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British holidaymakers planning trips to Europe have received a major update regarding a controversial new travel rule, bringing a wave of relief to millions. An official change to European Union guidance has signalled potential further delays to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
The scheme will eventually require visa-exempt travellers – including UK citizens – to secure an electronic travel permit before entering 30 European countries for stays of up to 90 days. When fully introduced, the fee will cost €20 (around £17) – nearly triple the original planned price of €7 (£6). While children under 18, adults over 70, and certain family members of EU citizens will be exempt, the fee adds another layer of cost to British family holidays.
Introducing ETIAS too quickly alongside EES could cause widespread chaos this summer (Image: Getty)
The update comes amid fears that introducing ETIAS too quickly alongside the new Entry/Exit System (EES) – which first launched late last year and became fully operational this April – could cause widespread travel chaos at airports and ports as the UK summer holiday rush begins.
Observant travellers noticed a subtle but significant wording shift on the EU’s official portal. The old message read: “ETIAS will become operational in the final quarter of 2026. Travellers do not need to take any action at this stage. The European Union will announce the specific start date for ETIAS several months before its launch.”
However, it has since been updated to read: “ETIAS is not yet operational and, for the time being, no applications for travel authorisation are being accepted. The European Union will announce the exact start date for ETIAS several months in advance of its launch.”
This subtle change in official communication is directly linked to the possibility that the EU may postpone the start of charges for electronic authorisation. However, officials have firmly ruled out suspending the EES biometric entry system, which remains active across borders.
Introducing ETIAS would push ‘an already strained European border system over the edge,’ warned Clive Wratten (Image: Getty)
Travel leaders have welcomed the breathing room, warning that stacking ETIAS on top of the already struggling EES framework could have proven disastrous for British holidaymakers and business travellers alike.
Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association (BTA), highlighted the strain current border checks are putting on travellers: “Introducing European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) right now would have pushed an already strained European border system over the edge.
“Those travelling for work are currently navigating the chaotic first phase of biometric EES registration, which is already taking its toll, causing delays to all travellers.
“We welcome pushing ETIAS into next year – it prevents a double-layer of set backs. However, this pause cannot become an indefinite delay – we fundamentally need to modernise our borders, and ETIAS is a vital step towards this.”
Frontex has already flagged over 100 unofficial websites set up to exploit unsuspecting tourists (Image: Getty)
While the extra fee is temporarily on hold, rules will eventually change, and holidaymakers must apply only through the official portal at europa.eu/etias.
However, the EU border agency, Frontex, has already flagged over 100 unofficial websites set up to exploit unsuspecting tourists.
François Laruelle, Director of the ETIAS Central Unit Division at Frontex, issued a sharp warning: “We are aware of several sites that claim to already accept ETIAS applications. Travellers should be very cautious about those websites, as it is not currently possible to apply for an official ETIAS travel authorisation since the system is not operational yet.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
