ETIAS Launch Delayed Until 2025
In a recent press release the High Commission of the European Union announced a new delay of ETIAS Visa Waiver.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System, meant to screen travelers and improve security, was set to go into effect in 2021 but has now been pushed back to 2025. While the delay may be an inconvenience, it provides extra time to understand the new requirements and ensure you have proper documentation to visit countries in the Schengen Area.
What Is ETIAS and Why Was It Created?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an electronic travel authorization for citizens of over 60 countries to enter the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit. ETIAS was created to strengthen border security within the EU.
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS will require visitors traveling visa-free to Europe to obtain a travel authorization before departure. You will need to fill out an online application with questions regarding your identity, passport details, occupation, and travel plans. Applicants will pay a €7 application fee. Once approved, the ETIAS travel authorization is valid for 3 years and allows unlimited entries into the Schengen Zone.
- ETIAS does not replace a valid passport or visa. You will still need a valid passport to travel to Europe.
- ETIAS is not a guarantee of entry into the EU. Border officials can still deny entry upon arrival if they believe you may illegally stay in Europe.
Why Was ETIAS Created?
ETIAS aims to strengthen security checks on visa-exempt travelers prior to their trip to Europe. By collecting travelers’ information in advance, border officials will have access to important data to determine if you may pose a risk to public security or health in the EU before you depart for Europe. ETIAS also allows authorities to verify that you have not overstayed a previous allowed stay in the EU.
The implementation of ETIAS has been delayed until late 2025. Once in effect, you will need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization on the official website prior to booking travel to any European country within the Schengen Zone.
ETIAS Launch Pushed Back to 2025 – What Changed?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement for U.S. citizens traveling to Europe was originally set to launch in January 2022 but has now been pushed back to early 2025. This delay impacts your travel planning in several ways:
First, you now have an additional 3 years before you will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. ETIAS will be a mandatory pre-screening for visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., at a cost of $7 per application. You will apply and pay for it online prior to your trip.
Second, the ETIAS criteria and application process may change before the new launch date. The ETIAS is meant to identify any security, irregular migration or public health risks before travel to Europe. The eligibility criteria, data collected, and screening process could transform over the next few years to align with any new perceived threats or risks. It is a good idea to check for updates on the ETIAS website regularly as your travel dates approach.
Finally, some may view the delay as an opportunity for a last trip to Europe without the extra ETIAS requirement. If you have travel to the EU planned before November 2025, you can avoid paying for and applying for an ETIAS for that journey. However, the implementation of ETIAS could still impact wait times at borders and airports once launched, so you may encounter some initial issues even for a 2025 trip.
In summary, the 3-year delay in launching ETIAS provides both benefits and drawbacks for U.S. citizens traveling to Europe. Make sure you stay up to date on any changes to be fully prepared for your EU adventure, whenever that may be. With some advanced planning, ETIAS should not put a dent in your European getaway.
How the ETIAS Delay Impacts Travelers to Europe
The delayed launch of the ETIAS system until 2025 will impact travelers to Europe in several ways:
Travel Authorization Required
Beginning in 2025, citizens of over 60 countries, including the US, will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before arriving in Europe for short-term tourism, business or transit. The ETIAS is not a visa but rather an automated pre-travel screening system. Travelers will need to apply via an official website and pay a small fee, currently €7, to determine their eligibility to enter the Schengen zone.
Longer Wait Times at Borders
With the new ETIAS requirements, border officials will need to verify each traveler’s authorization before allowing them to enter Europe. This may lead to longer wait times, especially in the early stages of the program. Travelers should plan for potential delays at ports of entry and schedule extra time.
Some critics argue that the ETIAS system poses threats to personal data privacy and security. The program will require travelers to submit sensitive details like passport information, travel itinerary, education and job details. There are concerns about how this data may be accessed, shared or potentially compromised. The EU aims to keep data secure and only use it to determine eligibility, but skeptics remain unconvinced.
Continued Access for Most Travelers
Despite the new requirements, the vast majority of visitors will still gain access to Europe with an approved ETIAS. The system is aimed at enhancing security by identifying potential threats while facilitating travel for legitimate tourists and business people. As long as you have a valid passport, lack a criminal record, and do not pose a security risk, obtaining an ETIAS should be a straightforward process for access to the Schengen zone.
