The European Union has announced a new delay in the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The system is now scheduled to launch on an optional basis in the last quarter of 2026 and become mandatory by April 2027.
This postponement marks the latest in a series of delays in the EU’s efforts to modernize its border management systems, which also include the Entry/Exit System (EES), set to go live in October 2025. ETIAS will follow at least one year later.
A Gradual Rollout for Smoother Transition
According to the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, ETIAS will be rolled out in several transitional phases. When the system launches in late 2026, applications will be optional for a six-month period. Visa-exempt travelers will be encouraged to apply, but they will not be denied entry to the Schengen Area as long as they meet other entry requirements.
From April 2027, the ETIAS authorization will become mandatory for most travelers, with a further six-month grace period extending to October 2027 for first-time visitors. By then, the system will be fully enforced for all eligible travelers.
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS is designed to enhance European border security by pre-screening visa-exempt travelers before they arrive. Nationals of 59 visa-exempt countries—including the United States and the United Kingdom—will be required to complete an online application and pay a €7 fee prior to travel to the Schengen Area. The authorization will be valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
Children under the age of 18 and adults over 70 will be exempt from the fee but will still need to apply.
A Broader Border Management Reform
Alongside ETIAS, the EU will also launch the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025. This system will replace manual passport stamping with a digital registration system that accurately records border crossings. Biometric features will become mandatory two months after the system goes live.
The European Commission has confirmed that this phased implementation will allow border authorities and transport operators additional time to adapt to the new technical and procedural requirements. It has also warned travelers to be cautious of fraudulent websites falsely claiming to offer ETIAS services before the official launch.
A New Era of Travel to Europe
ETIAS represents a key step toward improving the efficiency and security of travel to the Schengen Area. It provides a modern digital framework for assessing entry requests from visa-exempt travelers, in line with the EU’s broader goals for border control and safety.
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