Many of you have asked about the pending changes for US passport holders for entering Europe. These are good questions – in large part because as usual, the TV “News” is offering half-truths, partial information, and no context for what is actually happening.
The new entry system is called ETIAS. Here’s what you need to know:
It’s Not really a Visa. Some countries require you to send your passport to their embassy in advance of travel, and often you need to hire a lawyer to get it done. The Europeans are putting in place an Electronic Travel Authorization… not a visa requirement.
It’s no big deal. Visitors to Australia and New Zealand have been doing this for a couple of decades, and generally find the process to be painless. We expect the same from the EU. At this point MOST countries require some form of advance authorizations – this is not new.
What countries does it cover? ETIAS will cover all 27 countries in the Schengen Zone. This covers just about all the countries our clients visit in Europe. The exceptions are mostly in Eastern Europe (Albania, Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Turkey)
What about the UK? The British chose to leave the European Union, so ETIAS will not cover your trips to the England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. They will be putting in their own Electronic Travel Authorization soon, so at some point in the future if you have a trip to Europe planned that also includes some time in the UK, you’ll have to get authorization for each separately. There are lots of opinions around BREXIT – but there little question that this aspect of it makes very little sense.
What are the requirements? You need a valid US-Passport, and a credit card to pay the fee. You will also be asked questions about your previous travel history, and your occupation. If you have any criminal convictions, you will be required to disclose those. I have completed many visas and electronic travel authorizations, and these questions are quite standard.
What’s the process? Sometime in advance of 96 hours before you go, you’ll need to go to the ETIAS website, and complete your application, and pay the fee (if applicable). Once you’ve gotten ETIAS authorization it is good for 3-years for multiple entries for up to 90-days. The system is expected to issue approvals within a few minutes (or up to 24-hours). They are currently not taking applications, but once this begins, it makes sense to apply well in advance.
What’s the cost? €7 if you’re between the ages of 18 and 70. If you are older or younger, it will be free.
When does this begin? There have been several false-starts, but the current time-table is for this to start in 2024. The have been some media reports that this will start in November of 2023, but there is no mention of this on the official website. What it does say is that they intend to be forgiving about the whole process for the first few months while they work out the bugs, so for anyone traveling in the next several months, there really is nothing to worry about.
Don’t be cranky about this. It’s worth noting that citizens of the EU have been required to get an electronic authorization to visit the USA for more than a decade, and they have to apply every time they come to the US at a cost of $14. The conditions the Europeans are imposing on us are notably less than we’ve imposed on them.
Where can I learn more? https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/faqs-etias_en
Today’s Travel Opportunities
Oceania
For those that love food, Oceania is the perfect fit – they really do stand out for their culinary program. They also have a new fare structure that includes all specialty dining, beer/wine with meals, a shore-excursion credit, and wifi on the ship. If you want to learn more about the new fare structure, here’s a short video we put together: https://youtu.be/0115RvMoa6M?si=DmJgYzfHkBkTAJPT
Istanbul to Venice for 10-days departing June 19.
- Visit Istanbul (overnight), Izmir, Santorini, Argostoli, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Hvar, Slovenia, Venice.
- Veranda rooms from $4999, with a $400 per person shore-excursion credit, and on this sailing, we can get pre-paid gratuities thrown in too.
- This cruise is on board the brand new Oceania Vista.
Amsterdam to Oslo for 12 days departing June 24
- Visit Amsterdam, Antwerp (overnight), Le Havre (for Paris), London, Guernsey, Cork, Dublin, Glasgow, Stavanger, Arendal, Oslo.
- Fares start at $3999 with a $400 shore-excursion credit.
- OR take advantage of upgrade sale, and get veranda for the Ocean View price of $4949.
Explora Journeys
The reviews are in, and this new contemporary European brand is knocking it out of the park. No main dining room, but a series of (included) specialty restaurants. You’ll also have a huge 375 square foot veranda room. Your fare includes an open bar, wifi, specialty dining, and gratuities. If you missed our vendor focus on Explora… here’s the link: https://pamperedcruiser.com/explora-journeys-world-debut/
Los Angeles to Vancouver for 7-days departing April 12
- Visit SF overnight, Astoria for Portland, Victoria,
- Verandas start at $3250 per person
- This cruise is a great opportunity to check out this new brand close to home. Extend your stay in Vancouver before it gets busy for the tourist season.
Vancouver to Hawaii for 10-days departing April 18
- Visit Hilo (overnight), Honolulu (overnight)
- Verandas start at $7200 per person
SilverSea
SilverSea is the traditional luxury brand with several goodies on offer right now. The ships have a maximum of 700 people on board, is fully inclusive with every room being a suite.
- A Suite upgrade in select categories
- $500 per person on board credit
- An exclusive 5% discount that is only available through our agency.
- THE CATCH: you must book by September 15 to get all these offers.
There are nearly 500 cruises that qualify for these offers. Here’s a link to their website if you’d like to shop: https://www.silversea.com/best-luxury-cruise-deals/suite-upgrades.html
Here are a couple of examples. Remember a further 5% discount is available (on any SilverSea cruise), but it has to be booked through us:
New York – Barbados for 16 days departing November 18
- Visit NYC, Norfolk VA, Hamilton Bermuda (2 nights), San Juan PR, St. Thomas, St Barts, St. Kitts, St. John’s, Martinique, St. Lucia, Bridgetown.
- Veranda suites start at $7150
Auckland to Sydney for 14-days departing Jan 4
- Visit Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hobart (overnight), Port Arthur, Burnie, Sydney.
- Windows at $5650. Verandas start at $7150.
Hong Kong to Toyko departing March 14 for 16 days
- Visit Hong Kong (overnight), Jeju (South Korea), Seoul (overnight), Busan, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Osaka (overnight), Tokyo
- Windows from $7950. Verandas from $9450
Recently booked a Viking Cruise?
Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online or by phone. Our clients worry that if they book on-line, that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation.
We’ll check over your booking to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.
We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.
There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).
Also, in case you’re wondering, there is NO fee to work with us. We get paid commission by the cruise lines after our clients travel. So, please get in touch to let us know about your existing reservations (including those made while on board).
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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
