Overview
- ETIAS, a digital pre‑travel authorisation modeled on the U.S. ESTA, is now slated for a late‑2026 launch with a six‑month grace period that delays compulsory use until at least April 2027.
- The authorisation will cost €20 per person, remain valid for three years or until passport expiry, apply to 30 European countries, and will not cover Ireland, with some age exemptions from the fee.
- MoneySavingExpert warns that ETIAS cannot be bought yet and says any site offering to sell or fast‑track an application is fraudulent, advising travellers to use the official portal once it opens.
- The separate Entry/Exit System has begun replacing passport stamping, requiring non‑EU travellers to provide fingerprints and a facial photo at first entry to the Schengen area.
- EES implementation has produced long queues and technical issues at some borders, while operators such as Spain’s AENA say the ETIAS delay provides needed time to train staff and integrate procedures.