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Europe will soon introduce a new electronic system that tourists will need to use before they travel to Europe. The United States already has such a system, called Electronic System for Travel Authorization and Korea recently introduced such a system, called Korean Electronic Travel Authorization.
The European Union will implement its own system, called European Travel Information and Authorization System. The new system is scheduled to become effective in 2025. The system will generally not apply to U.S. Forces personnel and their dependents stationed in Europe on orders, but will apply to family from the U.S. who come to Europe to visit.
This system is different from and in addition to the European Exit/Entry System, a computerized system to register travelers entering and leaving Europe at airports and other border crossings that will become effective in November.
What is an Electronic Travel Authorization? An ETA, whether issued by the U.S. (through ESTA), Korea (through K-ETA) or the European Union (through the new ETIAS), does not constitute a visa. Quite the opposite, ETAs target visa-free travelers. Persons from a country who do not need a visa to visit Europe will soon need such an ETA. Whether the purpose of the short-term travel is for tourism, business or merely transit, the traveler will need to obtain an ETA before actual entry into Europe. The ETA process allows for data comparison and matching allowing the effected countries to do a security check.
Under ordinary circumstances the ETIAS authorization happens quickly. Travelers will be directed to a web site to obtain the authorization online. Once obtained, the authorization is valid for up to three years for multiple entries up to 90 days in a 180-day period. However, ETIAS clearance has to be obtained online BEFORE the travel happens (see, https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-news/etias-europe-similar-us-esta). A fee will be charged to obtain the clearance.
What impact will ETIAS have on persons coming to Germany? ETIAS is for visitors. If you are already an ordinary legal resident of Germany (or German citizen), ETIAS does apply to you. A military retiree residing in Germany without SOFA status, returning to Germany after a visit to the U.S. will not need to go through the ETIAS process. ETIAS also does not apply to U.S. service members and U.S. civilian personnel entering Europe on orders with a right to stay legally in the country where they are stationed.
Family members of military personnel who enter the country where their sponsor is stationed are also exempt from the new rules if they have SOFA stamps in their passports. However, problems may arise if such family members enter Europe on a connecting flight through a third European country where the sponsor is NOT stationed. In addition, family members who do not have orders (such as parents traveling to Europe to visit military personnel) will clearly be covered by the new rules and need to obtain an ETIAS certificate before beginning any travel.
BOTTOM LINE: ETIAS clearance will have to be obtained by your friends and family who are not on your orders who come to visit you in Europe. ETIAS might also lead to complications for dependents if there is no direct flight to the country in which you have SOFA status. Once in Germany, concerned dependents can obtain a so-called “Schengen Travel Visa” to avoid the need for an ETIAS clearance. As 2025 approaches, there will likely be more information on this topic; you should watch for additional guidance.
