EU Delays New Electronic Travel Authorization for Visa-Free Travelers Until 2027
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
The EU has delayed the ETIAS electronic travel authorization system until 2027 due to delays in implementing the biometric Entry/Exit System, allowing Israelis and other visa-exempt travelers to continue visiting Europe without the new permit for now.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The EU postponed ETIAS launch to 2027, delaying mandatory travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers.
- ETIAS requires online application and pre-approval before entering about 30 European countries.
- Delays stem from slow deployment of the EU's biometric Entry/Exit System (EES).
- ETIAS will cover travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including Israel, the US, and the UK.
- Travelers must pay a 20-euro fee, with exemptions for minors and seniors.
- The EU will announce the official ETIAS start date months before enforcement.
The European Union has postponed the implementation of its new electronic travel authorization system, ETIAS, which was initially scheduled to become mandatory this year for travelers from visa-exempt countries, including Israel. The launch has been delayed multiple times, with the latest estimate pushing the start to 2027. ETIAS requires travelers to apply online and obtain approval before boarding flights to EU countries, similar to the US ESTA system.
The primary reason for the delay is the slow rollout of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), which records passport and biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints. ETIAS depends on the full and stable operation of EES to function properly. Once activated, ETIAS will apply to citizens of over 60 visa-exempt countries traveling to around 30 European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others.
Travelers will need to complete an online application and pay a fee of approximately 20 euros, with exemptions for minors under 18 and seniors over 70. The authorization will allow stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The EU has not yet announced an official launch date but promises to inform the public several months in advance. For now, Israelis and other travelers can continue visiting Europe without the ETIAS authorization until further notice.
