By Carl Dombek
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for tourists traveling to the Schengen area of Europe has been delayed indefinitely.
The ETIAS was originally to have taken effect on Jan. 1, 2022 but was delayed multiple times due to a variety of reasons related to information technology and the ability to meld the ETIAS system with the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES). See my related article here.
At present, citizens of approximately 60 countries are permitted to enter the EU and Schengen member countries without the need to obtain a visa. Under the ETIAS, these visitors - including those from the U.S. and Canada - will be required to register before traveling. They will then be screened "thereby reducing the likelihood of security incidents involving EU citizens," according to a statement on ETIAS.com.
The official website has removed its late-2026 target and now says the European Union will announce a start date several months before the system goes live. Until recently, the official timeline still pointed to the last quarter of 2026.
eu-LISA, the EU agency developing ETIAS, has reportedly concluded that a 2026 launch is no longer feasible. The delay stems from the Entry/Exit System (EES), which ETIAS is meant to follow. Problems with the EES rollout have also pushed back ETIAS.
For its part, EES also repeatedly missed deadlines. Originally scheduled for 2022, it was delayed by procurement issues, technical problems, and slow implementation across member states.
The eu-LISA management board, which met on June 17, said that there had been no further developments but is expected to meet again in September to consider a revised timeline.
When ETIAS eventually does launch, it will apply to visa-exempt travelers, including UK, US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders, visiting 30 European countries for short stays.
The system covers every EU country except Ireland, as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
Applicants will complete an online form through the official ETIAS website or mobile app, provide passport and personal details, answer security questions, and undergo pre-travel screening.
Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes, though some applications will take longer. Decisions are expected within four days, extending to 14 days if additional documents are needed, or to 30 days if an interview is required.
The authorization will be linked to the traveler’s passport and remain valid for three years or until the passport expires. It will allow stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across ETIAS countries, though time spent in Cyprus will be counted separately.
When it does take effect, the fee will be €20 for adults from ages 18 to 70. Children under 18, adults over 70, and some family members of EU citizens are expected to be exempt.
For now, travelers do not need to take any action. The EU said no applications are being accepted yet, and travelers can continue visiting Schengen countries under existing requirements.
The ETIAS was originally to have taken effect on Jan. 1, 2022 but was delayed multiple times due to a variety of reasons related to information technology and the ability to meld the ETIAS system with the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES). See my related article here.
At present, citizens of approximately 60 countries are permitted to enter the EU and Schengen member countries without the need to obtain a visa. Under the ETIAS, these visitors - including those from the U.S. and Canada - will be required to register before traveling. They will then be screened "thereby reducing the likelihood of security incidents involving EU citizens," according to a statement on ETIAS.com.
The official website has removed its late-2026 target and now says the European Union will announce a start date several months before the system goes live. Until recently, the official timeline still pointed to the last quarter of 2026.
eu-LISA, the EU agency developing ETIAS, has reportedly concluded that a 2026 launch is no longer feasible. The delay stems from the Entry/Exit System (EES), which ETIAS is meant to follow. Problems with the EES rollout have also pushed back ETIAS.
For its part, EES also repeatedly missed deadlines. Originally scheduled for 2022, it was delayed by procurement issues, technical problems, and slow implementation across member states.
The eu-LISA management board, which met on June 17, said that there had been no further developments but is expected to meet again in September to consider a revised timeline.
When ETIAS eventually does launch, it will apply to visa-exempt travelers, including UK, US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders, visiting 30 European countries for short stays.
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| Schengen Countries affected by ETIAS |
The system covers every EU country except Ireland, as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
Applicants will complete an online form through the official ETIAS website or mobile app, provide passport and personal details, answer security questions, and undergo pre-travel screening.
Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes, though some applications will take longer. Decisions are expected within four days, extending to 14 days if additional documents are needed, or to 30 days if an interview is required.
The authorization will be linked to the traveler’s passport and remain valid for three years or until the passport expires. It will allow stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across ETIAS countries, though time spent in Cyprus will be counted separately.
When it does take effect, the fee will be €20 for adults from ages 18 to 70. Children under 18, adults over 70, and some family members of EU citizens are expected to be exempt.
For now, travelers do not need to take any action. The EU said no applications are being accepted yet, and travelers can continue visiting Schengen countries under existing requirements.
Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.
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