Traveling from Miami and the rest of the United States to Europe will no longer be as simple starting in 2026, as European authorities anticipate the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This is a new mandatory requirement for travelers from visa-exempt countries, including U.S. citizens.
Although its implementation has been postponed several times, the European Union confirmed that the system will begin operating in the last quarter of 2026. It will be indispensable for entering key tourist destinations such as Spain, France, Italy, and Germany.
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What is ETIAS and Who Does It Apply To?
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization that visitors who currently do not need a visa to enter Europe must apply for. According to official information from the European Union, the system will function similarly to the ESTA that the United States requires from travelers of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
The requirement will apply to 30 European countries and will affect nearly 1.4 billion travelers from approximately 60 countries worldwide.
Requirements to Obtain ETIAS
Once the system is operational, travelers must complete three basic steps before flying to Europe:
- Complete an online application with personal and passport information.
- Pay a fee of 20 euros for the application.
- Obtain the electronic authorization before the trip.
European authorities recommend completing the process at least 96 hours before departure. Although they assure that, in most cases, the process will be quick and automated.
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Permitted Stays and Border Control
With an approved ETIAS, travelers can enter Europe for a maximum period of 90 days. According to European Union estimates, it expects to receive around 80 million applications per year.
Uku Särekanno, responsible for administration and information management at Frontex, stated that the system’s goal is to ensure orderly and secure entry into the continent. He explained that travelers who do not obtain authorization will receive a negative response before starting their journey, which will imply a denial of boarding by the airlines.
Delays and Complementary Systems
The launch of ETIAS has been delayed due to the complexity of coordinating its implementation across multiple European Union countries, unlike similar systems that depend on a single nation.
Furthermore, since October 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) began gradual operation. This is a platform that will electronically record the entry and exit of travelers with and without visas. Its full deployment could be completed during 2026.
What Travelers from Miami Should Consider
Once ETIAS takes effect, airlines will be required to verify that passengers have this authorization before boarding flights to Europe. Authorities insist the process will be accessible but recommend initiating it in advance to avoid setbacks.
With this new system, Europe aims to strengthen migration and security control without eliminating the visa waiver, although it adds an additional step that travelers from Miami and the United States will need to consider in their planning.
