Yildirim, forgo travel to Europe altogether. The bureaucratic red tape has not only caused planning headaches, but also spotlighted an uncomfortable reality: that these fees and inconveniences target a specific group of people — the billions of people around the world who have had systematic unequal opportunities and access to travel, largely those living in the Global South.

Elaine, who lives in London and has a passport from a country in South Asia, described applying for a Schengen visa as a “marginalizing experience” that made her feel like a second-class citizen. She declined to give her full name, fearing that speaking publicly could sabotage her future visa applications.

“Other people travel so smoothly. I can’t just get up on a weekend and say it’s a bank holiday, let me just go to France,” she said.

Reliance on third-party processing companies

The short-stay visa is the type most commonly used for tourism and brief business trips to the Schengen area. Since 2009, Schengen member states have had a common policy that requires nationals from more than 100 countries to apply for these visas. This requirement is intended to protect external borders and ensure the security of travelers and residents, according to the European Commission .

Nationals of the member states and citizens of many other countries, including the United States, are exempt from this entry requirement.

Governments conduct the final step of issuing entry visas, but most countries have long hired independent contractors like BLS International , VFS Global and TLScontact to conduct initial screenings of visa candidates and perform other administrative tasks. These companies, with workers and offices all over the world, meet applicants in person to collect their biometric data, photographs and other required documents, including medical insurance policies. Typically, applicants also need to supply bank statements, lodging and flight receipts, and proof of employment. They must also hand over their passports until a visa decision is made.

Despite having an official invitation letter for her workshop, Ms. Yildirim said the Belgian consulate required her to show additional financial documents, including tax forms. The demand felt invasive.

“I am going on an invitation and they want to see my monthly bank statements?” she said. “They want to be sure that I’m not illegally immigrating there, just because I’m Turkish. It feels kind of strange, and humiliating, to ask how much money do you make.”

In addition to the standard government fee for each visit, processing companies also generally charge a service fee of about 30 euros per application. Other voluntary services, such as costs for passport delivery and in some cities, the option to pay for an off-hours appointment , can further raise the cost.

Travelers who are denied visas typically do not get a refund.

Surging demand, fewer appointments

Some European countries are receiving higher-than-ever volumes of visa applications, said Iffat Memon, a spokeswoman for VFS Global. Demand in some regions exceeds the number of available appointments, which she emphasized is out of her company’s control.

“Decisions on visa applications, including the availability of appointment slots and the timelines to process them, are at the sole discretion of the respective governments we serve and may vary from one government to another,” Ms. Memon said.

Many countries confirmed that demand has surged in recent months, compounding the wait for visas.

Denmark, which relies on VFS Global for visa processing in the United States, is “experiencing an extraordinary demand” for tourist visas after the elimination of most pandemic travel restrictions, said Jens-Jacob Simonsen, a spokesman for the Danish consul general in New York. It has caused “prolonged processing times,” he said, adding that members of the consular staff have regularly worked overtime to manage the backlog.

Visa processing can take up to 80 days , the country’s website for foreign affairs warns.

Some travelers turn to small third-party visa agents who say they can more easily book appointments and thus ensure a swifter approval — generally, at an additional cost of hundreds of dollars.

But even some of these agencies said there was little they could do right now. Tanya Guseva, the managing director of London-based VisaPoint , said that she believed the backlog was continued fallout from pandemic restrictions, when travel and visa services were significantly reduced and even temporarily halted.

“At the present moment, all Schengen consulates and visa centers representing relevant consulates, such as VFS, TLScontact, etc., that we have working relationships with, appear to be fully booked for weeks and months in advance,” she said.

Exasperation with the system

Visa seekers have taken to various corners of the internet to air their exasperation. One Reddit community devoted to Schengen visa gripes is an endless scroll of nightmare travel scenarios and pleas for guidance in understanding the application process.

Every year, Francois Haasbroek, a 44-year-old South African winemaker, applies for a Schengen visa to attend trade events and visit wine importers and distributors. He travels mostly to France and Belgium, and he says he has grown weary of the onerous entry requirements, the time and effort it takes, and the underlying stress of whether he’ll get a visa in time for travel.

“How many times over do I need to prove that I’m a trustworthy traveler, whatever that means?” said Mr. Haasbroek, who lives in Paarl, east of Cape Town, and will travel to Belgium and the Netherlands for a business trip later this month. “We’ve got these cumbersome, pointless rules and layers of bureaucracy. But we better just keep jumping through the same hoop over and over and over again.”

