Do US citizens need ETIAS for Spain? This is one question many US citizens ask as they adjust to the new travel policy initiated by the European Commission for all Schengen countries. US citizens enjoy visa-free access to so many countries in the world, including all 26 Schengen countries that are signatories to the Schengen Agreement.
US nationals will still be able to visit Europe without a visa but with some changes. Keep reading to learn more about the new ETIAS policy.
ETIAS For US Citizens
Starting from 2024, US citizens will request ETIAS approval before traveling to Europe. The European Travel Information and Authorization System is not a visa but a security system to vet the identity and Criminal risk of visitors entering the Schengen Area. The online application does not require visits to the Spanish embassy in Washington DC or any of their consulates in Miami, California, or any other city.
With a smartphone and the required information, applicants can complete and submit the application form over the internet and get feedback within minutes.
The system will keep a record of entering the region and what time and where they visited, including when they leave. The status is designed to serve the same purpose as the US’s Electronic System For Travel Authorization, which vets visitors from selected countries. So all US nationals will need to obtain ETIAS starting in 2024.
Will US Citizens Need ETIAS for all European Countries?
US citizens will not need ETIAS for all European countries, and two come to mind. The United Kingdom is no longer considered a member of the European Union since Brexit, so US nationals don’t need Etias to enter the UK. Traveling to the Republic of Ireland will not be needed because Ireland has one special visa policy.
However, they will still enjoy visa-free access to other countries with a visa-free policy for Americans.
ETIAS Length Of Stay
The number of days US nationals can stay in Spain or any other Schengen country is 90 days within a 6 months period. This 90-day rule is the same duration allowed for visa free visitors, and it will not change with the introduction of ETIAS. Also, note that ETIAS is valid for 3 years from the date it is issued, so you can enjoy multiple entries into Spain until it expires.
How To Get ETIAS for Spain
ETIAS will be available on official and third-party application platforms for travelers to submit their applications in advance. VisaHQ will also provide applicants with a safe and user-friendly application platform in a few steps.
Visit VisaHQ
Choose Spain as your destination
Choose the US as your citizenship
Select ETIAS
Fill out the form
Submit your documents via uploads
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
There will be sections for your passport details like the passport number, date of issue, and expiry date. Contact information like house address will also be requested, including sex, name, age, and occupation. The application takes about 10 minutes after submission, as the system will need some time to run the information you provide across multiple security databases.
If the check triggers a security alert, your application will be forwarded to a technical team at Spain ETIAS. If there is no hit, ETIAS will be forwarded to your email.
ETIAS Application Fee
The application fee for ETIAS is €7, payable using a credit or debit card. This fee is for 18-70 year old applicants; minors and those above 70 are not expected to pay this fee. The fee will be charged once you submit your ETIAS application form, and you will not be asked to pay any more fees.
This fee is separate from a service fee you may need to pay the platform you are using to submit your application.
Why A US Citizen May Be Denied ETIAS?
A US citizen may be denied this permit if they pose any form of danger to Spain or its infrastructure or citizens or if they are on the terrorist watchlist or are suspected terrorists. Another reason they may be denied entry is if they are caught having provided fraudulent information to game the system.
Traveling from a country with a pandemic or epidemic outbreak that will endanger public health is enough grounds to deny ETIAS approval.
ETIAS Requirements
US nationals must submit a passport that is not above 10 years old and is still valid for at least three months beyond the exit date from Spain or the Schengen Area.
Do US citizens need ETIAS for Spain? Yes, they will need this approval once the policy becomes mandatory in 2024.