This is the third time that the European Travel Information and Authorization System has been delayed. This is the third postponement of ETIAS, which has prompted concern among European Union officials.
According to the official website of the government, the European Travel Information and Authorization System will launch at the latest in mid-2025. The EU Justice and Home Affairs Council voted to postpone the launch on Friday.
In a press release, the Justice and Home Affairs Council stated that “the new roadmap for the implementation of the new IT Architecture foresees…that ETIAS would be ready for operation by Spring 2025.”
Originally, ETIAS was scheduled to be implemented in 2021. Initially, the fee was delayed to November 2023. Then it was again pushed back until early 2024.
The fee is EUR7 ($7.44). This applies to travelers from countries that do not require visas, like the U.S. .
The European Union is not the first region to charge for travel permits. In the United Kingdom, an Electronic Travel Authorization Program has been implemented. This program will require visa-exempt travelers to apply for a permit before they travel.
ESTA is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. For the U.S., it is an automated system which determines whether travelers are eligible to enter the United States as part of the Visa Waiver Program.
Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization Program (eTA) allows foreign nationals who do not require a visa to travel to Canada via air to apply online for an eTA.
Australia provides the Electronic Travel Authority for all eligible travelers. This allows them to travel for business or pleasure.
New Zealand offers a Electronic Travel Authority to travelers from countries that do not require visas to visit New Zealand for up to 3 months.
India offers the Electronic Travel Authorization. This allows foreigners to apply electronically for permission to travel to India for business, tourism, medical treatment or short-term education purposes.
Egypt’s own travel authorization system is called “Egypt e-Visa,” or “Egyptian Electronic Visa.” The system allows travelers to apply online for a Visa before arriving in Egypt.
