Businesses and travelers planning trips to Europe should prepare for the anticipated implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a new pre-travel authorization requirement for certain visa-exempt travelers. The European Union currently expects ETIAS to become operational during the last quarter of 2026, although a specific launch date has not been announced. ETIAS is not yet operational, and applications are not currently being accepted.
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization system for nationals of visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization, ETIAS will require eligible travelers to obtain electronic authorization before traveling to 30 participating European countries, including most European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. ETIAS is not a visa and will not guarantee admission. Travelers must still satisfy the applicable entry requirements when inspected at the border. Eligible travelers generally may visit participating countries for business or tourism for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Implementation Timeline
The EU currently expects ETIAS to become operational during the last quarter of 2026, although a specific launch date has not been announced. ETIAS is not currently operational, and travelers cannot yet submit applications. The EU has stated that it will announce the specific launch date several months before the system becomes operational. Travelers should monitor official announcements and avoid websites claiming that ETIAS applications are currently available.
Implementation will be phased in through transitional and grace periods lasting at least six months each. During the transitional period, travelers should obtain ETIAS authorization, but those without authorization generally will not be refused entry solely on that basis if they otherwise satisfy the applicable entry requirements. The EU is expected to provide additional guidance regarding implementation and enforcement before the system launches.
Application Process
Travelers will submit an online application containing passport and personal information, along with responses to eligibility- and security-related questions. Most applications are expected to be processed within minutes. In some cases, however, a decision may take up to four days. Processing may extend to 14 days if additional information or documentation is requested, or up to 30 days if the applicant is invited to an interview. Travelers, therefore, should apply well in advance of their planned trip.
Once approved, an ETIAS travel authorization generally will remain valid for three years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever occurs first. A traveler who obtains a new passport will need a new ETIAS authorization.
Cost
The European Union recently announced that the ETIAS fee will be €20, an increase from the originally proposed €7 fee. Travelers under age 18 and over age 70 will be exempt from the fee, although they will still be required to obtain an approved ETIAS before travel.
Employer Considerations
Employers should alert employees who travel frequently to Europe that an additional pre-travel requirement is forthcoming. Once the EU announces the implementation date, employers should update their business-travel guidance and internal travel processes to account for ETIAS. Travelers should be reminded that ETIAS authorization will be linked to the passport used in the application, and should verify before departure that the information on their authorization matches the information in their passport.
Looking Ahead
Although ETIAS has been delayed multiple times, the EU currently anticipates implementation during the last quarter of 2026. Employers and travelers should monitor official EU guidance and prepare to incorporate ETIAS into European travel planning once the specific launch date is announced.
Cozen O’Connor will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as additional information becomes available.