Europe tightens entry rules: What ETIAS means for global travelers
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an upcoming electronic system designed by the European Union to enhance security and streamline entry procedures for visa-exempt travelers visiting the Schengen Area and select other European countries.
Initially proposed in 2016, ETIAS has experienced several delays, with its implementation now scheduled for the last quarter of 2026.
The implementation timeline for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has undergone several revisions. As of March 2025, the European Union has announced that ETIAS is expected to become operational in the last quarter of 2026. This follows the anticipated launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025.
Purpose and functionality of ETIAS
ETIAS aims to pre-screen travelers from visa-exempt countries before their arrival in Europe, identifying potential security, irregular migration, or public health risks. While it is not classified as a visa, ETIAS serves as a travel authorization, similar to systems like the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Travelers will be required to complete an online application, providing personal information, passport details, and answering security-related questions. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 70 will pay a fee of €7. The authorization, once granted, will be valid for three years or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first.
Impact on global travelers
The introduction of ETIAS will affect approximately 1.4 billion travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan. These travelers will need to obtain ETIAS approval prior to their departure to Europe.
For most applicants, the process is expected to be straightforward, with many receiving approval within minutes. However, in some cases, the process may take up to 30 days, so travelers are advised to apply well in advance of their planned departure.
Relation to the Entry/Exit System (EES)
ETIAS is part of a broader EU initiative to modernize border management. Its implementation is scheduled to follow the launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated IT system designed to register non-EU nationals each time they cross the EU's external borders. The EES is expected to become operational in October 2025, with ETIAS following in the last quarter of 2026.
Preparation for travelers
Travelers planning to visit Europe after ETIAS becomes operational should:
Stay Informed: Regularly check official EU sources for updates on ETIAS implementation dates and requirements.
Apply Early: Submit the ETIAS application well before planned travel dates to account for potential processing delays.
Verify Passport Validity: Ensure that passports are valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the European countries requiring ETIAS.
By proactively understanding and complying with ETIAS requirements, travelers can ensure smoother entry into Europe and contribute to the collective security efforts of the region.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has elicited a range of perspectives from various stakeholders:
European commission's perspective
The European Commission emphasizes that ETIAS is designed to enhance security within the Schengen Area by pre-screening visa-exempt travelers. They state that the system aims to "facilitate border checks; avoid bureaucracy and delays for travellers when presenting themselves at the borders; ensure a coordinated and harmonised risk assessment of third-country nationals; and substantially reduce the number of refusals of entry at border crossing points."
Travel industry insights
Travel industry analysts have according to Nerd Wallet noted that while ETIAS introduces an additional step for travelers, it aligns with global trends toward enhanced border security. An article from NerdWallet highlights that «ETIAS is a travel security program set to launch in 2025 for travelers from visa-exempt countries to enter the Schengen Area. Affected travelers include U.S. citizens.»
Traveler considerations
Travelers are advised to plan ahead due to the new requirements. NerdWallet points out that «Given that ETIAS authorization could take up to 30 days, people booking last-minute travel may have to account for this change.»
Overall, ETIAS is viewed as a proactive measure to bolster security while maintaining the ease of travel for visitors to Europe.
