European Union introduces ETIAS and new digital border tools

The European Union is implementing new digital systems to manage travel into the Schengen Area. The upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in the final quarter of 2026. ETIAS is an electronic authorization linked to a passport, required for citizens of visa-exempt countries, including Serbia. The application fee is 20 euros, though travelers under 18 and over 70 are exempt. Once approved, ETIAS is valid for three years or until the passport expires, allowing multiple entries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

To complement the Entry/Exit System (EES), which records biometric data and stay durations, the EU is introducing the ‘Travel to Europe’ application. This tool allows travelers to register passport data, facial photos, and travel questionnaires up to 72 hours before arrival to reduce border congestion. Currently, the app's full functionality is available in Sweden, while Portugal only supports the entry questionnaire. Use of the app is voluntary and does not bypass physical border control, as authorities retain the final decision on entry.