A common questions many clients are asking me as we approach March is how to I get my ETIAS, and where?! Well I have some good news for those travelers for the 1st half of 2025 to the EU. ETIAS has been delayed yet again, for at least 6 months from the start for the EU's EES [Entry Exit System], which is scheduled to start in the coming months.
Here is the latest update from the EU.
The ETIAS, originally planned to launch mid 2025, will now begin six months after the Entry-Exit System (EES) becomes operational in 2025.
According to ETIAS’ frequently asked questions (FAQs) on its official website: “It is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be operational six months after EES.”
Meanwhile, the EES does not yet have a confirmed start date. Its official website states that it will start in 2025.
The EES was supposed to launch on November 10th, 2024, but was delayed after EU member states expressed unpreparedness for the launch date.
Once the ETIAS is active, travelers from visa-exempt countries must get electronic authorization from the EU before entering the Schengen Area. This system is designed to improve security and simplify border checks.
The delay is due to logistical and technical issues. EU officials, including Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson, have proposed a phased rollout for the EES.
This gradual approach will help member states adjust and support the smoother launch of the ETIAS.
What ETIAS brings to travel
The ETIAS will impact millions of travelers from visa-exempt countries who previously only needed a passport to enter the EU. Under the new system, travelers must fill out an online application, share personal details, and pay a EUR7 fee.
The system will check applications against EU security databases to identify risks before travelers arrive at the border.
The ETIAS works with the EES to add another layer of pre-travel screening. Together, these systems aim to strengthen border security while keeping travel straightforward for legitimate visitors.
Approved ETIAS applications will generally remain valid for three years, making repeat visits easier for frequent travelers.
The EES, an automated border system, will replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travelers. It will collect biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, to create a digital record of each visitor’s entry and exit.
This data will be stored for three years and shared among Schengen member states.
The launch of the ETIAS and EES will change how short-term visitors and long-term migrants interact with EU borders.
Tourists and business travelers may face delays at first as they learn the new systems, but these changes should eventually make travel smoother.
For migrants, automated processes could make entry and re-entry easier. However, collecting and storing biometric data raises privacy concerns that the EU must address to earn public trust.
The EU is taking a careful approach to border management by gradually rolling out these systems.
These systems show the EU’s commitment to improving security while supporting mobility. Achieving this balance will need continued cooperation among member states.
ETIAS Mandatory for U.S. Nationals Visiting Europe
ETIAS registration will become obligatory for U.S. citizens visiting the Schengen Area. ETIAS is not a visa, Americans will maintain their visa-free privileges but will need to obtain the new travel authorization.
This applies to U.S. visitors traveling to Europe for short stays of up to 90 days per 180-day period for any of the following purposes:
- Tourism
- Leisure activities
- Business
- Health and medical treatment
- Transit en route to a third-country destination (only required if leaving the international transit area of the airport)
ETIAS Transitional and Grace Periods
ETIAS will not be mandatory for U.S. citizens right away. There will be a 6-month transitional period followed by a 6-month grace period.
During the 6-month transitional period, Americans will be allowed to cross the external border without ETIAS. They must meet all other entry conditions.
During the 6-month grace period, Americans will be allowed to cross the external border without ETIAS only if it’s the first time they’re entering since the end of the transitional period.
Travelers are still encouraged to apply. ETIAS is valid for up to 3 years and for multiple trips to Europe. ETIAS authorizations validated during the transitional or grace periods can be used for trips once it becomes mandatory.
