In October 2026, Frontex (the EU border agency) and European travel-trade bodies warned of more than 150 unofficial websites offering ETIAS, some using EU symbols. Because no application is processed before launch, any fee paid today buys nothing. When ETIAS opens, apply only on the official EU website or app.
Specific to US citizens
US and EU dual citizens
If you also hold the passport of an EU country (Italy, Ireland, Germany, Poland…), you are an EU citizen in Europe: no ETIAS, no EES registration, no 90-day limit. Show your EU passport at the Schengen border. US law requires US citizens to leave and enter the United States on a US passport, so travel with both, and show the EU passport at check-in if the airline asks about ETIAS once it is live.
Green card holders
A US green card does not change anything in Europe. ETIAS depends on the passport you travel with: a green card holder with a Mexican or Brazilian passport will need ETIAS like an American; one with an Indian or Chinese passport needs a Schengen visa instead, and ETIAS will not replace it.
First stop decides
You go through the Schengen border, and the EES, in the first Schengen airport you land in. Flying New York to Rome via Frankfurt? The check is in Frankfurt, and your connection to Rome is a domestic-style flight.
Studying or working longer
A semester abroad or a job usually needs a national long-stay visa or a residence permit from that country. While you hold one, you don't need ETIAS.
UK and Ireland are separate
The UK is not part of ETIAS but requires its own ETA (£20 on gov.uk) from Americans. Ireland has its own rules too. Days spent in either do not count towards your 90 Schengen days.
The basics, in short
- Passport issued under 10 years ago, valid 3 months after you leave.
- 90 days in any 180, all Schengen countries together.
- ETIAS at launch: €20, valid 3 years or until the passport expires.
Rollout, decision times and the 30 countries: full ETIAS guide.
Going to France?
Passport, money to show, insurance and hosting rules for US citizens visiting France.
France rules for US citizensFAQ
Do US citizens need ETIAS in 2026?
No. ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are accepted (checked 21 October 2026). Today a valid US passport is enough for a short visit, plus EES registration at the border.
When will Americans have to apply for ETIAS?
No official date exists. The EU will announce it several months in advance, and ETIAS will then be optional for at least 6 months before becoming mandatory.
I'm a US–Italian dual citizen. Do I need ETIAS?
No. Enter the Schengen area on your Italian (EU) passport and ETIAS, EES and the 90/180-day rule do not apply to you. Keep your US passport to leave and re-enter the US.
Does a US green card exempt me from ETIAS?
No. ETIAS depends on your nationality, not on US residence. Check the rules for the passport you hold.
Does ETIAS cover the UK and Ireland?
No. The UK uses its own ETA (£20), and Ireland applies its own immigration rules. Neither counts towards your Schengen days.
Checked: 21 October 2026, against home-affairs.ec.europa.eu, eur-lex.europa.eu, gov.uk. Rules can change: official sites prevail. No ETIAS start date has been announced; we will not guess one.