✈️ U.S. Citizens Traveling to Europe (Schengen) in 2025

✅ Visa Requirements

• Short stays (under 90 days):
  • No visa required for U.S. citizens visiting Schengen countries (France, Italy, Spain, Germany, etc.).
  • Allowed stay: up to 90 days within any 180-day period (tourism, family visits, business).
  • Passport requirements: valid for at least 3 months beyond departure date, and issued within the last 10 years.
• Longer stays (over 90 days):
  • You must apply for a long-stay visa from the country where you plan to stay.

🆕 ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

• Originally planned for 2025, ETIAS is now expected to launch in late 2026.
• Cost: €7, valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.
• Works like the U.S. ESTA → it’s a pre-travel authorization, not a visa.

👉 For your September 2025 trip, ETIAS will not yet be required.

🛂 EES (Entry/Exit System)

• Starting October 12, 2025, the Schengen Area will roll out the EES biometric border system.
• Instead of passport stamps, you’ll have photo + fingerprints taken when entering/exiting.
• Implementation will be gradual, with full rollout expected by April 2026.

🌍 Non-Schengen Countries

• U.K. & Ireland: No visa for U.S. citizens for short visits (U.K. up to 6 months, Ireland up to 90 days).
• Other European countries (e.g., Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia) are joining or aligning with Schengen rules soon.

📌 Quick Checklist for Your September 2025 Trip

• ✅ Valid U.S. passport (3+ months after return).
• ✅ Proof of return flight & accommodation (sometimes asked at border).
• ✅ Travel insurance (recommended, sometimes required by tours).
• ❌ No ETIAS or visa required yet.
• ⚠️ Be ready for possible biometric entry/exit checks (photo, fingerprints) starting Oct 2025.

✨ Summary:
For your France/Strasbourg/Nice trip in September 2025, as a U.S. citizen you only need your passport. No visa, no ETIAS yet. By late 2025, biometric checks (EES) may begin, but ETIAS won’t apply until 2026.