Beginning 2021 You Will Need Authorization to Visit Many European Countries

This isn't as scary as it sounds, but starting 2021 countries in the European Union that are part of the Schengen agreement will be requiring pre-approval for most visitors.  ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will used to gather basic information about travelers coming to EU countries that won't require a visa, and there will probably be a small fee.  Visa requirements should stay the same, and your ETIAS approval should last for up to three years (assuming the current information about ETIAS stays accurate).

The countries involved in the new system include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland (basically every European country other than the UK and Ireland).  You should probably map out your itinerary completely before registering, just like with the US government Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), in case you have to disclose all the places you'll be visiting.  However, your "approved" status This is truly just as much for your own safety as it is for the safety and well-being of the locals.

I suspect that airlines will begin to advise customers of this change when it goes into effect, but you can't always rely on them--so keep an eye on the news once 2021 rolls around and keep yourself "in the know".  Travel safely!