Skip to main content
Europe Visa Check

ETIAS News & Updates

Latest updates and announcements

Get Notified When ETIAS Launches

Subscribe to receive an email notification when the ETIAS application portal opens.

Get notified when ETIAS opens

We'll email you when the application portal launches. No spam.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

ETIAS Timeline & Milestones

  1. ETIAS system proposed by European Commission

  2. ETIAS regulation adopted by EU Parliament

  3. ETIAS fee increased from €7 to €20

  4. Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout begins

  5. EES fully operational at all borders

  6. ETIAS application portal expected to open

  7. ETIAS system launches (Oct-Dec)

  8. Transitional period (encouraged, not mandatory)

  9. 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)

Beware of False News

Don't trust websites claiming ETIAS is "now open" or offering "early applications." The only official source is travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Any site accepting applications before the official launch is a scam.

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 hasn't 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 Schengen Area Guide UK ETA Check Your Requirements

Last updated: