ETIAS and E-passports?

There are a number of threads on ETIAS. Implementation has been delayed again, for the umpteenth time, until "sometime" in 2024, so ETIAS simply doesn't apply yet.

As the previous poster stated, EITAS delayed, again. If and when it is required, your airline will likely warn you, and then have to verify that you completed it before boarding.

As for the e-gates, more and more countries are allowing US and Canadian citizens to use the e-gates available, and Lisbon airport is one of those. However, you will likely have to allow for going where directed, if the e-gates get busy for the number they have, they will divert the line to the conventional booths. At London Heathrow, using the e-gates was a breeze, was through in about 10 minutes, a record in a half dozen trips through there.

My problem is that I already reserved a spot on a Rick Steves tour and bought airline tickets for this coming March. What if the ETIAS system goes into effect only days before my departure? I can’t find any information about grace periods or lead times.

Ervin, if it does come into effect before your trip, it wont be a surprise.

What if the ETIAS system goes into effect only days before my departure?

While I do not doubt a bureaucracies ability to botch up even simple efforts, I am sure there is an implementation plan. The easiest is to open the system well before it would be required at the border. The "approval" is good for 3 years I believe, so it is not like something that must be done within some narrow window...which brings to mind the covid verification you might have had to do within a couple days of departure, and that system seemed to work OK.

Just be aware, your airline will likely send you an email or notification if it goes into effect, they may even work the application process into their check-in application, since they will need to verify your compliance.

Even if it is implemented, it won’t be anything to fuss over. Info will be readily available.

Australia’s scheme for entry for US citizen entry is similar to what is in the works for Europe. You go online, input some info, upload a passport photo, pay a small fee, and generally have “approval” within a few hours.

Relax.

Should ETIAS come into effect, you will be given plenty of notice. Probably months.

Everything will be done online and approval is not expected to take more than a day.

Don't worry.

The biggest mystery is why news organizations are suddenly writing about this when there have been no changes to it.

slow news day?

Currently the problem with using e-passport gates is that you still need to have your passport stamped. With the EES/ETIAS system that will no longer be needed, so going through immigration will be faster for those that this applies too. I can imagine that once this is operational you will be able to use the electronic gates everywhere.

What I have also read is that in the first months of operation it will not be compulsory yet. So there will be a transition phase.

The EES/ETIAS system is nothing to get worked up over and is similar to the ESTA & ETA programs run by the US and Canada for non-visa travelers. The best thing anyone can do is just be aware that it is eventually coming... eventually. It was originally supposed to be implemented in 2022, then 2023. Now it's 2024 and even then no one knows for sure when, since France wants implementation delayed until after the Olympics. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexledsom/2023/04/19/europe-travel-new-border-checks-delayed-until-2024-after-paris-olympics/?sh=4a7d6c901602

Just be aware, be skeptical of the rageclickbaity media and keep track of the official EU website.
EES site -- https://travel-europe.europa.eu/index_en
ETIAS landing page -- https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

Also be aware that the UK has its own ETA system coming too -- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

Some helpful info:

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/key-differences-between-etias-and-ees-2023-06-06_en

ETIAS and the EES will not be launched at the same time. The EES will become operational first and ETIAS will follow a few months after.
The exact dates will be announced by the EU later this year.

I really don't get the hysteria over this. We all have bureaucracy in our daily lives and yet we cope. Nothing is going to be sprung on travelers leaving them stranded in a no-man's land between borders. As Nigel said, slow news day?