The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will eventually require visa-exempt travellers, including UK, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders, to obtain online travel approval before entering most Schengen Area countries.

However, the system cannot be introduced until after the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational. Because the launch of EES has been postponed, ETIAS has also been pushed back.

Under the latest timetable, EES is expected to begin operating later this year, while ETIAS is now unlikely to become mandatory until 2027 after a phased introduction.

When the system is eventually launched, travellers will complete an online application before departure, providing passport details and answering a series of security questions. Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes, although some may require additional checks.

Once approved, an ETIAS authorisation will normally remain valid for three years, or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first. It will allow multiple short visits to participating European countries without requiring a visa.

The authorisation is expected to cost €20 for most adult applicants, while children under 18 and adults aged 70 and over will be exempt from the fee.

The delay means travellers visiting Portugal and other Schengen countries can continue travelling under the current rules for the time being, provided they meet existing passport and entry requirements.

European officials say the additional time will allow member states to complete technical preparations and ensure both EES and ETIAS are fully operational before the new border systems are introduced.

Although no immediate action is required, travellers planning European holidays over the next few years are advised to keep an eye on official announcements as implementation dates are confirmed.