If your answer is “Yes” be prepared for a new step that might be necessary before you depart. It is like requesting a visa, but you’re not sending your passport anywhere and the entire process is done online. It’s called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Once you know the country or countries you want to visit, find out whether one or all the countries require ETIAS approval. If they do, it is recommended that you complete the online application before making any purchases (through a Travel Advisor) on your vacation. The approval could occur within a few minutes or 96 hours, in some cases it could take longer. The price is scheduled to be €7, approximately $8.
The application process has not been activated yet. For more general information, go to their website. Their FAQs have answers to specific questions.
Updated on November 16, 2023
Initially this was supposed to be implemented in 2024. It has been pushed back to mid-2025. You can exhale now, you have time.
Poitevien, Jessica. “Americans Will Need a ‘Visa’ to Visit Europe in 2024—Here’s What to Know”, Conde Nest Traveler 19 July 2023. 22 July 2023 <https://www.cntraveler.com/story/americans-will-need-visa-for-the-eu?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=syndication&mbid=synd_yahoo_rss>