The USA and the European Union currently participate in the Visa Waiver Program. This means that US citizens do not need visas for tourist travel to France, Germany, or Spain for visits of less than 90 days.
In response to ongoing negotiations between the EU and the USA over ‘non-reciprocal’ US visa requirements for citizens of five EU member countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland and Romania), the European Union’s Parliament approved a ‘non-legislative resolution’ on Thursday calling for the EU Commission to urge full visa reciprocity:
“The EU Commission is legally obliged to take measures temporarily reintroducing visa requirements for US citizens, given that Washington still does not grant visa-free access to nationals of five EU countries. In a resolution approved on Thursday, MEPs urge the Commission to adopt the necessary legal measures “within two months.”
The EU Parliament’s move sets a two-month deadline for the EU Commission to act if the U.S. doesn’t change its policy — but the Commission says it may not respond until this summer.
“Margaritis Schinas, the chief spokesman for the commission, appeared to tamp down any expectations that it would impose visa requirements on Americans within two months, as outlined in the Parliament resolution. Instead, he said he advocated “continued engagement and patient diplomatic contacts” with Washington.
The commission will issue a progress report on discussions with the United States, he added, but not before the end of June.”
Further developments would probably require legislative action within EU member states and will likely take time.
At this point your child does not need a visa to travel to France, Germany, or Spain. We will do our best to keep you apprised of any changes to these policies. Please note that travel arrangements are made by the individual families, not by Adolesco, and it is your responsibility to be aware of and fulfill any applicable governmental and airline requirements.
To stay up to date, check the website of the nearest French, German, or Spanish consulate (where visa applications would be made in the event they become necessary) as well as the US State Department website for your exchange destination (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html).