2021 Visas for Europe - Impact on Cruises?

[SonomaMist]

How will the new 2021 Visa requirements for Europe impact cruises?

US citizens and citizens of other countries traveling to Europe will shortly need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa which is the new travel visa to visit Europe that will come into effect from 2021. Similar to other countries and regions in the world Europe has recently decided to improve their security level to avoid any further problems with illegal migration and terrorism. This means that from 2021, all Americans traveling to a European Schengen-zone country will be in need of an ETIAS.
 

These are the main ETIAS requirements for US citizens which each applicant must have on hand when applying. Without the right travel document the applicant could be denied access. 
 

When enrolling in the ETIAS database which is the same as applying for the Europe visa, the passport used must be valid for 3 months beyond the period of intended stay of each person and it is possible that passports over 10 years old may not be accepted as a valid travel document. 
 

At the moment there is no EU visa for US citizens for periods of less than 90 days. This will change however from 2021, when those American citizens traveling to Europe from US will require an ETIAS visa valid for 3 years. 
 

Throughout these 3 years of validity of the ETIAS visa for USA travelers, it is possible to enter any of the Schengen zone European countries which apply to this visa as many times as necessary. The ETIAS visa for Americans is a multiple-entry visa with few restrictions in order to promote tourism while maintaining a high level of international security. 
 

The ETIAS visa for Europe must be paid in advance through the secure online payment via credit or debit card when applying with the traveler’s contact information and passport details. These details include the physical address of permanent residency, a phone number and contact email address which will be necessary to receive the ETIAS confirmation email.

https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-requirements/americans?fbclid=IwAR04YoIVegyN8QHsN9gBbmh6_dFZJ_E9EWHzqbLaa_N0GdBEl7YAUqZA7FI

[CruiserBruce]

If it is run the same as the Australian system, as I understand it will be, it will have no impact at all. Get your Visa electronically in advance. You fly into Europe, where your Visa will be checked as you depart the US, and when you arrive at a European airport. The ship will check it when you board. That should be the extend of the process. Not too complicated. 

[hallasm]

ETIAS is not a visa - it is a travel authorization system  similar to other visa waivers like the well-known US ESTA. And the '90 days rule' will not be changed however the ETIAS will be valid for three years and cost is €7 - much more favorable that ESTA!

When Europeans (and others) are traveling to USA today we need to apply for an ESTA prior to arrival into US and pay $14 - Form 2021 similar system will be in place for Europe (Schengen Area to be more specific) - It will not impact cruising industry and I doubt that cruise lines have to care at all - might be if cruises are starting outside Schengen (UK is not part of Schengen) and visiting ports in the Schengen Area- but not sure.

You just need to apply for your ETIAS prior to traveling  and pay the €7 - then you can travel to Europe for three years before you need another authorization - but not more that 90 days within 180 days window.

 

[GeezerCouple]

I can't imagine this having much of any impact on cruising, other than some confusion initially. 

But there is already "some confusion" about whether passports or passport cards or whatever are needed, for USA travelers who aren't even heading to Europe.

There will always be some who don't read all of the details/instructions carefully.

 

But it sounds like it will be relatively simple for most, and not expensive.

 

GC