Good news! ETIAS will not start operations until the last quarter of 2026, so no action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will announce the specific launch date several months in advance.
What is the ETIAS anyway?
In a nutshell, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a travel authorization system for visa-exempt travellers entering the Schengen Area, similar to systems already used by Canada and Australia. This authorization is sometimes called an “ETIAS waiver” because it allows you to travel to Schengen countries without a traditional visa.
We’re monitoring all travel requirement changes and will send clear instructions well before your departure if ETIAS becomes necessary for your trip. If ETIAS does become a requirement before your tour, we’ll send you the relevant instructions with plenty of time to prepare!
