Starting with November 2023, the citizens of the United States of America who travel to a European country in the Schengen Area, Italy included, will have to apply online for an ETIAS visa waiver.
WHAT IS ETIAS?
The ETIAS visa waiver for Americans is a multiple-entry travel authorisation valid for a total of 3 years. During the 3-year validity of the visa waiver, it is possible to enter any of the European countries in the Schengen zone. An ETIAS holder will be able to stay in the Schengen Area for a period of up to 90 consecutive days, within a 180 day period.
ETIAS, European Travel Information and Authorisation System, the new travel authorisation for Europe, will help improve border management and boost security. The Schengen area is composed of European Union countries like France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, and Spain, as well as 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
HOW TO APPLY FOR ETIAS?
Starting with November 2023, the American citizens will be able to obtain the ETIAS travel authorization by completing an online form with their personal information and by answering security questions.
Each traveler will be required to provide their personal information including: full name, date and place of birth, gender, and nationality.
To travel to the Schengen Zone, American citizens must also give the following details: passport number, passport issuing date and passport expiration date.
To obtain the Europe visa waiver, the U.S. citizens will need a valid passport, a credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fee, and an email account. When applying for an ETIAS, applicants must ensure that the passport is valid for 3 months beyond the period of intended stay.
As an approved ETIAS visa waiver is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport, it is not mandatory to print a copy of the visa waiver, although travellers are nonetheless advised to carry a copy with them to Europe in case of any problems with the electronic system.