ETIAS ETA Visas Still Closed: New Update Confirms No Launch Until Late 2025 – YOA

In a surprising twist for vacationers worldwide, the European Union has formally confirmed that the lengthy-awaited European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) stays closed and is not going to be operational till the second half of 2025. This essential replace, launched in February 2025, places to relaxation months of hypothesis about whether or not ETIAS would lastly launch this yr.

The information comes as a serious shock for hundreds of thousands of vacationers from 59 visa-exempt international locations who have been making ready for the brand new entry necessities for brief-time period visits to Europe. While the system was initially anticipated to debut in 2022, a collection of technical delays and the postponed rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) have pushed the ETIAS launch additional into the long run.

What Is ETIAS and Why Does It Matter?

ETIAS is Europe’s reply to superior border safety. Modeled after the U.S. ESTA, Canada’s eTA, and Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority, ETIAS will quickly change into necessary for non-EU vacationers from visa-exempt international locations.

Under this new system:

• Travelers might want to apply for an ETIAS authorization on-line earlier than heading to any of the 30 European international locations within the Schengen Area.
• The application will price round €7, with approval anticipated inside minutes typically.
• Once issued, the authorization shall be legitimate for three years or till the passport expires.

But right here’s the catch: ETIAS is not going to gather biometric information. That duty falls underneath the Entry/Exit System (EES), which can scan fingerprints and facial information on the border.

Why Is ETIAS Still Closed?

The delay boils all the way down to the unfinished rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES, designed to automate border checks and monitor overstays, is a essential basis for ETIAS. Without it, the European Union can’t launch its new journey authorization system.

According to the newest replace:

• The EES is now anticipated to go dwell in mid-2025.
• ETIAS will solely launch a number of months after EES is totally operational.

Officials stress that vacationers don’t must take any motion at this level, and the EU will announce the official launch a number of months prematurely.

ETIAS Timeline Explained: What Happens Next?

Once ETIAS does go dwell, the rollout will occur in phases:

1# Transitional Period (6 Months Minimum):

• • Travelers shall be inspired to apply for ETIAS earlier than their journey.
  • Entry will nonetheless be allowed with out ETIAS so long as different entry situations are met.

2# Grace Period (Another 6 Months):

• • ETIAS will change into necessary.
  • Exception: Only first-time vacationers because the finish of the transition interval can enter with out ETIAS in the event that they meet all different situations.

3# Full Enforcement: After the grace interval, ETIAS shall be strictly required for all visa-free vacationers.

How to Prepare for ETIAS?

When ETIAS lastly launches, vacationers can solely apply by the official platforms:

• Website: europa.eu/etias
• Mobile App: ETIAS App (Coming Soon)

Announcement: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias-timeline-explained-2025-02-19_en.