The European Union has once again changed the date for the launch of its entry travel authorization, which in the future will affect around 1.4 billion world citizens.
The system, which is officially called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), was supposed to become effective on November 2023. However, the same has now been postponed to the end of 2024’s first half, though the exact date for its launch remains unknown, VisaGuide.World reports.
According to the European Commission’s Spokeswoman for Home Affairs, Migration and Internal Security, Anitta Hipper, the exact date when the ETIAS requirement for travelers from Schengen visa-free countries will become effective remains unknown for now, though the same will be defined soon.
Explaining the reasons behind the postponing of the ETIAS, Hipper says that November 2023 is no longer possible for the ETIAS launch, since another system – Entry/Exit System (EES) – that is vital for the functionalization of the ETIAS, is not ready yet.
“The current expected date for ETIAS to be fully operational is 2024. The entry into operation of ETIAS can only take place five to six months after the entry into operation of the EES,” Hipper claims.
The Entry/Exit System is an automated IT system that will register Schengen visa holders and visa-free travelers from third-countries, every time they enter and leave the territory of the EU. The EES will register data as the traveler’s name, travel document information, fingerprints and facial image, as well as the place and date of the entry and exit.
The system will operate in full respect of fundamental rights and data protection, the EU claims.
The ETIAS, on the other hand, will be required only from travelers from visa-free third countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Albania, Georgia, etc. The same is very similar to other travel authorization schemes operated by other countries, including the US’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Regarding the entry into force of the EES, the same was scheduled to start operating in May 2023, however, the agency responsible for the management of large IT systems in the EU, the eu-LISA, had warned in January that the date was no longer achievable due to delays by contractors.
The same now says that the EES might start operating by the end of 2023, without giving a more specific date, adding that they have taken the necessary measures to keep responsible the people behind the delays.
“…despite the progress obtained by the contractor in some critical areas, a new date for the entry into operation of EES cannot be firmly defined at this point,” the agency claims.
Both the ETIAS and the EES are considered to be a revolution in travel, with the EU claiming that the systems will not only enforce security in the block, but will also make the border crossing procedures for travelers easier.
>> ETIAS Checker – Free tool to check whether you will need ETIAS to travel to Europe in 2024
The post ETIAS Travel Authorization Postponed to 2024, EU Confirms appeared first on VisaGuide.World.
