The European Union (EU) has announced that its long-awaited travel authorization system, known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), is set to be launched in spring 2025. This decision follows a revised timeline adopted by the European Council.
The ETIAS program will mandate visitors traveling to Schengen Area countries to complete a form prior to their journey. This form will be utilized to assess them for potential security or migration risks. The system will be applicable to travelers aged between 18 and 70. The authorization will come with a fee of approximately $8 and will remain valid for a duration of two years.
Interestingly, the United Kingdom is on track to introduce its own distinct system, termed the Electronic Travel Authorization. This is separate from the U.S.'s Electronic System Travel Authorization, which has been operational for several years.
Originally, the EU had intended for the ETIAS system to be in place by 2021. This was later adjusted to 2024. However, many industry experts had anticipated its implementation to be delayed until the end of 2024 at the earliest. While the current timeline suggests a mid-2025 launch, the exact commencement date remains tentative.
For more details on the ETIAS program, interested individuals can refer to the system's official website, which states, "It is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorization System will be operational from mid-2025."