While the delayed rollout of ETIAS is inconvenient, the program aims to strike a balance between open borders and enhanced security for European nations. With some advance planning, the ETIAS should not pose a significant barrier for US citizens and nationals of other approved countries seeking short-term travel to Europe.
What to Do Now While Waiting for ETIAS Rollout
With the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) rollout delayed until 2025, you will need to continue following the current entry requirements for the Schengen Area for the time being. To ensure you will still be able to travel as planned, here are the steps you should take:
Check current Schengen visa requirements
Double check that your passport is valid for at least 3 months after your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area. U.S. citizens can enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Those traveling for other purposes may need a Schengen visa, so verify your specific situation.
Continue monitoring ETIAS updates
While ETIAS implementation has been pushed back, continue checking the official ETIAS website regularly for announcements about the new expected launch date and any changes to the ETIAS requirements or application process. Being proactive will ensure you have enough time to complete the ETIAS application once it becomes available.
Determine if you need an ETIAS
When ETIAS does launch, check if you will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization, which will be required for most short-term visitors including tourism and business. ETIAS will be valid for 3 years and allow unlimited entries into the Schengen Area. The application can be completed online and in most cases, approved within minutes.
Prepare your ETIAS application
Although you cannot apply for ETIAS yet, you can start gathering the required documentation to have ready, such as a valid passport, credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fee, email address, and additional information like your address and occupation. Travelers of some nationalities may need to provide supplemental documentation. The exact ETIAS application requirements and process may change, so continue monitoring for updates.
By following these steps over the next few years until ETIAS implementation, you can ensure you have a smooth travel experience and remain compliant with all entry requirements for your trip to Europe. While waiting for the ETIAS rollout may require some patience, being proactive and informed will make the application process seamless once it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ETIAS Delay
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) was scheduled to launch in January 2021. However, the European Commission has announced the ETIAS rollout will be delayed until early 2025. If you plan to travel to Europe in the next few years, this delay may impact your trip. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the ETIAS postponement:
Will I still need an ETIAS to visit Europe?
Yes, once ETIAS is implemented in 2025, most non-EU citizens including Americans will be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before visiting countries in the Schengen Area. ETIAS is not a visa but rather an electronic travel authorization system designed to pre-screen travelers and enhance security.
Why was ETIAS delayed?
The European Commission cited several reasons for postponing the ETIAS launch, including:
- Additional time needed for system development and testing. Building the ETIAS system is a complex process requiring secure data storage and sharing between countries.
- Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The health crisis has slowed progress and reprioritized resources.
- Concerns over potential issues with ETIAS’ interoperability with existing EU information systems that share data on visas, borders, and security. Resolving any interoperability challenges will require further time and effort.
How will this impact my future European travel plans?
The ETIAS delay should not disrupt most travel plans in the next couple of years. However, once ETIAS is implemented in 2025, you will need to allow additional time to obtain an ETIAS authorization before your trip. The online ETIAS application only takes a few minutes to complete but can take up to 96 hours to process. As long as you apply at least 4 days before travel, the ETIAS delay should not pose issues for your European vacation or business plans in 2025 and beyond.
The postponement of ETIAS until 2025 allows both travelers and the EU additional time to prepare for this new pre-screening program. By addressing questions and concerns now, the transition to ETIAS in a few years can be as seamless as possible for all parties involved.
Conclusion
With the announcement the ETIAS launch will be delayed until 2025, travelers now have additional time to prepare for the new requirements. While the wait may be frustrating for those eager to experience the promised streamlined process for entering Europe, the delay allows you more time to gather the necessary documentation to apply and avoid potential issues. The next three years provide an opportunity to check that your passport is valid, ensure you have no criminal record that may complicate your application, and take time to understand the ETIAS process fully. Although 2025 may feel far off, remaining informed and prepared will make the transition as smooth as possible when ETIAS does finally launch. With patience and proactivity, you can embrace this new system and continue enjoying frictionless travel across Europe for years to come.