EU’s ETIAS and Entry‑Exit System to reshape travel for Bosnia‑Herzegovina citizens and cause airport delays

The European Union will launch the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in the fourth quarter of 2026. The pre‑travel electronic authorisation, not a visa, will be mandatory for citizens of visa‑free countries, including Bosnia‑Herzegovina holders of biometric passports travelling to Schengen states such as Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany and Italy. The fee is €20, with exemptions for travelers under 18, over 70 and certain family members of EU citizens. Applications will be digital, processed within minutes, though additional checks may extend the time.

At the same time, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which records fingerprints and facial images of third‑country nationals at Schengen borders, has led to long queues at major airports. Airports council data report waiting times of up to five hours in cities like Amsterdam, Milan, Madrid and Paris. Ryanair has warned UK families of likely delays at fifteen European airports, and a data‑driven tool predicts the busiest periods for arrivals. Airports are introducing dedicated lanes and assistance for passengers with disabilities, but overall processing times remain longer than before the rollout.

Travelers are urged to apply for ETIAS well before departure, use official EU portals, and allow extra time at airports to avoid missing connections.