EU Delays New Electronic Travel Authorization for Visa-Free Travelers Until 2027

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.