US citizens will be required to apply for a new travel visa to visit the Schengen zone starting in 2021.  Shutterstock

US citizens will be required to apply for a new travel visa to visit the Schengen zone starting in 2021.  Shutterstock

ETIAS is the new travel visa to visit Europe and only comes into effect starting in 2021. 

Currently, there is no EU visa for American citizens who travel the zone for fewer than 90 days, but the ETIAS visa will allow for multiple entries and be valid for three years. The visa intentionally has few restrictions in order to encourage tourism while addressing security needs, according to the ETIAS site.

US citizens can enrol in the ETIAS database online and will be required to have a valid passport, email address, as well as a debit or credit card. The service fee should be around €7, the EU told CNN

The US has an electronic system of travel authorisation, or ESTA, which functions in a similar manner.

For more information about requirements or to apply, visit the ETIAS website