ETIAS Won’t Become Mandatory for Travel to EU Until 2027: What You Need to Know

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will not be mandatory for travelers entering the EU until April 2027, despite previous announcements for a 2025 launch. According to the EU’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, ETIAS will be phased in starting October 2026, but it will only become fully compulsory six months later.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a pre-travel screening system for visitors from 59 visa-exempt countries, allowing European authorities to pre-vet travelers for security risks before they reach EU borders.

How Does It Relate to EES?

ETIAS is directly linked to the Entry/Exit System (EES), which is designed to track non-EU citizens entering and leaving Schengen countries.

Due to multiple delays, the EU has adjusted the timeline:
October 2025 – Gradual rollout of EES
January 2026 – Full biometric functionality for EES
April 2026 – EES fully operational across EU
October 2026 – ETIAS begins in trial mode
April 2027 – ETIAS becomes mandatory for most travelers
October 2027 – ETIAS fully enforced for all visa-exempt visitors

What Will ETIAS Mean for Travelers?

During the grace period (October 2026 – April 2027), travelers won’t be required to have ETIAS, but they are strongly encouraged to apply.

From April 2027, ETIAS will be mandatory for all except those entering for the first time after this date. These travelers will have an additional six-month grace period until October 2027.

How Will It Work?

- Online registration before travel
- Screening against Interpol, Europol, and EU databases
- Response within 96 hours (or instantly)
- Cost: €7 for adults, free for children and seniors
- Valid for three years

Impact on Travelers

- Faster border clearance for pre-approved visitors
- Better security screening before departure
- Stricter entry rules for those with criminal records, past visa violations, or security concerns