EU Postpones ETIAS Travel Authorization Launch to 2027

You do not need ETIAS travel authorization for Schengen visits in 2026. The European Union has postponed the system launch to 2027. The launch was previously planned for late 2026.

Operational challenges with the digital Entry and Exit System caused the delay. The phased system rollout created long queues at European borders.

ETIAS will eventually apply to visa-exempt non-European Union nationals. This includes passport holders from the UK, US, and Singapore. Travellers will register online and pay a 20 euro fee. The authorisation will cover entry into 30 European countries.

Stockholm residents hosting visa-exempt family members face no extra steps in 2026. Visitors do not need to submit online registrations before travelling in 2026. Travellers should watch out for fraudulent third-party websites. Some fake sites claim to sell ETIAS authorisations before the official launch. According to VisitUkraine.today, the EU confirmed the new 2027 start date.