The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will launch soon. Under the new system, eligible visa-exempt travelers must secure pre-approval before entering certain European countries. Fortunately, authorities have confirmed a grace period for travelers once the authorization is live.
ETIAS Implementation Timeline
ETIAS has experienced several delays since its original rollout schedule in 2021 due to technical and administrative setbacks.
The most recent update notes that the authorization will be operational six months after implementing the new Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES will modernize border management and security across the European Union (EU). Specifically, it will replace manual passport stamping with a digital system to track entries and exits.
In March 2025, EU Home Affairs Ministers confirmed that EES would go live in October 2025. Meanwhile, ETIAS would likely be implemented in the final quarter of 2026.
Grace Period: First Six Months
During the first six months after ETIAS goes live, travelers can still enter the Schengen Area without applying for authorization. Within this period, visitors will have time to understand the process and obtain approval without facing immediate consequences. Nonetheless, officials still urge that travelers apply as soon as possible to avoid last-minute complications.
During this phase, ETIAS becomes mandatory, but some flexibility will still remain. First-time visitors who haven’t applied for the authorization may still receive entry, as long as they meet other border requirements. On the other hand, repeat travelers must have an ETIAS before re-entering the region.
ETIAS Application Process
Applying for ETIAS is fast and straightforward. Travelers must fill out an online form, provide their personal details, travel plans, and passport information, and answer security questions. Individuals younger than 18 or older than 70 can apply for free, while other travelers must pay a fee. Most applications receive approval within minutes, but delays may occur if additional checks are necessary.
Once authorities approve an ETIAS authorization, it remains valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. If the traveler’s passport expires, he or she must first apply for a new passport and re-apply for a new authorization.
Holders can visit European countries requiring ETIAS multiple times, staying up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, exceeding this limit can result in penalties or future entry bans.
Eligible travelers include those from visa-exempt countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US. Meanwhile, 30 countries in Europe, such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, require an ETIAS before entry.
Prepare Accordingly
With ETIAS on the horizon, visitors must seek updates and prepare accordingly. While the grace period provides some flexibility, failing to secure the authorization before full enforcement could lead to the denial of entry. Therefore, officials urge travelers to apply early and avoid last-minute surprises at the border.
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