Travellers visiting the European Union can now rest easy knowing that they will not be required to pay for a travel visa until at least 2025.
The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), an electronic travel permit that enables visa-free travel within EU countries, has faced yet another delay. Initially slated for a launch in mid-2024, EU officials have recently announced that the implementation of the scheme will now be postponed until May 2025.
Moreover, the Entry/Exit system (EES), another EU border security feature, has also encountered setbacks due to an unreachable deadline.
A EU official stated, "We had initially envisioned the EES to be operational by the end of this year or, at the latest, the beginning of next year. However, unforeseen delays have made it evident that this timescale cannot be attained. Consequently, the implementation of the ETIAS has been rescheduled for May 2025, with the potential for further postponements."
This is not the first time the launch date has been postponed, as it was previously delayed in February 2023.
While the precise date for the ETIAS launch remains undisclosed, the EU Commission's Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs has indicated that it is expected to be announced by the year's end.
The ETIAS is an entirely digital travel permit designed for individuals from outside the EU or Schengen Zone who do not require a visa to enter European countries. For instance, UK citizens will be able to enjoy stays in Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe with the ETIAS. The permit is valid for three years, enabling multiple visits to Europe throughout this period, and is anticipated to cost approximately €7 for individuals aged 18 and above.
