Germany ETIAS: The EU Delays Until 2024

The launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has experienced a delay, with its implementation now scheduled for 2024. It would have required applicants from visa-free nations like the U.S.A. to pay seven Euros application fee.

Although no specific month is given for the scheme’s introduction, the ETIAS application site currently states it will be "beginning from 2024". When it becomes active, those traveling to Deutschland (another name for Germany) will require a German ETIAS that will apply to travelers.

ETIAS for Germany: The E.U. Delays the Introduction of Travel Authorization System until 2024

The ETIAS, aimed at improving the regulation of non-EU nationals’ entry into and exit from the Schengen Area, was initially anticipated to be implemented in May 2023 before being postponed to November 2023. Recently, a spokesperson from the E.U. Commission’s Migration and Home Affairs department confirmed that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) launch has been further delayed, with the new implementation date set for 2024.

With technologies like the ETIAS and the E.E.S., which will replace human passport controls with electronic checks, shorten lines, and increase security, the E.U. has been attempting to modernize the E.U. border management system since 2016. But, much to everyone’s dismay, ETIAS has been delayed again. As a result, those from visa-free countries planning to visit Germany will not need ETIAS by the end of 2023. 

ETIAS has been in plans since 2016. The European Union has promised it will be a fast, visitor-friendly, and simple system that will save time for travelers from visa-free countries. Travelers from visa-exempt nations planning to go to Germany and other Schengen countries by the end of the year will not need an ETIAS. Remember, ETIAS for Germany is not a visa.

Initially, the ETIAS system was supposed to be operational by 2021, but later on, the governments issued warnings about protracted border delays. As a result, it appears that the implementation aspect constantly runs into difficulties. It has also been reported that it cannot go into operation until the Entry/Exit System (E.E.S.) launches since the ETIAS and E.E.S. are being developed together closely.

2024 is currently projected as the year when ETIAS will be functional. However, it has been observed by E.U. officials that only after five to six months the E.E.S. begins operations can the ETIAS start functioning. Thereon, nations like Germany can allow travelers from visa-free countries to apply for ETIAS for short stays in 2024. The problem with ETIAS implementation for E.U. nations, including Germany, is opposition from member states who argue they are not ready.

New Regulations Won’t Affect U.S. Tourists in 2023

The E.U. and the member states, such as Germany, established the ETIAS and E.E.S. to increase security within the bloc and keep track of who is entering and leaving the E.U. and the Schengen Area territory. Travel to and from the E.U. countries is believed to undergo a revolution once E.E.S. and ETIAS are implemented. At the moment, the ETIAS is anticipated to have an impact on the 1.4 billion travelers from more than sixty different nations who are now able to enter the twenty-seven Schengen Area countries without the need for a short-stay visa, notably Canadians, British, Albanians, Americans, New Zealanders, etc.

Currently, non-EU nationals from the U.S.A., Canada, and the United Kingdom are considering traveling to Germany, and the E.U. need a valid passport and an identification card. However, as stated above, the European Travel Information and Authorization System is now anticipated to be operational in 2024. Therefore, the new regulations won’t affect Americans and travelers from visa-free countries in 2023 due to this delay in implementation.

New Prerequisites for Visiting Europe

Although the ETIAS was initially planned for implementation in November 2023, the formal roll-out has been postponed to an unspecified date in 2024. The delay in launching the ETIAS is due to associated systems not being prepared for the new system’s implementation.

However, entrance into the Schengen zone, such as Germany, will require non-EU visitors (visa-free countries) in 2024 to fill out a form and pay the fee for German ETIAS. Everyone between the ages of eighteen and seventy will be subject to the seven euros fee, valid for up to three years. Most of the time, clearance is expected to be given within minutes.

Tourists going to Germany will need to provide travel documents and a credit card to complete the application. Also, they will be required to share their details either on the official ETIAS mobile app or the website that will be available in 2024. It has been reported that travelers must have a legitimate travel document to apply for German ETIAS.

The travel document shouldn’t be more than ten years old and shouldn’t expire in less than three months. A travel document not meeting Germany’s standards may be rejected during application. In addition, those traveling to Germany must look out for news announcements from the European Council and the European Commission if they are unsure whether their travel document allows them to enter any European countries requiring ETIAS.

They can apply for an ETIAS travel authorization once it is operational in 2024. Eurotunnel has frequently expressed worries about implementing the E.E.S. in a limited environment and has welcomed the additional delay. Nevertheless, as a concept, E.E.S. and ETIAS are one step closer to the future. Everyone in the E.U. hopes to witness a smart and digital border for all.

Not All Forms of Identification are Recognized by ETIAS

Travel documents issued by some nations, territorial authorities, entities, and S.A.R. (special administrative regions) that are not recognized as states by at least one European nation (that will use ETIAS) must meet specific standards.

Visitors from visa-exempt nations planning to go to Germany next year must consider the information below. The following conditions will affect holders of travel papers from the below-listed countries whether they will require an ETIAS or need to apply for a visa to enter any of the ETIAS-eligible nations, including Germany:

Serbia

Applying for an ETIAS travel authorization is possible if travelers have a biometric passport. However, visitors will require a visa to enter any of the ETIAS-eligible European nations if they have any other kind of passport or one that the Serbian Coordination Directorate issued.

Macao (Special Administrative Region)

Travelers can apply online for an ETIAS travel authorization (once operational) if they have a Macau passport. If they have a different passport, they will require a visa to enter any ETIAS-eligible country, including Germany.

Taiwan

Travelers can apply for an ETIAS travel authorization if their Taiwanese passport has an identity card number on it. However, they will require a visa to enter any European nation requiring an ETIAS if they have any other kind of passport.

Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong

If travelers hold a "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" passport, they are eligible to apply for German ETIAS. However, they will need a visa to enter Germany or any of the ETIAS-eligible European countries if they have a different passport.

North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania

Applying for an ETIAS travel authorization is possible if visitors have a biometric passport to enter European nations (such as Germany). However, visitors will require a visa if they have any other passport.

Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia

Travelers can apply for a German ETIAS or ETIAS for any other eligible nation if they have a biometric passport issued by the appropriate national authorities per ICAO requirements. Visitors will require a visa to enter any ETIAS-eligible European nations if they have any other passport.

Conclusion

Due to the ETIAS delay, travelers planning to visit the European Union will not be required to apply for an ETIAS electronic entry document until at least 2024.ETIAS is modeled after the American Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program. The biggest worry of E.U. member states such as Germany is that it should be completely functional when introduced. Until it is implemented, it should undergo extensive testing, and the introduction should be gradual to give operators and travelers time to get used to the new requirements.

Moreover, U.S. travelers have been cautioned against fraudulent websites attempting to profit from the new ETIAS rules. Remember, initially, it was supposed to be operational by November 2023, and now it has been pushed to 2024. Any website claiming it is in operation is surely a scam site. The Commission asserts that it is collaborating closely with Member States and EU-LISA to lessen the effects of launch delays for both systems. Until then, those from visa-free countries and individuals from visa-eligible nations should contact the embassy of Germany to know more about the travel requirements to Deutschland.