Not so fast: EU to delay ETIAS until 2027, report claims

The European Union is pushing back the launch of its long-awaited pre-travel authorization system, delaying its introduction until at least next year.

The delay, first reported by the Financial Times, means the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is now not expected to be fully implemented until 2027.

The update comes in the wake of the widely-publicized (and turbulent) rollout of the Entry-Exit System (EES), which has caused disruptions for travellers visiting Europe.

What’s the difference between the two?

In a nutshell: the ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travellers, requiring an online application and fee before a trip. Applicants will have to pay €20 (about C$32.40) and undergo pre-travel security checks.

Whereas the EES is an at-the-border digital system that replaces passport stamps by registering facial images and fingerprints on entry and exit.

READ MORE: Airlines, airports call to suspend EES during peak holiday period

Both systems aim to strengthen European security and security of those who travel – and the plan was always to launch EES first. 

However, it appears it will be some time before both systems are operating simultaneously.

EU-Lisa, the agency in charge of implementing ETIAS, has reportedly acknowledged that launching it by the end of this year as planned was no longer feasible, according to three people briefed on the matter, the Financial Times reports.

One unidentified person who was briefed on the discussions said that there were “still some IT issues” with ETIAS, and that EES would have to be cleaned up, first, before another system takes flight, the report says.

The EES, meanwhile, was originally supposed to start in 2022 but was delayed repeatedly by procurement issues, technical troubles and slow rollout in some member states.

The program eventually debuted in October 2025 with a six-month rollout that became official in April 2026.

As previously reported, problems with EES have triggered long queues at some airports, prompting the aviation industry to warn of a chaotic summer travel season.

This week, it was revealed that the EU will step up efforts to address the problems with its new border control system. 

Now, it appears officials are taking their cue from the EES rollout when determining the timing of ETIAS.

“Preparations for the launch of ETIAS are ongoing. Obviously, as with any large-scale IT system, many factors come into play when deciding when to launch it,” a Commission spokesperson said.

“Solutions already exist”

Meanwhile, new research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says that prolonged border delays associated with the rollout of EES could significantly impact international tourism.

According to the findings, released earlier this month, if travellers regularly encounter border delays of three to four hours when entering Schengen countries, around one-third would be much less likely to travel to the region or would choose alternative destinations altogether.

READ MORE: EU promises action after border checks trigger airport delays

When these responses are applied to projected visitor numbers for 2026, the potential impact becomes substantial, with up to 41 million arrivals and $45.4 billion in tourism spending at risk.

“The introduction of EES is an important step forward in modernizing Europe’s borders and strengthening security,” said Gloria Guevara, president & CEO of WTTC, in a statement.

“Our research clearly shows that travellers support digital and biometric border systems and understand the long-term benefits they can deliver.

“As with any major transformation, there will inevitably be teething problems. The challenge now is not whether EES should proceed, but how governments, border authorities and the Travel & Tourism sector work together to ensure implementation is as smooth as possible.”

The “good news,” said Guevara, is that “solutions already exist.”

“By making greater use of digital pre-registration tools, improving traveller communications and ensuring operational readiness at border crossing points, Europe can reduce friction and deliver the seamless experience travellers expect,” she said.

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