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The European Union (EU) has once again pushed back the launch date for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), according to EU sources. Previously, the EU had stated that ETIAS would be operational by mid-2024, but it has now been confirmed that the go-live date for ETIAS has been postponed to 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. 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," explained an EU official.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is closely connected to ETIAS and is an automated IT system designed to register travelers from third countries each time they cross an EU external border. The EES has also faced continuous postponements alongside ETIAS.
"Both systems are deeply linked. Though the Entry/Exit can function properly without the ETIAS, it is impossible for the latter to become operational without the EES," emphasized the EU official.
Anitta Hipper, the EU Commission’s Spokesperson for Home Affairs, Migration, and Internal Security, clarified, "The entry into operation of ETIAS can only take place five to six months after the entry into operation of the EES."
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the postponement, stating that ETIAS is now planned for launch in 2025 without specifying a more precise timeframe.
"The ETIAS go-live is expected in May 2025 at the earliest," stated the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration.
The EU Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs has not provided an exact date for ETIAS implementation but expects to announce it by the end of 2023.
The EES implementation date remains 2024, with the eu-LISA expected to specify the exact date in the coming months before the end of the year.
By fLEXI tEAM
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