ETIAS postponed again: EU moves deadlines to 2027?
The introduction of a new electronic system for travel authorisation has stalled due to technical and logistical obstacles. As a result, the planned start of its implementation could be postponed until next year.
The system faces new technical challenges
Although official European Union channels continue to cite the end of 2026 as the system's activation date ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), Information from European circles suggests a different scenario. The EU-Lisa agency, which manages this massive IT project, has reportedly already confirmed internally that current deadlines are no longer feasible. The European Commission still needs to make a final decision after further consultations with member states. However, everything indicates that the implementation will be postponed to 2027.
This postponement offers short-term relief for border operational processes. Once active, ETIAS will function similarly to the US ESTA system. This means that travellers from third countries entering the Schengen Area without visas will have to submit an online application in advance, with a fee of €20.
Lessons from the introduction of the EES system
The main reason for the caution of European bodies lies in the experiences with recently implemented Entry-Exit System (EES). Unlike ETIAS, which is actually an administrative pre-check and is dealt with online before the trip itself, EES is a system that is physically implemented at border crossings. Namely, EES replaces the classic passport stamp and requires the collection of biometric data – fingerprints and facial scans – at each first entry into the Union.
Aviation associations and airports have already felt the pressure of on-site biometric checks, warning of bottlenecking and longer queues during summer peaks. The parallel introduction of another digital obligation in a short timeframe would place too much strain on already burdened infrastructure. Therefore, slowing down the entire process appears to be a logical step to stabilise cross-border traffic.
