The travel industry took a major dip during the height of COVID, leading to considerable worker layoffs and government bailouts. Though in 2023, travel is back with a vengeance. More people are traveling for work, leisure, and to spend time with their loved ones.

This includes not just domestic travel, but also international travel.

So far, Europe is one of the most popular destinations for Americans to vacation. Though going forward, there are some changes coming up that US travelers will want to be aware of before booking their flights and lodging accommodations.

Next year, the European Union is expected to issue a new mandate via its European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This mandate will apply to any person with a US passport.

What to know about ETIAS

Under ETIAS, Americans who want to visit countries within the EU will need to go online and complete a visa application ahead of time. This application is going to have an $8 charge, along with questions centering around the traveler's schedule, history, and other details.

After filling out this application, Americans will have to wait anywhere from a few minutes to 96 hours to see if they get approval. Upon visa approval under ETIAS, travelers shall then recieve clearance to enter EU nations for the following three years or until their passports are no longer valid.

With that in mind, the EU previously planned to roll out the ETIAS visa this year, only to later postpone it. So far, word is the new visa requirement will begin in January 2024. However, Peter Greenberg, a travel editor for CBS News, says the EU may again delay the ETIAS visa program.

A huge factor motivating these delays is the possibility of the United States subsequently implementing a similar requirement for Europeans traveling to America.

If and when ETIAS' visa mandate does come to frutition, it will also put airlines in a tight spot, as they'll have to deny boarding to passengers without the aforementioned visa approval.

Stay tuned

As 2024 gets closer, Americans who travel frequently should keep an eye out for possible updates regarding European entry requirements.