I recently received a reader question about the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and potential travel disruptions in Europe. If you are planning a trip to the Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland), it is important to understand what is changing.
Understanding ETIAS and EES
ETIAS is a mandatory electronic travel authorization for travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia. You must apply online before your trip, similar to the U.S. ESTA system. Once approved, ETIAS allows you to board your flight with pre-checked authorization.
The Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) complements ETIAS by automating border control with biometric checks. Instead of traditional passport stamps, entries and exits are recorded digitally. While this system improves long-term efficiency and security, some initial rollout delays have been reported at major airports.
ETIAS Fee and Scam Warning
Official Fee: Adults aged 18–70 pay €20 per application, valid for multiple trips over the authorization’s lifetime (usually three years or until your passport expires).
Exemptions: Travelers under 18 and over 70 do not pay, but must still apply.
Official Website: Only apply via https://europa.eu/etias.
Avoid scams: Fraudulent websites may charge more, promise fast approval, or steal personal data. Always check that the URL ends in .europa.eu, avoid unsolicited emails and ensure the site uses HTTPS with a padlock icon.
ETIAS Timeline: When to Apply
Launch: Expected in the last quarter of 2026 (likely October to December).
Application Portal Opening: Mid-2026, shortly before the system goes live.
Transitional Period: After launch, travelers should apply, but entry will not be immediately denied without ETIAS.
Mandatory Requirement: ETIAS will be required in 2027, with a grace period for first-time travelers.
Tip: Plan to apply once the official portal opens, ideally a few weeks before your trip.
Potential Travel Challenges
Even after ETIAS is fully implemented, travelers should be aware of:
Border Control Delays: Automated processing can take longer than expected at major airports.
Staffing Shortages: Some airports are still adjusting to the system.
Technical Glitches: Occasional slowdowns or system failures may occur.
Don’t Stress: ETIAS is generally quick and easy, similar to Australia’s eVisitor system. Most travelers will complete it in minutes.
Final Thoughts
ETIAS and EES are new systems, but for most travelers they are straightforward and not worth worrying about. By applying through the official ETIAS portal, budgeting for the €20 fee, giving yourself extra airport time and staying informed, your trip can remain smooth and enjoyable.
Europe remains a fantastic destination year-round and with a little preparation, ETIAS will not get in the way of exploring the cities, cuisine, culture and sights you love.
I’ll be traveling to Portugal in May of 2027, so this is really useful information. Otherwise, I would have been completely unaware of the changes. Thanks for the heads up & the website to use later on this year!
Johnny –
Thanks for the info on ETIAS. Considering how many other countries have implemented something similar, it seems pretty straightforward so far – at long as the app is usable.
I do think that the EES is more a concern since it has, by all accounts, resulted in nothing but lengthy queues in the Schengen Area airports. I haven’t read any positive account yet.
Although my husband and I travel quite often, this development has been concerning enough to re-book a flight in May [CPH-SMF] from a “maybe we can make it” morning flight to a “we can definitely make it” mid-afternoon departure even though we’ll get home later.
Any additional info you have on the EES would be appreciated. It’s too bad that the EU hasn’t made an app available for this!
BTW – thanks for all the insightful information over the years!!