The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is providing its members with an industry brief on global digital entry and travel authorization systems, including the forthcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Beginning in the last quarter of 2026, visa-exempt travelers -- including U.S. citizens -- will need to apply for and obtain an ETIAS travel authorization ahead of their trip for short-term stays in 30 European countries.
Among the list of countries requiring the authorization are tourism hotspots Italy, Greece, Germany, France, Spain and Switzerland.
In addition to ETIAS, the document also outlines the requirements for several other programs, including the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for travelers entering the U.S.; the European Union Entry/Exit System (EES); and country-specific authorizations for Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.
"Travel disruptions most often occur when clients are unaware of entry requirements, misunderstand them or fail to adequately prepare in advance," according to the document. "A common issue arises when travelers assume that 'no visa required' means no action of any kind is needed, leading them to overlook necessary authorization requirements."
The brief also outlines a "recommended advisor workflow" for travel advisors to educate their clients on these programs. An additional webinar on ETIAS is now available for members to watch on-demand through ASTA TV.