The Council of Home Affairs Ministers of the European Union has approved a new timetable for the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The full launch of the system, which will require online pre-registration from citizens of 59 visa-free countries, has been postponed until April 2027. This is the fifth postponement since the original plan to launch in 2021.
Key Timeline Changes:
- October 2025 - Entry/Exit System (EES) launches, replacing stamps in passports with biometric enrollment
- Late 2026 - ETIAS test period begins (voluntary use)
- April 2027 - ETIAS becomes mandatory for most travelers
- October 2027 - full transition to the system for all categories.
How ETIAS will work
Citizens of visa-free countries, including the UK and the US, will need to:
- Complete an online application form on the official ETIAS website
- Pay a fee of €7 (persons under 18 and over 70 years old are exempt)
- Receive an electronic authorization valid for 3 years or until the passport expires
It is important to note that during the transition period (end of 2026 - April 2027), the absence of ETIAS will not be grounds for refusal of entry if other requirements are met.
Reasons for delays and new approaches:
According to the EU Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs, the postponement is due to several factors:
- Technical difficulties in integrating ETIAS with national systems
- The need to train staff and test equipment at all control points (airports, seaports, land borders)
- Phased implementation of EES: from October 2025, only 10% of travelers will have their biometrics taken, with the full transition completed by April 2026.
The European Commission recommends that travelers avoid using third-party sites offering ETIAS processing services - the official portal will not be operational until 2026 - and follow updates on ETIAS resources and EU government platforms.
Reform Goals:
Both systems (EES and ETIAS) are designed to:
- Automate border control
- Increase security by proactively screening travelers
- Reduce queues at the border (processing is projected to take 2-3 minutes instead of 10-15 minutes)
The EU statement emphasizes that the phased approach will give time for transport companies, airports and border guards to adapt to the changes.