Europe scraps 2026 ETIAS launch timeline, travellers won’t need permit yet

Europe has abandoned its earlier plan to launch the ETIAS travel authorisation system in late 2026, meaning travellers will not need to apply for the permit just yet. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is currently inactive, with the official website stating that applications are not being collected. The EU has announced that travellers will be notified of the precise launch date several months prior to the system's launch.

At present, visa-exempt travellers do not need to secure an ETIAS authorisation before visiting Europe. The system will apply to 30 European countries for short stays by visa-exempt nationals. Once operational, an approved ETIAS will be linked to the traveller's passport and will generally remain valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

However, travellers should note that the ETIAS timeline has undergone multiple changes since its expected start in 2021. The EU currently only indicates that the specific date will be communicated several months before implementation. Therefore, travellers should refrain from submitting an ETIAS application through unofficial websites until the EU system becomes available.