The European Union has delayed implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System, known as ETIAS, until the fourth quarter of 2026, meaning a reprieve for those who plan to travel to the continent this year and most of next.
ETIAS is a travel security program that conducts background checks on applicants to identify potential security risks entering Europe’s external borders.
First, however, will be the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, or EES. Expected to become operational in October 2025, the EES is an automated IT system for registering non-EU national traveling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any of these European countries using the system.
For the purposes of the EES, "short stay" means up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Then, starting in the fourth quarter of 2026, the European Union will launch the ETIAS travel authorization requirement for nationals of 59 visa-exempt countries and territories.
Once ETIAS comes on line, visitors will have to provide basic personal data to obtain ETIAS approval. As of this writing, the online application will cost €7, payable only with a credit or debit card. “Once payment is completed, most applicants will receive an approval within minutes,” according to the official website ETIAS.com. An approval is valid for three years or whenever the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first, and is good for unlimited travel to participating countries.
 |
| Photo credit: Carl Dombek |
It will be mandatory to enter 27 European Union countries in the Schengen area without a visa. In addition, three non-Schengen countries of Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania will participate in the program.
 |
| Map of Schengen-area countries plus other participants in ETIAS |
Once ETIAS comes on line, visitors will have to provide basic personal data to obtain ETIAS approval. As of this writing, the online application will cost €7, payable only with a credit or debit card. “Once payment is completed, most applicants will receive an approval within minutes,” according to the official website ETIAS.com. An approval is valid for three years or whenever the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first, and is good for unlimited travel to participating countries.
The official start of the program will be followed by transitional and grace periods which will last for at least 12 months, according to the ETIAS web site.
Travelers can sign up for email updates on the ETIAS launch date and any new requirements on ETIAS.com.
Travelers can sign up for email updates on the ETIAS launch date and any new requirements on ETIAS.com.
Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.
Click on images to view larger size
Comments
Post a Comment
PLEASE NOTE:Comments on this website must pertain to the topic of the article and may be edited for content and/or clarity. Comments that include URLs WILL NOT BE POSTED. Please contact me directly if you wish to do a "link exchange."