The European Union's online travel authorization system (ETIAS) is likely to be delayed until next year, the Financial Times reported Thursday.
ETIAS is a system similar to the United States' ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), under which nationals of visa-exempt countries obtain online pre-authorization before entering Europe. The EU had planned to implement it by the end of this year, but EU-Lisa, the EU's implementing agency, decided to adjust the schedule, citing technical flaws.
The delay stems from the "Entry/Exit System (EES)" that launched in Europe last April. The EES simplifies entry procedures by using fingerprint and facial recognition instead of passport stamps, but computer system errors led to a series of disruptions at airports. Passenger waiting times increased significantly, and airlines flooded authorities with complaints.
EU officials explained that "ETIAS carries similar technical problems" and that "the EES must first be fixed before ETIAS is introduced."
If ETIAS implementation is postponed, entry procedures for travelers from visa-exempt countries will remain unchanged for the time being. With no online pre-application step, screening times at airports could also lengthen. The EU-Lisa board is set to revisit the official implementation schedule in September.
European diplomatic circles are watching closely to see how much time will be needed to overhaul the technical infrastructure. This is because it could affect the travel plans to Europe of nationals from visa-exempt countries, including South Korea.
