The EU's ETIAS system has been pushed back again and is now expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026. For visa-exempt travellers, that means more time before the new pre-travel authorisation becomes part of entering the Schengen Area.
European travel organisations are urging EU policymakers to rethink the planned ETIAS fee increase from €7 to €20, arguing that the move would add cost pressure for travellers without a sufficiently clear justification.
The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) has sparked widespread confusion among travellers. From insurance requirements to visa myths and data privacy concerns — here is what you really need to know before crossing EU borders.
Non-EU travellers are being warned about fake ETIAS websites exploiting confusion around upcoming EU border changes. Here is what ETIAS and EES actually mean, when the rules take effect, and how to protect yourself from scams.
Travel in Europe is changing in 2026. From digital border checks and new entry permits to rising tourist taxes and stricter rules on visitor behavior, travelers should prepare for a more regulated and more expensive experience across the continent.
The UK government is preparing a new digital border system that would require visa-free visitors to secure permission before travelling.
The EU is upgrading how Schengen external borders work, including the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). If you travel visa-free, these changes will shape border checks and advance screening.
The European Union has delayed the long-awaited ETIAS travel authorisation system once again, pushing its expected launch to the final quarter of 2026.
The EU will start rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES) from 12 October 2025, with full deployment expected by 10 April 2026. ETIAS is expected in late 2026 and the travel authorisation fee is set to rise to €20.