Travelers admit to visa shopping, or applying for appointments to less competitive countries that aren’t their intended destinations (once admitted to one Schengen country, they can cross borders without further documents). One poster on Reddit shared a strategy of applying to countries rumored to be more generous in granting short-stay visas than other member states.

The Danish government has noticed an increase in this prohibited practice, Mr. Simonsen said.

“We are obliged by the Schengen rules to refuse such applications, leading to frustrated travelers, further increased processing time for travelers who have Denmark as their main destination, and a general waste of time and money,” he said.

The European Parliament is considering legislation that would improve the application process by moving it online into a single portal used by all Schengen Area member states.

“The goal of the proposal is twofold: to make the visa application procedure more efficient and to improve the security of the Schengen area,” according to a statement released in June.

In-person appointments would be required only for first-time applicants, and a digital visa would be issued, instead of a sticker inside a traveler’s passport. But this change is not on the near horizon, said Christine Sullivan, a partner at the global immigration firm Fragomen, adding that any provisional rules must be adopted by member states.

Broader ripple effects?

Industry experts said the Schengen visa backlog has had broader ripple effects in the rest of the world. Destinations with fewer visa requirements, such as the United Kingdom, Turkey and Mexico, saw a faster and stronger tourism recovery than countries where visas were required, according to an economics insights report from Visa published in May.

“Global tourism could get an additional boost if current backlogs in visa processing were cleared,” said Richard Lung, principal global economist for Visa.

Tim Fairhurst, director of the European Tourism Association , a trade group for tour operators and suppliers, said that the member states seemed to operate on the assumption that people would “just get in line and be patient” to visit Europe.

“The evidence suggests that they might go somewhere else,” he said. “It’s deeply exasperating that member states don’t appreciate that providing visas is a service and that takes place in a competitive market.”

Non-European countries, such as Kazakhstan, are seizing the opportunity to woo travelers by eliminating visa requirements , said Reto Kaufmann, a director who oversees South and Southeast Asia for the travel agency Kuoni Tumlare . This month, Thailand’s government approved an exemption that gives Chinese citizens visa-free entry through February of next year. (Chinese nationals are among the travelers required to apply for Schengen visas.)

“People want to travel. If a destination takes a visa-free approach, it could create immediate business,” Mr. Kaufmann said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Christine Chung is a travel reporter for The Times. She previously covered breaking news. She joined The Times in November 2021. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2023 list has all those elements, and more .

Spain : Does a culture-centric family trip have to be boring for the kids ?

Barbados : Venture beyond the resorts to find rum shops, farmers’ markets and surf breaks.

Malaysia :   Be dazzled on the island of Penang  by winding alleys, pastel-painted storefronts and aromatic food.

India:  A writer is guided by the age-old epic story of “Rajula Malushahi,” which led him to a series of unexpected places .

Serbia:  Belgrade is quietly developing into one of the best bar destinations in Europe .

Kenya:  Fifty years after her own first safari, a grandmother takes her adult granddaughter on a wildlife adventure .

Americans Will Soon Need More Paperwork When Traveling to Europe

Here’s what you need to know about the new requirements, which are scheduled to launch in 2024

Teresa Nowakowski

Daily Correspondent

This summer, tourists have  swarmed Europe in record numbers . Many of these vacationers are enjoying the visa-free travel to Europe afforded by a United States passport—the eighth most powerful passport in the world this year, according to the  Henley Passport Index —or one of the more than 60 other passports that offer visa-free entry to the European Union.

However, travelers from those countries will soon face an extra administrative step before they can enjoy Europe’s coasts, castles and more. As long as they’re staying for less than 90 days, visitors still don’t have to go through the complicated visa process—but they will need to register with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

To register, travelers must fill out a short application and pay a 7 euro (about $8) fee, though those under 18 or over 70 can register for free.

“It won’t be complicated, it’s just an annoyance,” Peter Greenberg, a travel editor for CBS News, tells Brandon Truitt of  CBS Boston News . “Most Americans, in fact, all Americans, are not used to doing this to go to Europe so there’s going to be lots of surprises at boarding gates with people being denied boarding over the first couple of weeks, if this goes into effect.”

The application will take approximately ten minutes to complete,  AFAR ’s Lyndsey Matthews and Michelle Baran report. Applicants will have to enter personal information, travel document details and intended travel plans, as well as details about criminal convictions and travel to war or conflict zones, according to the  European Union .

