Americans can breathe a little easier if they have upcoming trips to Europe planned this year, as more updates have been made regarding the status of ETIAS. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new travel authorization that U.S. passport holders will eventually need to obtain to enter 30 different European countries. Although no specific date has been announced, the European Union has confirmed that it will launch in 2026.
What is ETIAS?
The new system was announced in 2016 and has encountered several delays since then. Originally, it was scheduled to be implemented in the fall of 2025. However, with the latest announcement, Americans will only need their standard passport for now.
According to the European Union’s official website,
ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization… With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays.
Why has ETIAS been delayed?
Despite being scheduled to launch this year, ETIAS is expected to take effect six months after the launch of EES (a new Entry/Exit System), which is anticipated to occur sometime in October 2025. The delay is a result of concerns about the system’s reliability and lack of participant readiness.
When will ETIAS go into effect?
Currently, there is no exact date for when ETIAS will begin operations. However, we anticipate that it will begin sometime in the last quarter of 2026. A specific launch date will be announced several months in advance, providing American travelers with ample time to prepare for upcoming trips.
Which countries will require ETIAS?
ETIAS will be required for citizens of nearly 60 countries to enter the Schengen Area of the EU, as well as other countries under the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and European microstates with open borders. This includes the following:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City