In a shocking twist for travelers worldwide, the European Union has officially confirmed that the long-awaited European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) remains closed and will not be operational until the second half of 2025. This crucial update, released in February 2025, puts to rest months of speculation about whether ETIAS would finally launch this year.
The news comes as a major surprise for millions of travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries who were preparing for the new entry requirements for short-term visits to Europe. While the system was originally expected to debut in 2022, a series of technical delays and the postponed rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) have pushed the ETIAS launch further into the future.
What Is ETIAS and Why Does It Matter?
ETIAS is Europe’s answer to advanced border security. Modeled after the U.S. ESTA, Canada’s eTA, and Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority, ETIAS will soon become mandatory for non-EU travelers from visa-exempt countries.
Under this new system:
- Travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS authorization online before heading to any of the 30 European countries in the Schengen Area.
- The application will cost around €7, with approval expected within minutes in most cases.
- Once issued, the authorization will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.
But here’s the catch: ETIAS will not collect biometric data. That responsibility falls under the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will scan fingerprints and facial data at the border.
Why Is ETIAS Still Closed?
The delay boils down to the unfinished rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES, designed to automate border checks and track overstays, is a critical foundation for ETIAS. Without it, the European Union cannot launch its new travel authorization system.
According to the latest update:
- The EES is now expected to go live in mid-2025.
- ETIAS will only launch a few months after EES is fully operational.
Officials stress that travelers do not need to take any action at this point, and the EU will announce the official launch several months in advance.
ETIAS Timeline Explained: What Happens Next?
Once ETIAS does go live, the rollout will happen in phases:
1# Transitional Period (6 Months Minimum):
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- Travelers will be encouraged to apply for ETIAS before their trip.
- Entry will still be allowed without ETIAS as long as other entry conditions are met.
2# Grace Period (Another 6 Months):
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- ETIAS will become mandatory.
- Exception: Only first-time travelers since the end of the transition period can enter without ETIAS if they meet all other conditions.
3# Full Enforcement: After the grace period, ETIAS will be strictly required for all visa-free travelers.
How to Prepare for ETIAS?
When ETIAS finally launches, travelers can only apply through the official platforms:
- Website: europa.eu/etias
- Mobile App: ETIAS App (Coming Soon)
Announcement: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias-timeline-explained-2025-02-19_en.
