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ETIAS News & Updates

Latest updates and announcements

Get ETIAS launch updates

We’ll email you when ETIAS opens for applications.

ETIAS Timeline & Milestones

  1. 2016

    2016

    ETIAS system proposed by European Commission

  2. 2018

    2018

    ETIAS regulation adopted by EU Parliament

  3. Jul 2025

    Jul 2025

    ETIAS fee increased from €7 to €20

  4. Oct 12, 2025

    Oct 12, 2025

    Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout begins

  5. Apr 10, 2026

    Apr 10, 2026

    EES fully operational at all borders

  6. Summer 2026

    Summer 2026

    ETIAS application portal expected to open

  7. Q4 2026

    Q4 2026

    ETIAS system launches (Oct-Dec)

  8. ~6 months post-launch

    ~6 months post-launch

    Transitional period (encouraged, not mandatory)

  9. ~12 months post-launch

    ~12 months post-launch

    Full ETIAS enforcement begins

Current Status

As of early 2026, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully operational at all Schengen external borders. ETIAS is the next phase, expected to launch in Q4 2026 (October-December).

The ETIAS application portal is not yet open. Applications will begin being accepted approximately 6 months before the system goes live, expected around Summer 2026.

Quick Status

Launch Date
Q4 2026

October-December 2026

Applications
Not Open

Expected Summer 2026

Fee
€20

Confirmed (raised from €7)

EES Status
Operational

Since April 2026

What to Expect

Official announcements about ETIAS will come from:

  • European Commission — Policy decisions and launch confirmation
  • eu-LISA — Technical updates and system readiness
  • Council of the European Union — Regulatory updates
  • Frontex — Border implementation guidance

We monitor these sources and will update this page with any significant news.

Official Sources to Follow

  • eu-LISA — IT agency managing ETIAS (eulisa.europa.eu)

  • European Commission Home Affairs — Migration and security policy

  • Council Press Releases — Official EU decisions

  • travel-europe.europa.eu/etias — Official ETIAS portal (when active)

Recent Updates

July 2025: The European Commission confirmed the ETIAS fee increase from €7 to €20, aligning with similar systems worldwide.

April 2026: The Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational, a prerequisite for ETIAS launch.

Q4 2026: ETIAS launch window confirmed by EU authorities.

Prepare for ETIAS

Official Website

The only legitimate portal

Requirements

Check if you need ETIAS

How to Apply

Application guide

News FAQs

When exactly will ETIAS launch?
ETIAS is confirmed for Q4 2026 (October-December), but the exact date has not been announced. The application portal is expected to open around Summer 2026, before the system goes live.
Why has ETIAS been delayed?
ETIAS depends on the Entry/Exit System (EES), which experienced delays. With EES now operational, ETIAS can proceed as planned for Q4 2026.
Will there be a grace period?
Yes. After ETIAS launches, there will be a transitional period (approximately 6 months) where ETIAS is encouraged but not mandatory. Full enforcement begins about 12 months after launch.
How will I know when to apply?
Subscribe to our newsletter above. We'll notify you as soon as the official application portal opens. You can also check travel-europe.europa.eu/etias periodically.

Related Information

Schengen Visa Guide

For nationalities needing a visa

Schengen Area Guide

Countries covered by ETIAS

UK ETA

UK ETA is already operational

Check Your Requirements

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