Europe Indefinitely Delays Launch of ETIAS Travel Requirement

After pushing back the rollout of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to next year, the European Union has now delayed the program's launch indefinitely.

"ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorizations are collected at this point," the EU states on its website. "The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch."

Designed for visa-exempt travelers from countries such as the United States and Canada, ETIAS has faced multiple delays already, with the latest postponement coming amid controversy surrounding the continent's new electronic entry/exit system (EES), which is causing headaches in the form of long lines and missed flights for some during the peak summer travel period.

Once launched, ETIAS will cost 20 euros or about $23 and permit access to 30 European countries. The travel authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires and green lights short-term stays for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Following the latest delay, the next step is for the program's technology management board to meet and establish a revised timeline next month, with hopes of preserving the possibility of a 2027 launch. 

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