ETIAS 2026: What we know so far about Europe’s new travel requirement

Planning a trip to Europe in the next few years? If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country like the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, there’s a major change coming: ETIAS.

Set to launch in mid- to late 2026, ETIAS will be a mandatory pre-travel authorization for entering any of the 30 Schengen countries.

While it’s not a visa, you won’t be allowed to board your flight or cross a border without it.

Here’s the latest on what ETIAS is, who needs it, and why it’s been delayed multiple times.

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an upcoming pre-screening program for visa-exempt travelers visiting Schengen countries. It's not a visa, but a digital travel authorization that must be approved before departure.

It's a much simpler and quicker process than a visa application.

If you can currently enter Europe without a visa for short stays (90 days in any 180-day period), you will soon need ETIAS approval to do so.

💡 iVisa travel expert, Femke Strietman, explains:

“Think of ETIAS as Europe’s version of the US ESTA, Canada eTA, or UK ETA – a quick online check to improve border control and internal security.”

When will ETIAS start?

Originally scheduled for 2022, ETIAS has faced repeated delays due to technical, legal, and logistical hurdles. As of May 2025, the latest official timeline points to a launch in mid-2026.

The European Commission has cited the following reasons for delays:

• Incomplete integration with the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which must go live before ETIAS.
• Technical complexity of synchronizing ETIAS across 30 European countries.
• Pandemic-related disruptions, which shifted internal priorities and delayed testing phases.
• Airport and border infrastructure readiness across all participating states.

Who will need ETIAS?

You will need an ETIAS if you hold a passport from one of the visa-free countries that currently enjoy short-stay access to the Schengen Area. This includes nationals from:

Note: This list can change over time. Always check travel requirements with your local authorities.

How does ETIAS work?

Here’s a simplified breakdown of how ETIAS will function once live:

1️⃣ Fill out a quick online application with passport, contact, and travel info

2️⃣ Pay a small fee securely online

3️⃣ Most approvals issued within minutes, but can take up to 96 hours

Once approved, your ETIAS is linked to your passport electronically. No need to print anything.

How long is ETIAS valid?

Once approved, an ETIAS will be valid for:

• 3 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first
• It covers multiple entries, as long as you don’t exceed 90 days in any 180-day period

So you can travel freely for holidays, business, or short family visits without reapplying each time.

What is the 90/180 rule?

If you're traveling to Schengen countries (with or without ETIAS), you can stay for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule applies regardless of how many times you enter or exit the area.

This applies to all visa-exempt nationals using ETIAS for short-term stays, such as tourism, business, or visiting family.

📅 Example:

Let’s say today is October 1. You want to know if you're allowed to enter the Schengen Area.

You check the past 180 days (from April 4 to October 1) and count:

• 20 days in May (France)

• 30 days in July (Spain)

• 30 days in September (Germany)

That totals 80 days - so yes, you're allowed to stay for 10 more days until you hit the 90-day limit.

If you try to stay longer or re-enter without enough "days available," you could be denied entry or fined.

How does ETIAS relate to EES?

ETIAS is closely tied to the Entry/Exit System (EES) – a new biometric tracking system that will record non-EU citizens’ arrivals and departures across Schengen borders.

The EES replaces passport stamping with digital logs and facial/fingerprint scans, making it easier to monitor overstays and flag irregular entries. You'll likely have to have a photo taken and fingerprints scanned the first time you enter Europe, once EES is implemented.

✅ ETIAS checks who you are before arrival

✅ EES tracks when and where you enter or leave the EU

The EES must be fully operational before ETIAS can go live, hence the delay.

Why has ETIAS been delayed so many times?

ETIAS has faced multiple postponements, and the reasons are largely bureaucratic and technical:

• Readiness of the EES system (which must go live first)
• Inconsistent border control infrastructure across EU countries
• Privacy concerns raised by civil rights groups
• Software development delays during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
• Ongoing updates to travel tech ecosystems in each country

Despite these setbacks, the EU remains committed to rolling out ETIAS as a cornerstone of its smart borders strategy.

Final thoughts: Don’t get caught off guard in 2026

While you don’t need to apply for ETIAS yet, it’s essential to:

➡️ Track updates from the EU or reputable sources like iVisa

➡️ Prepare your passport and travel history for future applications

➡️ Bookmark this article for reference closer to launch

ETIAS won’t be a major obstacle, but missing it could mean denied boarding or refused entry once it’s live.

Questions about ETIAS or another travel document?

Our team at iVisa is here to simplify your travels. Message us on WhatsApp or visit our contact page to chat with us.