Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK The electronic entry visa, the ETIAS, as is known, will require travelers who do not need a visa to enter EU countries from non-EU countries to obtain permission for a tourist visit to EU countries.
According to all plans, the electronic entry visa of the European Union was supposed to be launched this year after the new Entry/Exit System (EES) of the European Union and the Schengen Area was implemented.
Since the European Union has now decided on a gradual launch of the EES over a period of six months - which will come into initial effect in October 2025 - it is necessary, of course, to also delay the implementation of the ETIAS.
The ETIAS can only come into effect six months after the EES is fully operational at all borders of the Schengen Area. This means that all airports, ferry ports, and land crossings must operate the system. The installation of the new technology required for the EES is accompanied by complications and delays, with many member countries not ready for the planned launch.
Therefore, the European Union is now planning to introduce the ETIAS at the end of 2026 with a transition period. This means that the system will not actually be mandatory until 2027.
According to the ETIAS rules, travelers who do not need a visa from non-EU countries, including Israel, of course, will need to obtain permission for a tourist visit to EU countries.
Travelers will need to complete an online application, provide personal details, answer security questions, and pay a fee of 7 euros. This approval will be linked to the traveler's passport and will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.
The ETIAS fee will be waived for children under the age of 18 and adults over the age of 70, although they will need to apply for visit approval.
