🇪🇺 Europe: The ETIAS system will begin operations in 2026

Volare Editorial | May 14, 2026

European authorities confirm the final date after concluding technical reviews of border security systems.

The European Commission has ratified that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will officially enter into force during the fourth quarter of 2026. This announcement follows a period of technical adjustments and the need to synchronize the system with the new Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to modernize the control of the Schengen Area's external borders.

The ETIAS system is not a visa, but a mandatory travel authorization for citizens of more than 60 countries who are currently exempt from visas for short stays. The primary objective of this measure is to strengthen internal security, prevent irregular immigration, and streamline border crossings by identifying potential risks in advance.

Key details of the implementation

The authorization will cost 7 euros for adults between 18 and 70 years old, while minors and those over 70 will be exempt from the fee. Once approved, the authorization will be valid for three years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first. The application process will be entirely electronic, and it is estimated that most approvals will be issued within minutes.

It is essential to emphasize that obtaining this permit will be an indispensable requirement for boarding. Airlines and transport companies will verify the validity of the authorization before validating the traveler's ticket, ensuring that all passengers comply with current regulations before starting their journey to European territory.

Grace period and adaptation

To facilitate the transition, the European Union anticipates an initial grace period in which travelers will be informed of the requirement without applying severe restrictions immediately. However, once this adaptation phase ends, the absence of an ETIAS authorization will result in the denial of entry at border posts.

With this confirmation, the uncertainty regarding the execution deadlines of a project that has suffered several delays due to technical reasons comes to an end. The current reviews ensure that the digital infrastructure is capable of processing millions of annual requests with maximum efficiency and data protection.