Understanding the New Travel Visa ETIAS to Visit Paris
If you are planning a vacation to France in 2024 then you might have heard a rumor that there is a new travel visa required for Americans to visit Paris, France. Yes, this is correct, in 2024, Europe is rolling out a new Travel Visa called ETIAS (European Travel information and Authorization System) to visit Paris and other European countries.
What is the New Europe Travel Visa (ETIAS)
Europe will require a travel visa to visit Europe starting in 2024. There has been no exact date yet when it will be released, and when you can register for future trips. We know it will cost 7 Euros per person. This new Europe travel visa will be linked to your passport, and is a short term visa for anyone traveling to Europe for under 90 days. When you are getting ready to cross the boarder, boarder control will check to ensure that your ETIAS is linked to your passport. This will only impact people traveling to Europe in 2024, so don’t worry if you have a trip booked in 2023.
Which Countries Require the New Europe Travel Visa?
There are 30 European Countries that will require that you have the new travel visa in order to visit including:
• Austria • Belgium • Bulgaria • Croatia • Cyprus • Czech Republic • Denmark • Estonia • Finland • France • Germany • Greece • Hungary • Iceland • Italy • Latvia • Liechtenstein • Lithuania • Luxembourg • Malta • Netherlands • Norway • Poland • Portugal • Romania • Slovakia • Slovenia • Spain • Sweden • Switzerland
Why is Europe rolling out the new visa ETIAS?
There has been no official reason why Europe is implementing this new visa requirement. With Europe, specifically Paris tourism is higher than ever, which is why you may be surprised that they are rolling out this new visa. From my understanding, the reason they are rolling out the new ETIAS is due to safe concerns. By implementing this new visa, the government will be able to improve security in the Schengen Area, and help border congestion.
Who Needs the new Travel Visa to go to Paris?
The new travel visa will impact Americans, people from the UK, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and many more. To see the entire list of visitors that will need to apply for the new ETIAS visa you can visit the website here.
How much Does the new Travel Visa to Paris cost
The new European travel visa will cost 7 Euros per person. There are a few exceptions such as, If you are under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 you don’t have to pay. If your family member is an EU citizen you don’t have to pay either.
Where and when do you apply for the new travel visa?
If you are applying to the new ETIAS aka travel visa to visit European countries you will need to apply on the ETIAS website. They are not currently accepting applications for 2024 yet and will shortly. I recommend that you apply as soon as you know you’re going to Europe even if you think you're on the fence about a trip. According to the website, the process will only take a few days, but with Visas you never know if you will run into a problem, so apply early.
How long is the Travel Visa ETIAS good for?
The good news is that your European Travel Visa (ETIAS) will be valid for 3 years!
Will this impact the VAT TAX refund and shopping experience in Paris?
From my understanding, the new travel visa to visit Paris will not impact the VAT Tax Refund. You’ll still be able to shop at your favorite Parisian department stores and luxury shops and if you spend more than 100 Euros you’ll qualify for the VAT tax refund in Paris.
Final Thoughts On the New Travel Visa ETIAS to Visit Paris, France
My biggest piece of advice when it comes to international travel, is make sure you plan in advance, don’t want until the last minute to get your new visa. My guess is this New Travel visa to visit Paris in 2024 is going to be extremely popular because of the Olympics so make sure you apply early if you are planning to visit France or any other European Countries. As new information is released I will continue to update this article. I’d love to hear in the comments, what are your thoughts on the new European Travel Visa?
Sincerely Petite in Paris,
Diane
