New year, fresh PTO—it’s time to jet, set and go!
And though U.S. passport holders can travel visa-free to these 116 countries around the world, many common tourist destinations, from the United Kingdom to South Korea, will require a special travel authorization from U.S. visitors to enter.
Europe: European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
Your European vacation will require a new travel authorization this year, known as an ETIAS. This travel authorization will be required for entry to 30 European countries. Due note the official ETIAS website states that no applications are being collected at this point since it is not currently in operation.
🌎 Schengen Zone countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland)
🗓️ Effective May 2025
💰 €7 application fee (~$7 USD)
👍 Valid for 3 years
United Kingdom: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Have plans to take a trip across the pond? You’ll need to apply for an ETA via the UK ETA app or online. Application decisions are typically made within three business days.
🌎 England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
🗓️ Effective January 8, 2025
💰 £10 application fee (~$12 USD)
👍 Valid for 2 years
New Zealand: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
U.S. passport holders will typically require an NZeTA to enter the country of New Zealand. It may take up to 72 hours for your NZeTA to be processed, so be sure to apply at least three days before your departure date.
🌎 New Zealand
🗓️ In effect
💰 NZD $17 application fee (~$10 USD)
👍 Valid for 2 years
Australia: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
U.S. citizens looking to travel to Australia will need to apply for an ETA using using the Australian ETA app. Processing typically happens immediately; however, delays can occur.
🌎 Australia
🗓️ In effect
💰 AUD20 application fee (~$12 USD)
👍 Valid for 12 months
Korea: Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
U.S. travelers must apply for a K-ETA at least 72 hours prior to departure. Applications are accepted either online at www.k-eta.go.kr or through the mobile K-ETA app.
🌎 South Korea
🗓️ In effect
💰 10,000 won to apply (~$7 USD)
👍 Valid for 3 years