Questions Asked for Forthcoming ETIAS Requirements for Americans Visiting Europe
Starting in 2024, Americans are expected to be required to fill out an electronic travel authorization (ETIAS) to visit a number of European countries (assuming the absence of another bureaucratic delay of implementation).
This is a rude awakening for Americans who are used to not having to fill out any paperwork, electronic or not, to visit Europe.
According to the European Union website (linked below) the following questions will be asked:
"What information will I be asked to provide in my application?
You will be asked to provide the following information:
- Personal information including your name(s), date and place of birth, sex, nationalities, home address, email address and phone number(s);
- Your parents’ first name(s);
- Travel document details;
- Your level of education and current occupation;
- The country of your first intended stay and the address of your destination;
- Details about any past criminal convictions, past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been the subject of a return decision."
Lots to unpack here.
First, millions of Americans have some sort of criminal conviction of some kind that they'll have to disclose, and learn whether it disqualifies them from ETIAS.
Second, some Americans who have traveled to conflict ones, whether for work or tourism, will have to disclose, and learn whether it disqualifies them from ETIAS.
Third, For the first time, Americans will be subject to judgment of their educational level and occupation, to be able to visit Europe visa-free.
I predict, we'll see a bump in Americans pursuing post-conviction relief (i.e. expungements, expunctions, vacates, etc.) more avidly, even for old convictions.
Also, adventurous Americans may have to decide whether an exciting trip to countries such as Yemen, South Sudan, Iraq, Syria, or Ukraine will be worth risking an ETIAS denial to visit Europe.
How to avoid all this?
Well, by pursuing European citizenship by descent, but of course (link in first comment) IF you qualify.
#europe #EuropeanUnion #visafree #dualcitizenship #freedomofmovement #America