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Etias

Does anybody know the current status of the ETIAS program? We leave for an Andalucía tour with a side trip to Lyon in early May and as far as I can tell, you cannot even apply yet, the program "is to be implemented in mid 2025" and "maybe" a 3-6 month of no requirements for approved documentation.....but "don't book your flights and hotels until you get approved".

Posted by
10451 posts

It doesn't exist yet, so there is no way to apply.

Posted by
34458 posts

.but "don't book your flights and hotels until you get approved".

who says to wait to book flights until you are approved in a non existent program on a non existent application?

Posted by
5771 posts

don't book your flights and hotels until you get approved

Why would anyone say that??? Flights and hotels can book solid. Prices can rise, sometimes dramatically. And then what happens if ETIAS is postponed yet again, but you are still waiting days before your trip is to begin?. Book your flights. Book your hotels. Buy trip insurance.

The previous proposal for the introduction of the program was for it to start 6 months after the EES went into operation. That hasn't started yet yet, so in theory, ETIAS wouldn't start til July at the earliest.

Posted by
16820 posts

Hmmm, I'm seeing that advice on this legitimate site:

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/faqs-etias_en

It's under "When should I apply?"

We strongly advise you to obtain the ETIAS travel authorisation before
you buy your tickets and book your hotels. Most applications will be
processed within minutes and at the latest within 96 hours. However,
some applicants may be asked to provide additional information or
documentation or to participate in an interview with national
authorities, which may take up to additional 30 days.

I have to assume this advice is only applicable once ETIAS comes into force. There's not a thing anyone can do until that point as there isn't any way TO apply until that happens.