Now comes the end of permissionless travel for Americans visiting Europe, starting in early 2024. Currently, citizens of the United States and 62 other countries can travel to most European Union countries for up to 90 days without a visa. However, a new system called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require Americans and residents of those 62 countries to pay a fee, submit an online application with extensive personal information, and undergo a criminal/security background check before being allowed to travel to Europe.

This is what happens when the US thinks everyone is a threat. ESTA has given birth ETIAS. What goes around, comes around.

This move by Europe is in response to a similar system already implemented by the United States since 2009, called the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). ESTA was introduced as a counter-terrorism measure after 9/11 and imposed modest fees and processing times for travellers from certain countries, affecting the concept of reciprocal “visa waiver” travel between trusted nations.

Of course, the U.S. has imposed additional restrictions over the years, leading to a situation where European citizens who have visited certain countries, including Cuba, may now be denied visa-free travel to the U.S. Unfortunately, both the U.S. and Europe seem to be moving toward increased digitization and biometric data collection for travellers, which will ultimately further erode personal privacy and liberty.