Europe Withdraws ETIAS Launch Date and Warns Against More Than 150 Fake Websites
Europe has withdrawn the launch date for the ETIAS system following issues with the Entry/Exit System, while ABTA warned against more than 150 websites selling permits prior to its operational launch.
Europe announced the withdrawal of the launch date for the ETIAS travel permit system following operational issues with the Entry/Exit System, as reported by the British publication Travel Weekly.
Luke Petherbridge from ABTA stated at the Travel Convention in Madeira that there is currently no official launch date for ETIAS, after the scheduled date in the fourth quarter of 2026 was canceled.
The association warned against more than 150 websites already selling ETIAS permits before the system goes live, exposing travelers to the risk of online scams and fraud.
This decision concerns travelers from the Arab region to Schengen countries, as any delay disrupts travel plans and bookings. Meanwhile, individuals under 18 or over 70 will remain exempt from fees but are still required to apply.
What do these terms mean?
ETIAS: An electronic travel authorization system that will require visitors to Schengen countries to obtain approval prior to travel; it is not a visa.
Entry/Exit System (EES): An automated European system for registering the data of non-European travelers upon crossing borders.
Schengen: An area comprising European countries that have abolished internal border controls among themselves and share a unified visa policy.
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