What applies today
- No visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- EES registration at your first entry: photo and fingerprints, free.
- No ETIAS yet. Do not pay any site for it.
What is coming
ETIAS, expected in 2027, will work much like the ESTA that Europeans use for the US: a short online form, a planned fee of €20, and an approval valid for three years. A transition period means it will not be strict immediately.
Passport rules people miss
- Your passport must be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave Europe.
- It must have been issued within the last ten years.
Plan for your first arrival
- Long-haul flights often land at peak times. Expect queues at the border.
- If you connect to another Schengen city, choose a longer connection on your first trip.
- Keep your hotel address and return flight handy — officers may ask.
Insurance
US health plans rarely cover care abroad. Travel insurance with medical cover is not legally required for visa-free visitors, but it is strongly recommended.