ETIAS start date set for 2026

ETIAS is a travel authorisation designed to strengthen border security by pre-screening visa-exempt travellers before they arrive in Europe.

ETIAS has been under development since 2018. Following the successful rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), ETIAS is now expected to start in 2026 .

Read on to learn the latest ETIAS timeline, when applications are expected to open, and when you'll need to apply.

IS ETIAS IN EFFECT?

The ETIAS online travel authorisation service is not currently available. According to official EU sources, it will become operational in 2026 .

When ETIAS goes into effect, it will be mandatory for visitors from visa-waiver countries participating in the programme.

WHEN IS THE ETIAS START DATE?

ETIAS is expected to be launched towards 2026 . The exact rollout date hasn’t been announced.

Originally due for release in 2021, ETIAS has been pushed back several times. The EU says the exact start date will be announced several months before launch to give travellers time to prepare.

Important: ETIAS applications are not open. You can’t currently apply for your travel authorisation. Avoid sites that advertise pre-launch ETIAS applications or early release permits, as they’re likely to be fraudulent.

WHY HAS ETIAS BEEN DELAYED?

ETIAS was delayed partly because it depended on the rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES). ETIAS uses data from EES to help detect security and high epidemic risks.

EES entered into operation on 12th October 2025 and became fully operational on 10th April 2026. With EES now fully operational, ETIAS preparations have moved to the next stage.

Once ETIAS is launched, the two systems will work in unison as part of broader security measures that have modernised border controls in Europe.

FACTORS LEADING TO THE REVISED EES AND ETIAS TIMELINE

Several factors contributed to the previous EES and ETIAS delays.

These included extra time needed to develop the systems at a central level and delays in preparing the necessary equipment at border crossing points.

The COVID-19 pandemic also affected the rollout, as travel restrictions, operational disruption, and pressure on border authorities slowed preparation across participating countries.

Delays in the implementation of EES have had a knock-on effect on the timelines for ETIAS. ETIAS relies on EES data to support checks on visa-exempt travellers before they travel.

ETIAS TIMELINE

The European Commission introduced the idea of a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in 2016. After being approved by the European Parliament, the ETIAS Regulation was passed on 5th July 2018.

It was originally expected that ETIAS would take around 5 years to become operational, by the end of 2021, and be fully implemented by 2022. However, several delays meant that the system did not go live as planned.

The European Commission has said that the exact ETIAS start date will be announced several months before launch. We’ll share updates on this site as soon as the details are known.

GUIDANCE FOR PASSENGERS

In the months before ETIAS starts, information and guidance about the new travel authorisation and how to apply.

This may include information at border checkpoints and through embassies or consulates of the European countries where ETIAS will apply.

ETIAS IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD

ETIAS won’t be mandatory immediately after launch. There will be 2 short implementation periods, allowing travellers and border authorities to adapt to the new system.

These periods have not started yet because ETIAS is not currently operational. They will begin only after ETIAS officially launches.

STAGE 1: ETIAS TRANSITIONAL PERIOD

The ETIAS transitional period will last for 6 months after ETIAS becomes operational.

During this time, travellers may still be allowed to cross the external border without a valid ETIAS, as long as they meet all other entry requirements, such as holding a valid passport.

STAGE 2: ETIAS GRACE PERIOD

A 6-month grace period will follow the transition period. This is the final adjustment phase, after ETIAS has started and the transitional period has ended.

During the grace period, you may enter without ETIAS only once. This applies if it’s their first trip to a country requiring ETIAS after the transitional period has ended.

After that first entry, you’ll need a valid ETIAS for future trips, along with all other entry requirements, including having a valid passport.

In both stages: People who are not required to have ETIAS can continue travelling under the usual entry rules that apply to them.

ETIAS CENTRAL UNIT PREPARATIONS

Frontex is responsible for setting up and operating the ETIAS Central Unit, which will support the processing of ETIAS applications once the system launches.

Operational preparations have continued ahead of the expected ETIAS start in 2026 . This includes staffing, testing, and support services for travellers and carriers.

As ETIAS hasn’t been launched yet, the ETIAS Central Unit is not accepting applications at this stage.

PREPARING FOR THE ETIAS START DATE

European institutions are still getting ready for ETIAS ahead of its expected launch in 2026 .

EES is already running at borders across Europe. ETIAS is the next step, so all types of infrastructure connected to travel are continuing to prepare for the next stage of implementation.

CARRIER CHECKS FOR ETIAS

Airlines, sea carriers, and coach operators have been preparing to use the ETIAS carrier interface.

Once ETIAS starts, carriers will need to check that visa-exempt travellers have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation before boarding. This check will happen before reaching the border.

Carriers aren’t currently making ETIAS checks because the system hasn’t been rolled out yet. Once it launches, checks will begin.

HOW TRAVEL TO EUROPE WILL CHANGE WITH ETIAS

ETIAS is similar to the United States ESTA. It’s not a visa, but it will be a mandatory travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers.

Once ETIAS starts, visa-exempt travellers will need it to visit the 30 European countries that require ETIAS, including all Schengen States and Cyprus. Ireland will not participate.

Travellers who do not fall under ETIAS requirements can continue travelling under the usual entry rules that apply to them.

BEFORE DEPARTURE

Once ETIAS is rolled out, visa-exempt travellers will need to apply for ETIAS before travelling to any participating countries.

AT THE AIRPORT

International carriers, such as airlines, will verify that the visa-exempt passengers have authorisation to travel. Passenger information will be checked through the carrier interface before travel. Travellers without the required ETIAS may not be allowed to board.

ON ARRIVAL

Border officials will verify that passengers have the relevant travel documents and meet the entry requirements. ETIAS authorisation does not guarantee entry. You must still meet all border conditions when you arrive.

Key ETIAS timeline milestones

The ETIAS system has been under development for a number of years. Here’s a timeline of the key events: