Delays forecast for EU travel authorisation scheme after website changes

The electronic authorisation scheme for visa-free travellers entering the Schengen area looks set to be pushed back from its planned autumn 2026 launch date. 

Information relating to the ETIAS scheme (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) has been quietly changed on the page’s official website by EU authorities.

Previously stating that “ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026,” it now says “ETIAS is currently not in operation” and “the EU will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to the launch.” 

It now seems almost certain that the system will not launch until 2027. In July, eu-LISA, the IT agency responsible for the system, reportedly discussed delaying the launch date to next year following EES implementation difficulties.

EES and ETIAS are closely linked

The scheme was originally set to come into effect around six months after the full launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES), the EU’s enhanced border security measures. 

The systems are designed to be complementary.

Implementation of ETIAS appears therefore to have been affected by the several delays to EES.

The full rollout of EES took place on April 10, 2026, however entry points have been allowed to temporarily suspend certain actions such as recording or checking biometric information during busy periods.

There have been calls to extend the rules allowing for temporary suspensions past the current September 6 cut-off date.

The status of EES – including temporary suspension periods and whether or not France can iron out difficulties with pre-registration kiosks – following September 6 will likely provide clarity on the forthcoming rollout of ETIAS. 

It is possible that ETIAS will only come into force once all eligible passengers are routinely having biometric information recorded and checked on subsequent entries and exits.

Gradual rollout

ETIAS will act as an electronic authorisation system for nationals of countries that currently benefit from visa-free short-stay access to the Schengen area through a rolling 90/180 day period. This includes Britons, Americans, Australians, Japanese, Canadians, etc. 

It will act similarly to the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). 

Under current regulations, ETIAS is set to involve a gradual six-month rollout before entering fully into force. 

This six-month transitional period is likely to see visitors encouraged to apply for ETIAS travel authorisation where possible but not be denied entry to the bloc if they do not have it, to help them get accustomed to the system. 

There will then be a further six-month ‘grace’ period for first-time entrants to the bloc since implementation.

Once the system is fully in force, there will be no exceptions for those needing authorisation to enter. 

The scheme will cost €20. Those aged under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from paying but still need to obtain ETIAS authorisation in advance. 

Travellers will need to provide certain personal details and answer questions about their travel plans as part of the application. 

In most cases, authorisation is expected to be granted within minutes, and will last for three years or until the passport linked to the authorisation expires (the earlier of the two). 

However, travellers will be advised to apply well in advance as in some cases it may take up to 30 days for authorisation to be granted.

Applications are not currently available.

While applications made by a third-party on behalf of someone else will be possible, all requests will have to be made directly through EU systems, so the bloc is advising future requests be made directly to reduce the risk of scams or overpayment. 

More information on how to apply will be available closer to the launch date. Our article here provides an overview of ETIAS.