The European Union has indefinitely postponed the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), meaning visa-exempt travellers will not yet need to obtain travel authorisation before visiting participating European countries.

Originally scheduled to launch in 2021, ETIAS has faced repeated delays, with recent reports suggesting implementation could be pushed to 2027.

However, the system’s official website now states that ETIAS is “currently not in operation” and that applications are not being accepted.

The EU said it will announce the specific launch date several months before the system becomes operational.

ETIAS is designed to require nationals of visa-exempt countries to secure electronic travel authorisation before travelling to participating European destinations. T

he system is intended to strengthen border security and pre-screen travellers, following similar models such as the US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) and Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). -TradeArabia News Service