ETIAS 2026: The launch did not take place

The ETIAS system was not launched in 2026. This latest delay is part of a long series of postponements since the European Union first announced the project. The launch is now expected in 2027.

September 2026 Update: The launch of the ETIAS system, originally scheduled for late 2026, will not take place. The European Union has confirmed a further delay. The official date has not yet been set. Visit our page dedicated to the successive postponements of the ETIAS launch to understand the reasons behind these delays.

For several years now, the launch date for ETIAS has been repeatedly pushed back. In 2026, many travelers expected the system to finally become operational. That has not happened. The timeline has been revised once again, and 2027 is now cited as the most likely year.

ETIAS in 2026: Was it mandatory this year?

No. The ETIAS system did not take effect in 2026. Visa-exempt travelers were able to enter the Schengen Area in 2026 just as they had in previous years, without any additional formalities.

The schedule that had been proposed for 2026 called for the following steps:

Late 2026 — Scheduled launch

Launch of the ETIAS portal. This step did not take place. The European Union has confirmed a further delay of the system.

Early 2027 — Transition

A 6-month transition period was planned following the launch, during which ETIAS would have been encouraged but not mandatory.

Mid-2027 — Bond

It was only at the end of the transition period that ETIAS was to become mandatory for entry into the Schengen Area.

This schedule is now obsolete. The European Union will announce the new dates in a future official statement. The year 2027 remains the most likely target for an actual launch.

How much will ETIAS cost?

The announced fee for the ETIAS authorization is €20 per application. This amount was set to cover the system’s administrative costs. It is important to note that this ETIAS fee may change before the system takes effect, and that the final amount will be confirmed at launch.

Once granted, the ETIAS authorization will be valid for 3 years and will allow multiple entries into the Schengen Area. This makes it a simple and inexpensive process compared to a Schengen visa.

Which countries will travelers be able to visit with ETIAS?

Once the system is in effect, the ETIAS authorization will allow travel to all Schengen Area countries and certain associated states. A single authorization will be required to travel to multiple European destinations, provided the stays are of short duration. See the complete list of countries accessible with ETIAS to learn more.

What will change for travellers in 2027?

With the implementation of the ETIAS system, nationals of visa-exempt countries will have to complete an additional step before traveling to Europe. The main changes expected are:

Requirement to complete the ETIAS form online before departure;
Automatic verification of traveler data against European databases;
Boarding requires authorization — airlines will verify compliance;
Entry into the Schengen Area will be denied without a valid ETIAS.

Important: The ETIAS system does not replace a visa. It is an additional requirement for travelers who are currently exempt from visa requirements. Nationals subject to Schengen visa requirements are not affected by ETIAS.

What you need to do now

Even though the ETIAS system is not yet in effect, there are certain precautions you can take in advance:

Check your passport: it must be valid for several months beyond the end of your planned stay in Europe. A biometric passport is required to apply for ETIAS;
Follow the official announcements: the ETIAS launch date will be posted on the European Commission’s website;
Be wary of fake websites: Many unofficial websites are already offering ETIAS applications. It is not yet possible to apply at this time. The only official website will be travel-europe.europa.eu.