Travel Mandates & Insurance

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)

Overview

• Effective January 1, 2024, all travelers from countries allowed to enter the EU zone without a Visa (includes travelers from the US) must have ETIAS authorization to enter countries within the Schengen area; this includes travelers who will only be transiting in Europe en route to another country
• You must be a full American citizen to apply for an ETIAS, so travelers holding a passport or travel document with a different status will be required to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa, and not an ETIAS; US Green Card holders will need to hold a passport from an ETIAS eligible country, otherwise, U.S. Green Card holders will require a Schengen Visa
• Travelers must have an e-passport that is machine readable
• ETIAS authorization allows entry and travel within the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period
• No application fee for those under 18 or over 70; fee for those not in those age groups is approximately $7.70 (subject to change based upon conversion rate)
• Complete your application here: ETIAS online application
• Authorization remains in effect for 3 years

Note: The following information is from the official ETIAS site: ETIAS

Rationale for ETIAS

• Currently, a large number of individuals from countries such as the United States and Canada, who wish to travel to Europe do not need to apply for a visa prior to their arrival.
• These citizens (e.g. United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) will need to provide information about themselves and the reason for their travel arrangements via an online application before arriving in Europe. The list of ETIAS eligible countries is frequent to change. Thus, travelers are advised to become familiar with the requirements prior to their departure to an EU country.
• It is hoped that the system will deter potential criminals and terrorists as well as monitor all those who intend visiting to provide a greater level of security for Europe’s residents.

ETIAS Application

• The application process is aimed at taking approximately 10 minutes or less.
• The website processing ETIAS applications will support mobile, desktop and mobile devices. The types of information requested includes:
• Biometric and personal data such as name, date of birth and gender
• Applicant contact details such as home address email address
• Education history, such as primary, secondary, vocational schooling, university, or no education
• Travel document information, such as a passport or other document, including data such as the document number, issue date, expiry date, and country
• Current occupation or job, including title as well as contact details
• First EU member state of arrival
• Background questions relating to previous criminal activity, drug use, travel to conflict zones, as well as EU and non-EU immigration history.

More information on the ETIAS application form can be found here: https://etias.com/articles/what-will-be-on-the-etias-application-form

Payment

The ETIAS fee charged on applications for travelers between the ages of 18 and 70 is €7*. There is no ETIAS fee for travelers under the age of 18, or over the age of 70. Every traveler, regardless of their age, will require an approved ETIAS prior to their arrival to the Schengen Area.

*Approximately $7.70 (subject to change based upon conversion rate)

Applicant Notifications

Most ETIAS applicants will be notified either instantly or within a few hours of their approved Authorization. A valid ETIAS travel Authorization is linked to the applicant’s passport and have its own unique application number. An ETIAS will be valid for three years or until the date of passport or travel document expiry, whichever date comes first.

ETIAS at the airport

Travelers arriving to the Schengen area by air, land or sea will be required to present a valid travel authorization. Using an Entry-Exit System (EES) check, EU border authorities will check a traveler’s passport, visa or ETIAS to determine admissibility. Traveler’s without a passport from an EU member state, a valid ETIAS or a valid Schengen visa will not be allowed entry.

Insurance Q&A

Medical

Question: Why does Discovery recommend MissionSafe for medical and trip cancellation coverage?

Answer: We recommend MissionSafe because we are confident their options will provide hassle-free coverage should you need it.

Question: Is any insurance coverage included in my tour price?

Answer: No. Insurance coverage is at your discretion and is your sole responsibility. However, we highly recommend you purchase both medical and trip cancellation/interruption coverage for peace of mind should something unforeseen occur.

Question: Does MissionSafe have a policy I can purchase that would allow for pre-existing conditions?

Question: Is Medicare and Medicaid coverage sufficient should I become sick while I’m on my trip?

Answer: No. Medicare and Medicaid coverage is NOT sufficient.

Question: Will Discovery verify if my medical coverage is sufficient?

Answer: No. Medical coverage verification is your sole responsibility, please contact your insurance provider directly.

Travel

Question: What happens if my trip is cancelled, interrupted or delayed due to illness, airline flight changes, or another unforeseen event?

Answer: If you choose to not purchase optional trip cancellation coverage and your trip is cancelled, interrupted or delayed due to personal illness, natural disaster, medical advisory, etc., or an airline-imposed flight change, delay, or cancellation or any other travel contingency, you are solely responsible for any additional costs / cancellation fees that may be incurred since such contingencies are out of Discovery’s control. We recommend MissionSafe for this coverage.

Question: Does MissionSafe have a policy I can purchase that would allow me to cancel for any reason?

Answer: Yes. However, if you are interested in adding the cancel for any reason benefit, your policy must be purchased within 20 days of your initial deposit or payment to Discovery. Visit the MissionSafe site for more information.