EU postpones ETIAS travel authorisation to 2027

The European Union has pushed back the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to 2027. The delay follows technical problems with the new Entry/Exit System (EES), a biometric border‑control platform that has caused queues of up to five hours at several airports and prompted airlines such as Ryanair and Jet2 to demand a suspension of the rollout. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner said the postponement is needed because the EES is not yet fully operational and staffing and infrastructure are insufficient. EU‑LISA, the agency responsible for both systems, confirmed that a 2026 start was no longer feasible and that a new timetable will be set after thorough testing.

ETIAS will be required for citizens of visa‑exempt countries travelling to the 30 Schengen states, with a €20 fee and exemptions for travelers under 18 or over 70. Up to 1.4 billion passengers could be affected once the scheme is in place. Until the delay is resolved, travellers from the United Kingdom, Bosnia‑Herzegovina and other visa‑free nations will not need the electronic permit.

The postponement is expected to ease the current airport congestion and give the EU more time to stabilise the EES before introducing the separate ETIAS authorisation.