COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Sometimes a passport is not enough for U.S. travelers embarking on an international trip and additional steps are required to obtain a travel visa or other travel authorization.
Securing a visa is essential for many vacations, depending on the country people wish to enter. The process varies by destination, with some countries offering visas on arrival and others requiring applications weeks or months in advance.
Travelers should begin by checking the U.S. State Department’s website to use the Learn About Your Destination search tool. Here, they can enter the name of the place they are visiting and gather important information such as travel advisories, embassy message alerts, and quick facts about the destination. Some facts listed include passport validity, if a tourist visa is required, and vaccination requirements. Under the page’s “Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements” heading is a link to the country’s embassy where they can apply for a travel visa.
Many countries require proof of financial stability, a letter of invitation, or travel insurance before granting a visa. Application fees and processing times differ depending on the country and visa type, with some expedited options available for an additional cost. Some nations conduct in-person interviews or biometric data collection, making it essential to schedule appointments well in advance. Missing a required document or failing to follow instructions can result in delays or rejections.
Soon, U.S. travelers to Europe will need a European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS. According to the ETIAS website, this process acts as a security check before arrival to help strengthen border control across the region. Now expected to launch sometime in 2025 or 2026 the ETIAS will have an online application process and include a small fee.
The ETIAS will be mandatory for travelers visiting Schengen Area countries — most major European nations without internal border controls. Additionally, Schengen associate countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, will also require ETIAS. Other locations where authorization will be needed include Cyprus (a non-Schengen EU country) and territories such as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.
Currently, U.S. travelers headed to the United Kingdom are required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA. This can be obtained through the UK ETA app and applies to visitors entering England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
