The short version
ETIAS is not running. You cannot apply, and you do not need it for any trip today. The official EU site says the start date will be announced several months in advance. Most coverage now expects a launch in 2027, but no date has been confirmed.
What changed in 2026
For a long time the official line was “last quarter of 2026”. In mid-July 2026 that wording disappeared from the official ETIAS website. Reporting links the delay to the rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which ETIAS depends on. EES only became fully operational on 10 April 2026, and its first weeks were bumpy at several large airports.
What is already decided
- Who needs it: nationals of around 60 visa-free countries, such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan.
- Where: 30 European countries — the Schengen area plus Cyprus.
- Planned fee: €20, raised from the original €7. Under-18s and over-70s are expected to be exempt.
- Validity: three years, or until your passport expires.
It will not be strict from day one
The plan includes a transition period of at least six months in which ETIAS is optional, followed by a grace period of at least six months. Even after launch, nobody should be turned away overnight.
What to do now
- Book your 2027 trips as normal.
- Ignore any site that offers to “pre-register” you for ETIAS. That is not possible.
- Check our news page; we update it as soon as an official date appears.