European Union ETIAS Visa Waiver Program Delayed To Late 2026

For years, we’ve known that the European Union plans to require foreign nationals to apply for a travel authorization. The implementation of this has been delayed several times already, and we’ve just learned of yet another delay — this is now expected to launch in late 2026, compared to the previous timeline of mid-2025.

Will Americans need a visa to visit European Union?

Currently travelers from 60+ countries (including the United States) can visit the European Union without obtaining a visa or any travel authorization prior to travel. That will be changing. As of the fourth quarter of 2026 (no exact date has been announced), up to 1.4 billion people from 60+ visa waiver countries will need to obtain a travel authorization prior to traveling to the European Union.

US citizens (among others) will be required to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization. This is similar to the electronic travel authorization that the United States requires for visitors from many countries.

Now, don’t get too worried. You’re not going to have to go to a consulate, or jump through any super complicated hoops. Rather here are the basics of the requirements:

• The ETIAS will cost €7 (~$8), and that can be paid via the ETIAS website or app
• The ETIAS will be valid for multiple entries over three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first
• The ETIAS will allow you to stay in the European Union for up to 90 days in any 180 day period
• The ETIAS will typically be processed within minutes, though in some cases the application may take longer to process; when there’s a delay, it will typically be processed within four days, but sometimes it will take up to 14 days
• Once your ETIAS application is approved, you’ll receive a confirmation number that you should hold onto, but you shouldn’t have to show it at the border, since it’s electronically linked to your passport info

What’s the purpose of this new ETIAS requirement? The reason for this change is to increase security, and to be able to screen travelers long before they actually travel to the Europe Union. At the same time, I imagine there’s some desire for reciprocity here, and I also imagine the government thinks this will generate extra revenue, and doesn’t mind that.