The European Union has announced a major delay in the launch of its European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). It will now start six months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) begins in 2025.
This delay represents a key change in the EU’s border management plans and raises concerns about readiness and its effect on travelers.
ETIAS takes a backseat
Initially planned to launch alongside the EES, the ETIAS has been delayed. According to the official ETIAS website, it will now begin six months after the EES becomes operational.
This phased rollout aims to reduce potential problems. However, the absence of a firm timeline for either system leaves travelers unsure about when the new rules will apply.
The ETIAS will pre-screen visa-exempt travelers entering the Schengen Area to improve security and ease border crossings. Non-EU travelers will need to apply online, providing passport details, travel plans, and security-related information.
Approved authorizations will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
EES could take phased rollout
The EES, which the ETIAS relies on, will replace manual passport stamping with automated biometric checks. Travelers will provide facial images and fingerprints when entering the Schengen Area, and this data will be stored for up to three years.
The system aims to improve accuracy and efficiency in tracking entries and exits across EU borders.
Initially scheduled to launch on November 10th, 2024, the EES was delayed with no confirmed date.
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson has proposed a gradual rollout for the EES. Instead of launching everywhere at once, the system may start at specific border crossings and expand over time.
This phased approach is designed to ease the transition and reduce disruptions.
Visa-free travelers face new pre-screening requirements
The delay gives travelers more time to prepare for the upcoming changes. Once both systems are active, non-EU travelers without a visa will need to meet new requirements.
The EES will collect biometric data, while the ETIAS will pre-screen travelers, requiring them to get approval before leaving for the EU. These systems aim to improve security but may initially cause confusion and delays at borders.
Frequent travelers and business professionals should keep track of the timelines for both systems. For now, tourists planning trips to Europe can travel without worrying about extra documentation.
Stricter screening raises questions about immigration
The staggered rollout of the EES and the ETIAS shows the EU’s careful approach to updating border controls. These systems aim to increase scrutiny of all visitors while balancing security needs with smooth travel.
This shift could impact immigration policies, tightening oversight of non-EU travelers and improving data sharing among member states.
Looking ahead
The launch of the ETIAS and the EES is a major step in the EU’s plan to strengthen border security in a connected world. The delays reveal logistical hurdles but also allow time to prepare infrastructure and inform the public.
Travelers and policymakers must adjust to these changes to ensure the systems deliver safer and more efficient borders.
As the EU prepares for these updates, the coming years will show how well it balances security with accessibility. For now, travelers have a short window before the new rules change their trips.
Due to travel to uk for tourism may 31st system will not let me apply now. If able to apply in may will this cause a problem for my trip already booked and paid for?
Hi, Sue,
If the EES and the ETIAS will start by May 31st, you need to register for both before your trip. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to leave and/or enter your country of destination.
Please check back our resources page often for updates on the status of the ETIAS and EES.
ETA already registered and approved. Still not able to apply for ETIAS online but options dont allow for me to apply to travel to uk. Should I just state one of the countries ti travel to to get me ETIAS.
Hi Sue,
The ETA is sufficient for now because the ETIAS will not launch until possibly next year.
I am traveling to Spain and France in April, and England in May. I am a US citizen and am already approved for the EES UK requirement. Since I will be in Spain & France in April, will there be a problem? The six-month roll-out after EES will technically take effect in July if that is correct since it rolled out in the UK in January? Is there a grace period if one has the flights already?
Hi,
The EES has not yet rolled out. According to the European Commission, it will launch sometime in 2025, although there is no definite date yet.
It is likely that there will be a grace period to give travelers and carriers time to adjust to the system. Please follow our Resources page for updates.
I am traveling February 10-March 24, do I need to worry about this because it does not seem to be accepting applications right now.
Since there is not yet official announcement for trips on your date, there is no need to worry about the EES and the ETIAS.
We are travelling to Italy first week in August, I’m worried they will put it into effect too late leaving us no time to apply for the visa
Hi Emily,
It’s recommended to apply for a visa while the policies and guidelines aren’t formally announced.
I am hoping to travel early may this year. Will I need to get EES and Etias befor traveling or am I checked at the border at the start of my holiday?
Hello Polly,
As the ETIAS and EES have not yet launched, you do not need them in May. Please refer to the country’s current entry requirements to be allowed entry at the border.
please supply a link for applications because I can not find this option, thank you
Hello Emily,
As the ETIAS and EES have not fully launched yet, there is no link for applications at the moment.
Hi…we are US citizens and will be leaving the US for Italy on April 24, 2025 and returning May 14, 2025. We also do a plane change in Copenhagen airport (both directions).
So…do we need to get an ETIAS?
And does EES apply to us and is something we need to get?
Thank you so much!
Hello Jane,
As the EES and ETIAS won’t be launching at the moment, applications for them are not yet open.
I am travelling to France, Italy and Greece from the UK throughout the whole of May. As there is the 6 month grace period, I’m assuming I shouldn’t be affected by ETIAS applications. Is this correct?
Hello Ben,
As the EES and ETIAS won’t be launching until November, you do not need to worry about applications yet.
We are traveling to France, Italy and Greece from Australia in June and July. I have just signed up on the ETIAS for updates when system is launched. I notice your comment above states it won’t be launching until November, so we won’t need to worry about this?
Hello Sofia,
Yes, no need to worry about ETIAS for now.
I am traveling to Poland on 5th April 2025 and again on 18th April 2025 from the UK . Will I need an ETIAS visa?
Hello Robert,
Since there is no update on when ETIAS will launch, you do not need to worry about it for your April trip.