A decade ago, the European Union, EEA, and Schengen countries decided back in 2016 that they would launch the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) that would require Visa-waiver nationals to apply for an ETA and pay a 7 EUR fee.
As it was just reported, this system (which was supposed to come online in mid-2025 after already incurring several delays) will now be postponed until at least late-2026 due to “technical difficulties”.
The ETIAS system basically mirrors similar ETA maechanisms which are already in place for decades, starting with Australia and then the U.S. ESTA, Canadian ETA and the UK has now followed suit as well.
But Europe wouldn’t be Europe if such things were simple. straight forward and organized by competent people. Instead the system is now delayed again after being more than a decade in the making.
As EuroNews reported this week, ETIAS won’t be online until at least late-2026:
This year, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for the EU and Schengen Zone will finally be launched.
This will be a registration system for UK, US and other non-EU travellers and will only apply to those who don’t require a visa to enter the EU.
Coupled with this is the introduction of the ETIAS – the European Travel Information and Authorisation System – as part of the EU’s efforts to improve border security.
This travel permit was due to become a requirement for non-EU travellers in 2026, but it has been delayed yet again.
The EU now plans to introduce the ETIAS in late 2026 with a transitional grace period, meaning it won’t be mandatory until 2027.
Under the new ETIAS rules, travellers who don’t need a visa from non-EU countries, including the UK, will have to obtain authorisation before short stays in the Schengen Area.
This will require you to complete an online application, provide personal details, answer security questions and pay a €7 fee. This authorisation will be linked to the traveller’s passport and will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.
Travellers from 60 non-EU countries will need to comply with the ETIAS, but there are some exceptions. The fee will be waived for children under 18 and adults over 70, although they will still need to apply for authorisation.
The ETIAS cannot take effect until six months after the EES is fully operational at all Schengen Area borders. This means all airports, ferry ports and land crossings must have the system up and running before it can be launched. …
Laughable really. A perfect display of European incompetence. While we have to pay ETA fees for several countries worldwide, these very same nationals can just come into the Schengen zone free of charge. Perfect way to stick up for your own citizens, Brussels. But what else is new!?
The ETIAS launch is probably tied to, at least partially, the updated Entry/Exit System (EES) being rolled out in Schengen participating countries.
This is a system where your entry and exit information will be stored, and most travelers will use automated gates to enter and exit the area. No passports will be stamped.
Note that Ireland has a common travel area with the UK and is not part of the Schengen Area, although it is part of the European Union. Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland are not part of the EU but have joined the Schengen agreement.
Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and the Holy See (the Vatican City State) nationals don’t need to apply for an ETIAS.
European Countries Requiring ETIAS:
These are essentially EU/EEA/Schengen countries, but Ireland is not part of it due to the Common Travel Area with the UK. Cyprus requires ETIAS but will continue stamping passports.
Travelers From The Following Visa-Free Countries Require ETIAS:
What Information ETIAS Requires?
- Personal information, including your name(s), surname, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address, and phone number;
- Travel document details;
- Details about your level of education and current occupation;
- Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS;
- Details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject of a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country.
Not sure why the EU/EEA deems that your parents’ names and education level or current employer information are essential but at least as of now it’s a required item.
ETIAS Supposedly Checks:
- the existing EU information systems:
- the Schengen Information System (SIS),
- the Visa Information System (VIS),
- Europol data,
- the Eurodac database,
- proposed future EU information systems:
- the Entry/Exit System (EES),
- Interpol databases:
- the Interpol Stolen and Lost Travel Document database (SLTD),
- the Interpol Travel Documents Associated with Notices database (TDAWN),
- a dedicated ETIAS watch list and specific risk indicators.
If all the information checks out then you will be issued a travel authotization good for multiple entries. Keep in mind that this system is for visa waiver countries. Those who require a visa continue to follow the regular application process with diplomatic missions abroad.
Visitors to the UK already require the new ETA and the system is now ready for all applicants (including EU nationals):
UK ETA Applications Now Open For Europen Nationals & Required From April 2, 2025
Wouldn’t it be nice if the EU was able to apply proper reciprocity for once?
Conclusion
The ETIAS Electronic Travel Authorization system is delayed again and now won’t be online until late-2026 or possibly even later. The EU has run into more “technical difficulties” – surprise, surprise.
EU and Schengen countries are also rolling out new, automated gates at airports all over the continent. Most arriving and departing passengers from the Schengen area could and should use in due course so that all entries and exits would be properly recorded for 3rd country nationals. They will also check/collect biometric data, so you cannot share travel documents.
The ETIAS system is essentially developed to match what the US, Canada, UK Australia, and New Zealand + probably a few other countries have all required for years for visa-waiver nationals. It’s about time that the EU follows suit and implements the same measures.
