ETIAS - Implementation dates postponed again

The introduction of a new visa-free entry system to the Schengen area has been postponed to a later date than originally planned. According to the latest information from the European Union (EU), the ETIAS system is now expected to be introduced in 2025, instead of 2024 as previously planned. The development of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has been underway for several years. This system will be mandatory for visitors to the Schengen area, including most EU countries as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The recent delay in the introduction of ETIAS was caused by delays in the development of the entry and exit system, which will serve as the main data source for ETIAS.

On October 19, 2023, the European agency eu-LISA, which is responsible for the implementation of the entry/exit control system, informed EU ministers of the need for additional time to make the necessary changes to the system. The Entry/Exit Control System will be responsible for the electronic registration of tourists' passports when entering or leaving the Schengen zone. It will mainly replace the manual stamping of passports. As ETIAS will be electronically linked to travelers' passports and will rely on the Entry/Exit Control System to read travel authorizations, the Entry/Exit Control System must be operational before ETIAS becomes operational. Due to additional updates in the entry/exit control system, the launch date has been postponed, resulting in a further delay in the introduction of ETIAS.

It is expected that the entry and exit system will be launched as soon as possible after the necessary changes have been completed.

The delay in the introduction of ETIAS will not have a significant impact on travel planning to Europe. Following the introduction of the ETIAS system in 2025, travelers wishing to visit countries in the Schengen area will be required to complete an online registration prior to travel in order to obtain a visa-free entry permit. Given the recent delay in the implementation of this system, citizens of visa-free countries can continue their travels to Europe and present only their passports until 2025. For those who need a visa to visit the Schengen area, ETIAS has no impact on their current situation. They will still have to go through the visa application process for the destination country.