ETIAS travel authorisation confirmed for late 2026 with a six-month transitional period
What changed
The EU is starting ETIAS. This is an online travel authorisation for people from countries that can currently visit most EU or Schengen countries without a visa. ETIAS is expected to begin in late 2026. The date currently suggested is 1 November 2026. But the EU has not yet officially confirmed this exact date. Once ETIAS starts, eligible travellers will need to get approval before they travel to Europe. ETIAS is not a visa. It is an extra travel rule for people who can already visit Europe without a visa.
Published 13 Apr 2026Effective 1 Nov 2026European Commission — Migration and Home Affairs