Traveling to Europe as a United States citizen
Travelers from United States will still be able to enter most European countries without a visa for a short stay (up to 90 days). When traveling to Greece as US citizen, you would need to familiarize yourself with new laws and regulations that came into effect in late 2025.
As of October 12th, U.S. citizens must use the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at borders. This includes fingerprints and photos. The new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), similar to Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when traveling to United States, will also be required to enter 30 European countries for a short stay, vacation or business trip. Currently the system isn’t live and will be introduced in late 2026. Applicants will be able to apply via the official website or app once the system goes live.
An ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years or until the expiration date of the passport used in the application, whichever comes first. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.
The ETIAS travel authorization will be checked together with the travel documents by the border guards when crossing the EU border. This prior verification of visa exempt non-EU citizens will facilitate border checks, avoid bureaucracy and delays for travelers when presenting themselves at the borders, and substantially reduce the number of refusals of entry at border crossing points.
SANTORINI PHOTOGRAPHER ANNA SULTE 