Has anyone seen an update as to when this will come into effect for visiting Europe? I think Great Britain has already started their version.
There is, as yet, no date set.
According to https://travel-europe.europa.eu/, EES (the automated Entry/Exit System) will start sometime in 2025, and ETIAS will start six months after that.
If you've traveled in the EU in the last year or so, you've seen the EES system set up in most international airports. I don't know if they're still installing it, working on software, or testing. I seem to recall it was already working in Rome last fall.
And it's not a visa.
This is an often discussed topic, here are a few posts from the last six months: https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=6m&filter=Travel+Forum&query=ETIAS&utf8=%E2%9C%93
Also RS has information about it https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning/europe-visa-waiver
I suggest you bookmark the link Lane posted. Then check it periodically for updates.
I’ve been checking since it was announced, something like three years ago. When it’s live, I’m sure there will be lots of posts here on the forum and elsewhere.
If you’re going to or through the UK, check their ETA website. It’s live. You can download the app to apply. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
The EES system isn't working yet either, and has no start date. It was supposed to start last fall but was postponed at the last moment.