Europe's New Travel Authorization Program Just Got a Six-Month Delay

The long-awaited European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) just got another delay. The program, which will act as a method of border control, was first expected to launch in late 2022 then got delayed to May 2023. But now ETIAS will take effect November 2023, if everything goes according to plan.

While the European Commission didn't give an explicit reason for the delay, it may be a boon to travelers and tour operators. Tourists will be able to travel without an additional step while operators recover from the delays and cancellations plaguing European airports. According to reporting by the Points Guy, British ferry operators are using the extra time to create their own "streamlined enrollment system."

ETIAS will be used by travelers from 63 visa-free countries, including the U.S. and United Kingdom. Similar to systems used in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, ETIAS will be used to screen and track travelers in and out of the EU.

The application is done entirely online and will return approval or denial within minutes. However, some approval times could take as long as one month—so don't wait until the last minute to apply. Failure to secure ETIAS authorization would make for a very short vacation, since you wouldn't make it past customs in your destination. If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision.

To apply, you'll need your passport, an email address, and, of course, a payment method for the seven euro fee. Applications still aren't open yet, but the European Commission website will publish the start date in the coming weeks.

While the new system will be an inconvenience for travelers not used to submitting visa waivers, there is one major silver lining: approved applications will be valid for three years of unlimited travel to Europe.