Once it launches, Etias (which stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System), will require British travellers to fill out an online form and pay €20 (around £17) to get authorisation for travelling to 30 European countries.
Etias has been delayed several times since its announcement in 2021 and, until recently, the roll-out was planned for the final quarter of 2026, becoming mandatory in early 2027. The European Commission has now postponed it yet again, and this time it has not set a new launch date.
Etias will be similar to the USA’s Esta visa waiver system. It applies to those holding and travelling on non-EU passports, such as British passports.
Once it is rolled out, holidaymakers will need to apply online and pay a fee of €20 (around £17) before travelling. Etias is expected to be valid for three years, or until your passport expires. Read on to find out more about the delay.
Can I apply for an Etias yet?
No. There is not currently a confirmed start date for the Etias visa waiver system, according to the Commission.
In July, the Commission told us: 'Once all conditions are in place, the Commission will set a date for the start of the system.'
It did not respond to further questions from Which?, or provide additional comment.
The EU’s Travel to Europe website also says: 'ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorisations are collected at this point', and that the European Union 'will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch'.
Why is the Etias delayed?
The Commission told Which? that: 'Preparations for the launch of ETIAS are ongoing. Obviously, as with any large-scale IT system, many factors come into play when deciding when to launch it.'
The Etias system relies on the EU’s new biometric border checks, known as the Entry-Exit System (EES), being fully operational. The biometric checks require all non-EU passport holders, including those with British passports to register the first time they enter Europe by giving fingerprints and a facial photo. Registration and subsequent checks take anywhere from seconds to a few minutes per person, which adds up at peak travel times at busy European airports.
Until September, ports in Europe are allowed to suspend biometric checks in case of excessive waiting time. At some airports, EES checks have led to long queues, disruption and even missed flights for a number of passengers.
Will the Etias visa waiver go up in price again?
The expected cost for the Etias visa waiver has already increased from €7 (about £5) to €20. We asked the Commission if it expects there to be another increase in price, but it did not respond.
Those under the age of 19, and over the age of 69 are exempt from paying for their Etias applications, along with family members of EU nationals.
How long does it take to get an Etias?
Once applications open, most will be processed within minutes, according to the Commission. But it warns that some applications may take longer to process, and could be extended to up to 14 days if more information is needed, or 30 days if you require an interview.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/etias-visa-waiver-europe-aUyAH7U3Hd2p