Is the EU trying to kill all of its tourism industries? Because this new roadblock is going to be a major hassle for many planning a trip to the European continent.
A new EU regulation makes it a requirement for Americans to apply for and pay for a visa before traveling to the European Union countries.
Thank goodness Britain got out of that!
Starting in 2024, your US-issued passport is not going to be good enough. You'll have to apply for a visa through the EU.
Fortunately, the cost is a measly $8, hardly anything to worry about if you're vacationing in Europe (can some of you still afford European vacations in this economy??).
And the EU is assuring you it should only take minutes to process the application, but just in case you probably want to do it months in advance.
Applicants will need to provide travel documentation, such as a passport, as well as personal information, education level, current occupation, anticipated trip details, and any criminal convictions.
Funny how the EU is going to treat American vacationers with a more thorough vetting than tens of thousands of "refugees" let in, no questions asked.
Almost like they just want to regulate law-abiding individuals and ignore the lawless masses.
Once your application is approved, it's good for up to three years or until your passport expires.
"With a valid ETIAS travel authorization (visa), you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays — normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period," the EU's website reads.
"However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions."
This is now going to be the policy in the 30 European Union countries, including major tourist destinations such as France, Spain, Greece, and Italy.
Just more paperwork to make your life just that more difficult.
