Europe has pushed back the launch of its beleaguered travel permit with no date set for when it will be introduced.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) requires visitors from countries including Australia to apply for pre-travel authorisation.
It was slated to launch in 2027 but has now been delayed indefinitely, with travellers warned not to apply or pay anyone claiming to offer ETIAS applications.
“ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorisations are collected at this point,” the website stated.
“The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.”
Europe’s summer travel has been buckling under its new electronic entry/exit system, which has resulted in lengthy queues at multiple airports.
When ETIAS does eventually launch, it’s set to cost €20 and grant access to 30 European countries in the Schengen Zone, as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. It will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, and it will allow holders to stay in the Zone for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
