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.
Citizens of visa-free countries, including the UK and the US, will need to:
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.
According to the EU Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs, the postponement is due to several factors:
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.
Both systems (EES and ETIAS) are designed to:
The EU statement emphasizes that the phased approach will give time for transport companies, airports and border guards to adapt to the changes.
In a move sparking intense debate, Reform UK has unveiled a flagship immigration policy: "Britannia Cards" offering wealthy foreigners residency rights in Britain for a £250,000 fee.
Oman will implement a personal income tax (PIT) starting January 1, 2028, becoming the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nation to introduce direct taxation on individual earnings.
Portugal has announced significant changes to its citizenship laws, doubling the residency requirement for most foreign applicants from five to ten years.
