The European Union has postponed the introduction of its ETIAS travel authorisation system without setting a replacement date. The scheme had most recently been expected to begin in 2027, but that timetable is now uncertain.
Once introduced, ETIAS will affect visa-exempt travellers from countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia.
Applications remain closed
The EU has confirmed that ETIAS is not yet operating and no applications are currently being accepted. A specific launch date will be announced several months before the system enters into force.
Travellers should therefore neither submit an application nor pay any website claiming to provide an ETIAS authorisation.
The confirmation follows a Financial Times report in July indicating that another postponement was likely.
Border system problems affect timetable
The delay comes amid technical difficulties involving the EU’s electronic Entry/Exit System, known as EES.
Its introduction has been linked to lengthy queues at European airports and passengers missing flights during the busy summer period. EES was originally scheduled to launch in 2022 but was repeatedly postponed.
How ETIAS will operate
ETIAS will eventually require eligible visa-exempt travellers to complete an online application before visiting any of the 30 participating European countries, including Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
Applicants will need to provide personal details, answer security-related questions and undergo pre-travel screening. Most applications are expected to be processed within minutes.
The authorisation will cost €20 and remain valid for three years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first. It will allow stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Children under 18, adults over 70 and certain relatives of EU citizens are expected to be exempt from the fee.
Revised timetable expected
ETIAS officials are expected to present a revised timetable in September. Although reports have suggested that the system could still begin in 2026, a launch in 2027 is considered more likely.
No official start date has been confirmed.
Source: Euronews
