Business travel leaders have welcomed reports that the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be delayed until 2027, saying the move will ease pressure on airports already adapting to the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).
ETIAS requires visa-exempt travellers, including UK passport holders, to obtain travel authorisation before entering countries in the Schengen Area. The scheme had been expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026 following several previous delays, but reports suggest it will now be pushed back after challenges surrounding the rollout of EES.
The biometric Entry/Exit System, which records fingerprints and facial images of non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area, is currently being introduced across Europe. Industry groups say its implementation is increasing waiting times at border controls while airports and border authorities adapt to the new procedures.
John Sullivan, Commercial Director of Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “The chaotic rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) this summer has highlighted the significant operational challenges airports and border authorities continue to face. Introducing another major border process before the current system is fully bedded in would only risk creating further disruption for holidaymakers and business travellers.
“Business travellers tend to travel on tight itineraries and need to get from A to B quickly and efficiently, not spend their time in lengthy airport queues. Queues of up to five hours are already expected at airports this summer. If ETIAS were introduced before airports have had sufficient time to adapt to EES, there is a real risk of even longer waiting times, increased congestion and avoidable delays at border controls during peak travel periods.”
Sullivan added that airports need sufficient time to adapt, test systems and ensure staff are fully prepared.
“A measured approach will deliver a better experience for travellers while giving the aviation industry the certainty it needs to prepare properly.”
The Business Travel Association echoed these concerns, saying the delay would help prevent further disruption while calling for progress on modernising European borders.
Clive Wratten, Chief Executive Officer of the Business Travel Association, commented: “Introducing ETIAS right now would have pushed an already strained European border system over the edge. Those travelling for work are currently navigating the chaotic first phase of biometric EES registration, which is already taking its toll, causing delays to all travellers.
‘We welcome pushing ETIAS into next year – it prevents a double-layer of setbacks. However, this pause cannot become an indefinite delay – we fundamentally need to modernise our borders, and ETIAS is a vital step towards this.”
