The European Union has once again postponed the launch of the ETIAS.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a visa waiver for travellers from ‘third countries’ wanting to enter Europe’s Schengen Area. This will apply to non-EU nationals from visa-exempt countries travelling to the EU for short-term stays.

The electronic authorisation system will be similar to the United States’ ESTA and Canada’s eTA systems and checked alongside travel documents by border guards when crossing the EU border.

The system was initially intended to launch in early 2022 and then delayed until November 2023. Now the European Union has updated the ETIAS website, stating that it will only enter into force in 2024. No official reason has been given for the delay.

Once active, travellers will be charged a one-off fee of €7 for the ETIAS. The document will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, and permits entry into any of the 30 countries as many times as you wish for short-term stays (90 days in any 180-day period).

See our guide to the ETIAS for more information:

What is the ETIAS?