ETIAS Delayed to Late 2026: What Non-EU Travellers Should Prepare

The European Union's ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) has been delayed again and is now expected to launch in late 2026. Once operational, visa-free non-EU citizens — including British, American, Canadian, and Australian passport holders — will need to obtain an ETIAS authorisation before travelling to any Schengen Area country.

What ETIAS Is

ETIAS is not a visa. It is a pre-travel authorisation, similar to the US ESTA or the UK's upcoming ETA. It costs EUR 7, is valid for 3 years (or until your passport expires), and allows multiple entries for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Who Needs It

Citizens of over 60 countries that currently have visa-free access to the Schengen Area, including: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, UAE, and more. EU citizens and those who already require a Schengen visa do not need ETIAS.

How to Apply

The application will be entirely online through the official ETIAS website or mobile app. Most applications will be approved within minutes. You will need a valid passport, an email address, and a debit or credit card.