ETIAS Implementation Delayed: What You Need to Know
2 November 2023
The ETIAS Overview
In 2016, the European Commission proposed a new pre-entry requirement that many likened to a tourist visa. Consequently, after years of delays and false starts, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was supposed to launch in early 2024. However, a recent statement revealed that implementation has once again been postponed.
Postponement Announced
The timeline adjustment was announced by the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs Council on 19 October 2023, highlighting the need for new technology to facilitate the ETIAS rollout. Moreover, the Council detailed that the latest roadmap for delivering the required IT architecture foresees the ETIAS system becoming operational in Spring 2025. Originally, ETIAS was slated to go live in 2021, before being delayed to November 2023.
Reasons for the Delay
The postponement arises largely due to setbacks in developing another crucial IT infrastructure in Europe: the Entry/Exit System (EES). This system aims to replace manual passport stamping with electronic registration. According to European Commission Spokesperson Anitta Hipper, the ETIAS cannot launch until the EES is fully operational as it will rely on EES data to assess potential risks.
Future Timeline for Implementation
The contractor responsible for creating these IT systems, eu-LISA, estimates the EES will launch in autumn 2024, with ETIAS following approximately six months later. “The revised timeline is connected to several factors, including delays in system development by the contractor, as well as in preparation by EU Member States for the necessary equipment to use the EES at border crossing points,” Hipper explained via email.
What Travelers Should Expect
When the new authorization system is finally implemented, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for ETIAS online prior to entering Europe. This requirement will impact citizens from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among many others. Unlike traditional visas, the ETIAS application process will be relatively streamlined and cost-effective, amounting to only €7 (approximately £6) for a three-year authorization.
Application Process
Travelers will complete an online form containing basic biographical information and travel history. They will also answer several security questions, and if all is satisfactory, approval will be received via email within an hour. While most travelers will experience this swift process, some may face additional security checks, potentially extending the timeline up to 96 hours.
Concerns and Insights
“I do not see ETIAS as a significant concern as I am from the US and have a lot of passport privilege,” stated Sojourner White, a remote social worker and travel content creator with prior experience living in Europe. She emphasized that while the fee is relatively minor compared to other travel restrictions, the ongoing delays may lead to confusion among travelers. “The constant rescheduling of the launch reminds me of real ID issues in the US. When information is released too early, it complicates travel planning,” she added.
Conclusion
In summary, the ETIAS implementation delay brings both challenges and simplicity for future travelers to Europe. Keeping abreast of these developments will be crucial for ensuring a smooth travel experience when the system is eventually launched.
