EU Confirms Travelers Without ETIAS Won’t Face Entry Denial in First Six Months of Rollout

Key Points

1. The EU has clarified that travelers without an ETIAS travel authorization will not be denied entry during the initial transition phase.
2. During the grace period, ETIAS authorization will be mandatory for entry, with a single exception.
3. ETIAS will come into effect a few months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) is launched.

EU Confirms Gradual Implementation of ETIAS

The European Union’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs has announced that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be rolled out gradually, featuring both a transitional and a grace period.

According to the Directorate-General, once ETIAS is introduced, there will be a six-month transitional period where travelers are encouraged to apply for travel authorization. However, during this phase, entry into the EU will still be allowed for those without ETIAS, provided they meet all other entry requirements.

"Following the launch of ETIAS, there will be a transitional period of at least six months. During this time, travelers should apply for their ETIAS travel authorization, but those without one will not be denied entry as long as they meet other entry conditions."
— EU Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs

Grace Period: ETIAS Becomes Mandatory, With One Exception

At the end of the transitional phase, a grace period will take effect, requiring all travelers to obtain ETIAS authorization before entering the EU.

An exception applies only to those entering the EU for the first time after the transition phase ends—these travelers may be allowed entry without ETIAS, provided they meet all other requirements. However, all other travelers without ETIAS will be refused entry during the grace period.

"All other travelers will be denied entry if they do not possess ETIAS authorization. The grace period will last at least six months."
— EU Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs

ETIAS Will Be Introduced Shortly After the EES Becomes Operational

The EU has also reminded travelers that ETIAS will only be required a few months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) is implemented. Given that the EES launch date has been delayed, ETIAS is unlikely to be enforced until late 2025 or early 2026.

"The launch of ETIAS will occur a few months after the Entry-Exit System (EES) is introduced."
— EU Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs

Once implemented, ETIAS will be mandatory for all visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to the EU. Applications can be submitted via the official ETIAS website or mobile app, with a processing fee of €7. The travel authorization will be valid for three years.