The European Union has confirmed it will delay a forthcoming travel authorization system.

‌Key Points:

• The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, is now slated for launch in mid-2025.
• Once ETIAS is launched, nationals of 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to use it to obtain electronic travel authorization before boarding flights to Europe.

Background: ETIAS has been delayed several times. As of this past summer, the program had been expected to launch in 2024. Last month, media outlets reported that ETIAS would be delayed again. The Justice and Home Affairs Council of Europe confirmed in a statement that “the new roadmap for the delivery of the new IT architecture foresees … that ETIAS will be ready to enter into operation in Spring 2025.” BAL will continue following the implementation of ETIAS and will provide updates as information becomes available.