The European Union has indefinitely postponed the rollout of its European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel permit. The EU's official ETIAS website has stated that the system is not currently operational, a move intended to combat scammers who are tricking tourists into believing they need the yet-to-be-introduced authorization.
For travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan, ETIAS would have required obtaining an electronic travel authorization costing approximately 20 euros (£17) before entering the Schengen Zone. Initially announced in 2021, the system's implementation has been repeatedly delayed, with its original target launch of 2027 now uncertain.
Aviation experts have noted that the ongoing uncertainty surrounding ETIAS creates an environment ripe for exploitation by scammers. "The biggest problem with ETIAS at this point is not the principle of having a travel authorisation system. It is the uncertainty around it," said Anton Radchenko, aviation expert and founder of AirAdvisor. He cautioned travelers against purchasing ETIAS from unofficial websites, emphasizing that no genuine authorization can be issued until the official system is active.
Radchenko further warned that fake ETIAS application forms could be used to collect sensitive personal data, including passport details and payment information, posing a significant identity fraud risk. Travelers are advised to wait for an official announcement from the EU and to only use official europa.eu websites or applications for any future applications.
This delay comes as European borders are already experiencing disruptions due to the new Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES, implemented on April 10, requires non-EU travelers to have their fingerprints and facial images recorded, leading to queues and delays at major airports. The confusion between the EES and the forthcoming ETIAS is exacerbating the potential for scams.
Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, expressed support for the ETIAS delay, stating that its introduction during the current EES chaos would have overwhelmed an already strained border system. He stressed, however, that the pause should not become an indefinite delay, as ETIAS remains a vital step in modernizing European borders.
Once implemented, ETIAS is expected to be valid for three years or until a traveler's passport expires. The system will permit multiple short-term stays, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period, to the 30 participating European countries. A firmer timeline for the ETIAS launch is not anticipated until at least September, with industry expectations now pointing to a 2027 launch at the earliest.