The long-awaited European Travel Information & Authorization System (ETIAS) has faced yet another setback, leaving travelers and the travel industry skeptical about its launch timeline. Initially set for 2021, the ETIAS has seen multiple delays, with the latest update pushing its rollout to at least six months after the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) becomes operational.
The EES, designed to enhance security for non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area, was most recently scheduled for November 10, 2024. However, EU member states cited unpreparedness, causing further delays. As a result, the ETIAS—requiring travelers from approximately 60 visa-exempt countries, including Canada, to apply for a €7 entry permit valid for three years—remains in a holding pattern until the EES is implemented.
While the delays might confuse Europe-bound travelers, they offer a reprieve from the added administrative steps and costs associated with the ETIAS. The travel industry, still recovering from years of uncertainty, views this as a silver lining, allowing travelers and suppliers more time to adapt.
Meanwhile, the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) launches today, January 8, 2025. Costing £10, the ETA permits multiple visits to the UK for up to six months over two years. Unlike the ETIAS, the UK’s rollout appears on schedule, with VisitBritain confirming the system is fully operational.
Travelweek continues to monitor updates on the ETIAS and EES, promising insights from industry leaders like the European Travel Commission’s Canada Chapter.
Source: Swifteradio.com