Gaining approval should be relatively straightforward: Officials expect 95 percent of applications to receive decisions within minutes of submission, per ETIAS . In some cases, however, if additional documentation is required, the approval process may take as long as four weeks. For applications that are rejected, travelers will need to initiate an appeals process, according to the Washington Post ’s Sofia Andrade.

Once approved, ETIAS authorization lasts for three years, unless the applicant’s passport expires before that time. A successful ETIAS authorization is “linked to a person’s travel document—such as a U.S. passport—and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS,” reports Kelly McCarthy of “ Good Morning America .”

The program was originally scheduled to launch at the beginning of 2021, and was then pushed to 2023; now, it’s set to go into effect in 2024, per AFAR . When it does, travelers should expect initial hiccups. 

“Especially at first, I could imagine it might cause slower passport processing and longer delays,” Cameron Hewitt, content and editorial director at Rick Steves’ Europe, tells the Washington Post . “In 2024, I’ll be careful not to cut it too close on those layovers, until it’s clear whether this is an issue.”

Even so, “it certainly shouldn’t cause anyone to rethink a trip to Europe,” he adds. “From what we know, ETIAS looks like it’ll simply be a manageable bit of red tape.”

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Teresa Nowakowski | | READ MORE

Teresa Nowakowski is a print and multimedia journalist based in Chicago. They cover history, arts and culture, science, travel, food and other topics.

Schengen visas to go online. Image: Pexels

Schengen visas to go fully online: See here

There is good news on the horizon, for travellers who are required to obtain Schengen visas for entry to Europe’s Schengen Area.

The processing of Schengen visas to visit Europe’s Schengen Area will soon be fully done via an online platform.

This will revolutionise the Schengen visa, making it a convenient electronic visa (e-visa).

The digitalisation of Schengen visa processing will also do away with the need for stickers in passports.

VISA FOR EUROPE

Paging through your passport and looking at stamps and visas is often a souvenir of one’s travels.

One of the joys of being a South African passport holder is being able to flip through your passport and reminisce over travels by viewing all the pages in your passport.

South African passport holders can look forward to easier visa application processes when applying for their Schengen visas.

The downside to traditional visa applications is the effort and costs involved in obtaining them.

ALSO READ: Another country to allow visa-free entry for South Africans

ONLINE APPLICATIONS

Recently, there has been a shift in the way visas are processed – with a number of countries now using online platforms for their visa processes.

VisaGuide reports that the Council of the European Union has now agreed that Schengen visas should be digitalised.

The EU has given the green light to digitalize the Schengen visa application process. This is a significant step towards modernizing travel procedures for visitors to Europe.

ONLINE PROCESSING

So, no more stress over making copies of your personal docs or rushing over to appointments at visa handling agents; or paying fees for passports to be couriered back. 

All of these frustrations will be removed when applying for Schengen visas goes digital. This means there will no longer be a need for appointments at consulates or visa handling agents.

IN THE PIPELINES

The change has been unveiled after a month-long legislative process which will take effect three weeks after it is published in the EU’s administrative gazette, according to Hindustan Times .

A Schengen visa is required for entry to the Schengen Area which comprises 23 of the 27 EU member countries plus associated neighbours: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

ALSO READ: Japan opens up e-visas to South Africans

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE BY LORNE PHILPOT

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Do you need a visa for connecting flight in Europe?

1. What is a connecting flight?

2. what is a layover, 3. do i need a visa for a connecting flight within europe, 4. how long can i stay in the transit area without a visa, 5. can i leave the airport during a layover without a visa, 6. do i need to collect my baggage during a layover, 7. what if i have a layover in multiple european countries, 8. can i apply for a transit visa at the airport, 9. how can i find out if i need a visa for my layover in europe, 10. what happens if i don’t have the required visa for a layover, 11. can i book a flight with a long layover to explore a city, 12. are there any exceptions to the visa requirements for layovers in europe.

If you are planning to travel to a destination outside of Europe and have a connecting flight within Europe, you may be wondering whether you need a visa for your layover. The answer to this question depends on various factors, such as your nationality, the country you are connecting through, and the duration of your layover.

A connecting flight is a flight where you have to change planes at an intermediate airport before reaching your final destination. These flights are commonly used by travelers to avoid long layovers or to reach their destination more conveniently.

A layover refers to the period of time between your arrival at an intermediate airport and your departure on the next flight. Layovers can range from a few minutes to several hours.

