Europe’s plans for a new travel system are proving to be a slow-motion disaster. The latest delay to the “European Union Travel Information and Authorization System” (ETIAS) has pushed its completion date to 2025, introducing yet another hurdle for travelers wishing to explore the continent.
Initially unveiled in 2016, the ETIAS project was slated to be completed by 2021 with a wave of optimism from European lawmakers. The program was meant to bolster security for travelers entering Europe, as well as make their visa processing more efficient and reliable. Among other things, the system would allow automated screening of visitors, leaving the more rigorous vetting processes to what are believed to be more trusted travelers.
Now, though, there appear to be even more roadblocks and uncertainty for ETIAS. Months of negotiations have been going on behind closed doors, and the project is increasingly stuck in a murk of political and financial wrangling.
A contributing factor to the delay is the sheer size of the project. With over 500 million citizens in the EU, the sheer scope of ETIAS is no small task. In its current state, the ETIAS program remains a mirage in the distance, with its implementation still a long way off.
The delay of ETIAS also presents a burden for travelers, as government visa and visa waiver processes remain historically time-consuming. To make matters more confusing, regulations are still yet to be fully defined, especially when it comes to attaché visas.
The ups and downs of ETIAS is disappointing news for Europeans and travelers alike. There is still hope that this project will move forward in the future, but if the current political and financial obstacles remain, the program may remain a pipe dream for years to come.