U.S. tourists can breathe a little easier for now, as The European Union has announced that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has been delayed, once again. This means that Americans planning European vacations won’t need to worry about extra travel authorizations beyond the usual passport requirements.
ETIAS is a new travel authorization that U.S. passport holders will need to enter 30 European countries in the future. It’s similar to the ESTA system used for travel to the U.S. It will apply to countries in the Schengen Area, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and some European microstates like Vatican City and Monaco.
ETIAS was announced in 2016, and ever since it suffered multiple delays. The latest news explained the new system will launch in fall 2025, while the EES (Entry/Exit System) will be introduced during spring.
Once it’s implemented, ETIAS will be required to enter:
- All Schengen Area countries (e.g., France, Germany, Spain, Italy)
- European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries (e.g., Iceland, Norway, Switzerland)
- European microstates with open borders (e.g., Vatican City, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino)
ETIAS waiver will cost around €7 ($7.59) and be valid for three years. This is similar to the ESTA, which tourists from other countries need when traveling to the US.