EU ‘set to delay’ Etias system after EES queue chaos

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) looks set to be delayed until next year, according to a report in the Financial Times.

 

The online system for the electronic authorisation of visa-exempt visitors to the Schengen area had been due to come into force later this year.

 

It mirrors the US Esta system, and will see applicants will pay €20 and undergo pre-travel security checks.

 

The official Etias website says the scheme “will start operations in the last quarter of 2026” and “the European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of Etias several months prior to its launch”.

 

However, the FT reported on Tuesday (July 7) that the scheme is likely to be delayed until next year “after the chaotic rollout” of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) – an automated IT system set up by the EU to record non-EU nationals entering and leaving the bloc.

 

Airports and ports such as Dover have warned about this summer’s peak season following delays and queues caused by EES across Europe since spring.

 

More: Abta to run webinar on European Travel Information Authorisation System (Etias)

 

Abta highlights ‘scope for confusion’ as ETA rule begins [April 2025]

 

The FT reported: “EU-Lisa, the agency in charge of implementing Etias, has acknowledged that launching it by the end of this year as planned was no longer feasible, according to three people briefed on the matter.”

The newspaper said EU-Lisa’s management board met in mid-June to discuss postponing the system to a later date.

 

A spokesperson for the agency confirmed to the FT that the board discussed Etias’s entry into operation on June 17. Since then, there have been no further developments on this topic, added the spokesperson.

 

A European Commission spokesperson told the FT: “Preparations for the launch of Etias are ongoing. Obviously, as with any large-scale IT system, many factors come into play when deciding when to launch it.”

 

Several EU officials told the FT they were not surprised about EU-Lisa struggling to meet the deadline, with one saying that launching the system this year was “illusory”.

 

An EU-Lisa spokesperson told Travel Weekly: “Preparations for the launch of Etias are ongoing, in close cooperation between the European Commission, EU-Lisa and member states.

 

“The exact date for the entry into operation of Etias will be proposed by the European Commission, following consultation with EU-Lisa and member states. At this moment, the proposed entry into operation remains Q4 2026.”

 

Abta held a webinar in March about the planned introduction of Etias later this year. Members heard from the EU authority responsible for implementing the scheme – Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.

 

An Abta spokesperson said: “Abta notes the report in the FT but there has not yet been any official confirmation on delays to Etias.

 

“We remain in close contact with Frontex on this topic and will keep members updated on what they need to know, and what they need to communicate to their customers.

 

“It is also worth remembering that the Etias system does have an in-built grace period which should help to avoid any serious problems for travellers once it is place.

 

“It is also that the case that UK travellers are generally familiar with similar pre-travel authorisation systems already in place elsewhere, including the US Esta system and Canadian CTA.”

 

John Sullivan, commercial director of Advantage Travel Partnership, said the consortium “strongly supports” any decision to delay the introduction of Etias.

 

“In this digital age, Europe’s airports should provide frictionless experiences and not be bogged down in time-consuming bureaucracy,” he said.

 

“The chaotic rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) this summer has highlighted the significant operational challenges airports and border authorities continue to face.

 

“Introducing another major border process before the current system is fully bedded in would only risk creating further disruption for holidaymakers and business travellers.

 

“It’s already expected that queues of up to five hours will take place in airports this summer.

 

“If Etias were introduced before airports have had sufficient time to adapt to EES, there is a real risk of even longer waiting times, increased congestion and avoidable delays at border controls during peak travel periods.

 

“Airports need sufficient time to adapt, test systems and ensure staff are fully prepared.

 

“The priority now should be making the EES work efficiently and reliably before adding another layer of requirements for travellers.

 

“A measured approach will help deliver a better experience for passengers while giving the aviation industry the certainty it needs to prepare properly.”

 

Simon McCulloch, chief growth officer at travel insurer Staysure, said: “This is a welcome dose of clarity for UK travellers.

 

“With 46% of UK adults worried the EU Entry/Exit System could mean longer queues or delays when travelling to Europe, avoiding another layer of border complexity should help rebuild confidence.

 

“If this message is communicated clearly and widely, it could reassure holidaymakers and support UK travel into the EU.”

 

In April 2025, the UK introduced a requirement for Europeans to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Britain.

 

More: WTTC calls for coordinated action to tackle EES delays at airports