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European Union: ETIAS could be delayed even further
The ETIAS travel authorisation system is not in operation, and the official portal has removed its 2026 launch date. According to the source, implementation could slip to spring or the last quarter of 2027.
By Editorial team · on October 8, 2026
- Countries concerned
- United Kingdom, Spain
- Source
- majorcadailybulletin.com
- Writing
- Brief written with the help of AI from the cited source, published without human review.
What the source reports
According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, dated 7 October 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is not operational. The EU's official portal has removed the timeline that mentioned a launch in 2026.
The launch had been expected at the end of 2026. Based on recent discussions within the EU and travel information cited by the article, implementation could be pushed back to spring or the last quarter of 2027. The article cites neither an official decision nor a specific source for this new timeline.
What this means for travellers
The EU says it will announce the exact start date several months in advance. For now, no applications are being collected, and travellers do not need to take any steps or obtain any exemption for trips in 2026.
The article warns against third-party websites offering early registrations, which it describes as scams. It also states that the EU has committed to running a public information campaign several months before the system goes live.
Nature of the system
ETIAS is not a visa: it is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals, comparable to the US ESTA. It will involve a prior security check and the payment of a fee for business, tourist, medical or transit stays.
The source distinguishes ETIAS from the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated biometric register used at physical borders. The amount of the fee is not specified in the body of the text, and it contains no official confirmation of the delay.
Please note