ETIAS for American citizens
US passport holders currently enter the Schengen Area visa-free for short stays — and from late 2026 they will also need an approved ETIAS travel authorisation linked to their passport. It is a quick online step, not a visa, for trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Key facts
Validity
Up to 3 years or until your passport expires
Stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Coverage
Multiple entries across the Schengen Area
Price
€35 all-inclusive (€20 official + €15 service)
How it works
Tell us about your trip
Confirm your nationality, destination, dates, and purpose using the checker above.
We prepare your application
Our team completes the official ETIAS form accurately, with your own email on file as required.
We submit at launch
The moment the official ETIAS system opens, we submit on your behalf and track the outcome.
You receive your authorisation
Approval is linked electronically to your passport — usually within minutes of submission, occasionally longer if extra checks apply.
Passport requirements
Use a US passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, issued within the last 10 years.
Fees
The official ETIAS fee is €20 (roughly $22). With HelpMyVisa it's €35 all-inclusive — we prepare and submit it for you, with a full refund any time before submission.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Europe?
Not for short stays. Americans remain visa-exempt and will instead need an ETIAS travel authorisation from late 2026.
How long does ETIAS last for US travelers?
Up to three years or until your passport expires, for multiple short stays of up to 90 days per 180.
Is ETIAS required for a layover in Europe?
If you cross Schengen border control during transit, yes.
What if I'm moving to Europe or working there?
Stays over 90 days or work/study require a national visa, not ETIAS — HelpMyVisa can help with that.