ETIAS implementation delayed

The European Union's European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which is a pre-authorisation for entry into the EU for travellers who come from countries that have visa-free travel into the European Union (EU), has been postponed to the end of 2026, according to the official website.

"No action is required from travelers at this point," the website states. "The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch."

On March 5, the EU said it would launch the ETIAS six months after the gradual rollout of the Entry/Exit digital border management system (EES), which will collect biometric data of travelers beginning in late 2025. "Because the EES regulation requires all member states to start using the EES fully and simultaneously, a new regulation was necessary to make a progressive start possible," the Council of the European Union said.