The European Union has again postponed the launch of its European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) according to EU sources.
The European Union has continuously claimed that the ETIAS would be up and running by mid-2024, however, an EU official told SchengenVisaInfo.com the live date has now been delayed until May 2025.
“We had initially hoped for the ‘EES’ to become operational by the end of this year, or at the latest, the beginning of the next year,” the source said.
“Due to unforeseen delays, it has become evident that this timeline is unattainable.
“As a result, the implementation of the ETIAS has been rescheduled to May 2025, with the possibility of further postponement.”
Following Brexit, Australia (and many other nations) lost free movement through countries in the Schengen which most countries in Europe apart from Bulgaria, Cyprus and Ireland. Romania and Bulgaria are currently in the process of joining.
The ETIAS will give up to 1.6 billion travellers free movement through 30 countries in the Schengen Area in Europe when it does launch.
An ETIAS will be valid for three years, or until the traveller’s passport expires and will cost AUD $11 for everyone apart from those under 18 or over 70, who will be able to attain one free of charge.
Most applications will be processed within minutes and the latest within 96 hours.
The EU official’s comments were backed up by the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration, which said, “Currently, the ETIAS go-live is expected in May 2025 at the earliest.”