Whether or not you need a visa for a connecting flight within Europe depends on your nationality and the specific country you are connecting through. If you hold a passport from a country that is part of the European Union (EU) or the Schengen Area, you generally do not need a visa for a short layover in another EU or Schengen country. However, if you are a citizen of a non-EU or non-Schengen country, you may need a transit visa depending on the country you are transiting through. It is important to check the visa requirements of the transit country before you travel.

If you do not need a visa for your connecting flight within Europe, you are typically allowed to stay in the transit area of the airport for a certain duration, which is usually up to 24 or 48 hours. During this time, you are not allowed to leave the airport premises and venture into the country. It is essential to confirm the specific rules and regulations of the transit country to ensure compliance.

In some cases, you may be allowed to leave the airport during a long layover without a visa, depending on the transit country’s regulations and your nationality. However, it is important to note that this may not be possible for all nationalities and all airports. It is advisable to check the visa requirements and immigration policies of the transit country before making any plans to leave the airport during a layover.

Whether or not you need to collect your baggage during a layover depends on the airline, the airports involved, and the duration of your layover. Some airlines offer through-checked baggage, which means your luggage will be automatically transferred to your final destination without you having to collect it during the layover. However, if your layover is long or if you are changing airlines, you may need to collect your baggage and check it in again for your next flight.

If you have a layover in multiple European countries, you will need to check the visa requirements for each country you will be transiting through. The visa requirements vary depending on the country, so it is crucial to research and plan accordingly. It is recommended to consult with the relevant embassies or consulates of the transit countries to ensure you have the necessary visas for each leg of your journey.

In most cases, it is not possible to apply for a transit visa at the airport. Transit visas are typically obtained in advance from the embassy or consulate of the transit country. It is important to apply for the visa well in advance of your travel dates to allow sufficient processing time. Applying for a visa at the airport is generally not an option and may result in denial of entry or refusal to board your connecting flight.

To find out if you need a visa for your layover in Europe, you should check the visa requirements of the transit country or countries you will be passing through. This information can usually be found on the official website of the embassy or consulate of the transit country. Additionally, you may consider contacting the airline you will be flying with or consulting with a visa service or travel agency for assistance in determining the visa requirements for your specific itinerary.

If you do not have the required visa for a layover in a specific country, you may be denied entry and not allowed to board your connecting flight. It is important to comply with the visa requirements of the transit country to avoid any complications or travel disruptions. Failure to meet the visa requirements may result in being held in the transit area, being detained, or even being deported to your country of origin.

Yes, it is possible to book a flight with a long layover to explore a city, but you need to ensure that you have the necessary visas and comply with the immigration regulations of the transit country. If you plan to leave the airport during a long layover, make sure you have ample time to go through immigration and customs, as well as to return to the airport before your next flight. However, if you are not eligible for a visa or have a short layover, it is advisable to stay within the transit area of the airport.

Yes, there can be exceptions to the visa requirements for layovers in Europe. Certain nationalities may be eligible for visa exemptions or visa-on-arrival options for short layovers. Additionally, some airports offer specific transit programs or facilities, such as airport lounges or sleeping pods, for passengers in transit who do not have the required visa. It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities or consult with a visa service for more information on any potential exceptions or special arrangements for layovers in Europe.

In conclusion, whether you will need a visa for a connecting flight in Europe depends on your nationality, the transit country, and the duration of your layover. It is important to research and understand the visa requirements of the transit country before you travel to avoid any complications or disruptions to your journey. Always ensure that you have the necessary visas in advance and allow sufficient time for immigration procedures during your layover.

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Plan your trip

Visa & entry requirements for moscow.

Do you know which documents you'll need to travel to Russia ? Plan ahead and find out if you need your passport, visa, national ID or all of the above!

Russian Visa

Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Russia, for which the application should be made  at least a month before your trip . For most travellers a tourist visa will be sufficient: these allow a stay of up to 30 days with one or two entries within that period. If you are planning to stay for longer than a month, there are business and other types of visas available. If you're just passing through, it's possible to get a transit visa, but as these allow limited time in the country and are the same price as a regular tourist visa, it's usually best to go for that option.

What will I need for the visa?

• Passport  valid for at least six months after your return date.
• Visa invitation letter  (known as a "visa support") provided by your hotel or hostel (sometimes for free, sometimes for a fee), or if you're not staying in one of these, they can be bought from travel or visa agencies (prices vary).
• Completed application form  including everywhere you've visited over the past 10 years: make sure to fill it in carefully! Find the electronic visa application form at the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation  and make sure to keep a note of the identity number given to you.
• Handling fee  (amount varies depending on visa type, how you quickly you need it and the agency used to acquire your visa).
• One or two  passport-sized p hotos .

