The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) has again been pushed back, with a further delay from November 2023 to 2024.
News about the postponement emerged on the European Commission’s Migration and Home Affairs website.
Under an FAQ section about when Etias will come into force, the website says: “It is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) will be operational in 2024.”
Britons travelling to European countries in the Schengen zone will be required to apply online for an Etias at a cost of €7 and it will be valid for three years.
It will be similar to the Esta visa waiver scheme, which travellers must have to enter the US.
The scheme was originally scheduled to start in 2021 but was initially delayed because of the Covid crisis.
A start date in 2022 was also planned but that was pushed back. The most recent introduction was scheduled for November 2023.
The Independent reported that Etias relies on another EU borders initiative, the Entry Exit System (EES) to be functioning.
This requires third-country nationals, including British travellers, to have fingerprints and facial biometrics checked on arrival and departure.
The EES has also been delayed to the end of 2023, and the Independent said European governments have been warning Brussels about their concerns over the system causing delays at borders.
Travel Weekly has contacted press officers at the European Commission to check for more details about the delay.
More: Etias is another ‘hurdle and cost’ for holidaymakers, says Advantage