The European Union has removed its previous late-2026 timeline for launching the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), leaving travelers without a confirmed start date for the new requirement.
According to the official ETIAS website, the system is “currently not in operation,” and applications are not being accepted. The EU says the final launch date will be announced several months before ETIAS becomes operational.
The development means visa-exempt travelers heading to Europe do not currently need to apply for ETIAS.
The EU had earlier indicated that the system would begin operating in the final quarter of 2026, but that timeframe has now been removed. ETIAS has already faced several delays since it was initially expected to launch in 2021.
Once introduced, ETIAS will apply to visa-exempt nationals traveling to 30 European countries for short stays. Travelers will be required to obtain the electronic authorization online before beginning their journey.
The authorization will be linked to the traveler’s passport and will generally remain valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Existing short-stay rules will remain unchanged, allowing visitors to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Travelers have also been advised against using unofficial websites claiming to process ETIAS applications, as the official application system has not yet opened.
Until the EU announces a new launch date, eligible travelers can continue visiting participating European countries without ETIAS, subject to the existing entry requirements for their nationality.
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