How do I get the visa?

With all of your necessary documentation, you'll then need to go to your Russian embassy or dedicated visa agency: when you first visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website linked above, the Contacts link under your selected country will show the official offices for visa applications. You may also be asked to bring bank statements, birth certificates of children travelling with you and proof of travel insurance , so make sure to double check what you need in advance.

What happens when I arrive?

On arrival in Russia, you'll be given an  immigration form  produced electronically at passport control.  Make sure to hold on to this  as you'll need it both to  register your stay  and to  leave the country .

Register your visa : every visitor to Russia must register their visa within seven business days of arrival. If you're in Moscow for less than seven business days, you are exempt, and if you leave Moscow, you must register again in any city where you stay seven days or longer. It is your accommodation  that is obligated to register your visa  for you: whether this is your hotel, hostel, landlord, friend or family. Commonly, you'll give up your passport and visa on check in for your hotel to register you with the local visa office.

Entry Requirements for Moscow

International visitors can now obtain a visa for the Russian capital and the rest of the country completely online thanks to the new Russian unified e-Visa . Requests can be submitted electronically from anywhere in the world in a matter of minutes.

Moscow could previously be visited only with a traditional tourist paper visa , which required traveling to a Russian embassy and obtaining an invitation letter . The online visa is expected to make Moscow even more popular among tourists — about 20 million visitors reach the capital of the Russian Federation every year.

Learn how to obtain an electronic visa for Moscow and the rest of Russia and how to use it to travel to the country.

Do I Need a E-visa to Travel to Moscow?

Most foreign visitors need a valid visa to enter the Russian territory and Moscow. Citizens of very few countries enjoy freedom of movement.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• North Korea
• Northern Macedonia
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

Electronic visa vs tourist visa for Moscow

The electronic visa allows its holder to explore the entire Russian territory (including Moscow) just like the traditional Russian tourist visa.

• The whole application process is completed online — no need to make an appointment with a Russian embassy
• Processing times are considerably shorter
• The volume of paperwork is reduced with fewer requirements
• Applicants can save on the costs related to traveling to the embassy

Moscow visa on arrival

Russia does not offer visas on arrival. This means that visas on arrival are not available for international passengers arriving in Moscow or any other Russian entry point.

Since E-visas for Moscow are processed within 2 to 4 days from the application date, they allow for great flexibility.

Other cities you can visit with the E-visa

Moscow is well served by plane, train, and bus routes that allow for national and international travel. However, Russia is the vastest country in the world so visitors should keep in mind that distances may be larger than what many foreign travelers are used to.

• Golden Ring
• Kaliningrad
• Nizhny Novgorod
• Saint Petersburg
• Veliky Novgorod
• Vladivostok
• Yekaterinburg

Visa Requirements to Visit Moscow

The visa requirements to be met depend on the specific type of visa one wants to get for Moscow.

• A biometric passport valid for at least 6 months
• A valid email address
• A credit or debit card authorized for online purchases to pay the application fee
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• Medical insurance for the entire stay (exemptions apply)

All supporting documentation can be provided in electronic format .

Some of the documents outlined above, such as proof of medical insurance and the photograph, can be gathered at the applicant’s convenience and submitted at a later stage .

How to get a visa for Moscow online

1. Fill out the online application form in all of its parts

2. Upload copies of relevant supporting documents

3. Pay the application fee by credit or debit card

Once granted, the Russia and Moscow visa is sent to the petitioner via email at the address provided in the form.

Moscow Entry Points

As many as 3 Moscow airports can be used to enter Russia with an eVisa (as well as over 30 other border crossing points across the country), although the list of eligible border crossings may be extended in the future.

• Vnukovo (VKO)
• Domodedovo (DME)
• Sheremetyevo (SVO)

Please note that the eVisa can be used to travel freely across Russia. eVisa holders can enter the Federation through any other eligible point and then travel to Moscow and enter the city by train, plane, bus, or car.

How to use the electronic visa to visit Moscow and Russia

At the border, travelers are asked to show their electronic visa as well as the passport they used during the visa application. It is paramount that the information appearing on the visa and passport match.

Depending on their specific circumstances, some incoming passengers may be asked for further documents.

The electronic visa allows its holder to visit Moscow and the rest of Russia for up to 16 days . It remains valid for use for 60 days from the moment it is issued.

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