ETIAS is not in effect yet and has no official start date (checked 21 October 2026). The European Commission says it will announce the date "several months prior" to the launch.
For now, travel as usual: if your country is visa-exempt you only need your passport, and you'll be registered in the EES at the border.
Current status
| ETIAS | Not running yet No applications accepted. |
| Start date | Not announced |
| EES (biometric register) | Live Since 12/10/2025; fully live since 10/04/2026. |
| Planned fee | €20 |
A history of delays
ETIAS was adopted in 2018 with the idea of launching within a few years, but it depends on the EES going live first. As the EES slipped, so did ETIAS: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and "the last quarter of 2026" were all floated. That target no longer appears on the official website.
Some media mention 2027, but there's no official announcement with a date. Be wary of any site that gives a specific day without citing the European Commission.
The European Commission proposes ETIAS (November 2016).
Regulation (EU) 2018/1240 is adopted.
The planned date moves several times.
The EES (biometric register) starts on 12 October.
The EES is fully live from 10 April.
ETIAS still has no official date.
Will there be a transition period?
Yes. The regulation provides for a transition period and a grace period after launch, during which travelers will be informed and, in some cases, allowed in without ETIAS. Exact lengths and conditions will be confirmed when the EU announces the date. We'll update this page.
What to do in the meantime
- Travel as you do now: with a valid passport and, if your country requires it, a visa.
- Make sure your passport is valid for 3+ months after you leave and is less than 10 years old.
- Be ready for EES registration on your first entry.
- Don't pay anyone to "process your ETIAS": it's not possible yet.
Frequently asked questions
Is ETIAS mandatory yet?
No. ETIAS isn't running and isn't mandatory. No applications are accepted today.
Is ETIAS starting in 2026?
There's no official date. The late-2026 target disappeared from the official website. If a date is confirmed, we'll publish it here with the source.
How will I know when it starts?
The European Commission will announce it several months ahead on travel-europe.europa.eu. This page is updated as soon as there's an official announcement.
Will I have to apply for ETIAS for a trip already booked?
Only if your trip falls after the launch and the transition period. When the date is announced, check whether your travel dates are affected.
What will happen on day one of ETIAS?
The official website and app will open applications. During the transition period travellers will be informed, and in some cases may still enter without ETIAS.
Keep reading
Sources
- European Commission: official ETIAS website (status and date)
- European Commission: ETIAS FAQ
- European Commission: EES FAQ
This guide is independent and for information only. Rules can change: before you travel, always double-check on the official ETIAS website and with the authorities of the country you're visiting.