Two key developments are affecting European travel requirements, with temporary Entry/Exit System (EES) flexibility measures now expired and the expected launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) appearing increasingly likely to move into 2027.
- The temporary EES “flexibility” (partial-suspension) rules expired on September 6, 2026. Industry groups are urging the European Commission to reinstate and extend them through the winter season.
- ETIAS is now widely expected to move into 2027. The official portal has removed its “last quarter of 2026” launch window, though no revised date has been confirmed.
- Any binding announcement on either point will come from the European Commission, not from this week’s eu-LISA industry event.
EES: Flexibility Rules Have Lapsed
The derogation that let Member States temporarily scale back EES biometric registration during periods of severe congestion expired on September 6, 2026. It is no longer available to border authorities.
Following a summer of multi-hour queues at several Schengen airports, industry bodies (including IATA, ABTA and major carriers) are urging the Commission to reinstate the flexibility measures and extend them into 2027, with calls ranging from the end of the winter season (late March 2027) to at least April 2027. The Commission has not yet responded, and the decision rests with it.
What this means for travelers: EES has been fully operational and mandatory since April 10, 2026. With the flexibility measures now expired, border processing times may be less predictable at busy crossings. We continue to advise building in additional time for first entries and connections in the Schengen area.
ETIAS: 2026 Target Removed as Launch Appears Likely to Shift to 2027
The official EU ETIAS portal has removed the “last quarter of 2026” launch window from its banner and now states only that the system is not yet in operation, with no applications being collected. No replacement date has been published.
Press reporting points to a launch slipping into 2027, with some coverage referencing a September eu-LISA board meeting expected to consider a revised timeline. However, there has been no official communication confirming a new date or such a meeting, and no September board meeting appears on the public calendar. The next eu-LISA Management Board meeting with a firm public date is November 17-19, 2026 (Dublin).
Whatever the board recommends, the European Commission is the body that formally sets the ETIAS start date, following eu-LISA’s technical sign-off. The Commission has committed to giving several months’ notice before launch, with a transitional grace period afterwards.
What this means for clients: No action is required and no ETIAS applications can be made yet. Any website offering ETIAS applications today is not legitimate. The likely move into 2027 gives mobility teams additional runway to prepare travel policies, budgets and traveler communications.
We are monitoring both developments and will issue an update if the Commission reinstates or extends the EES flexibility measures or confirms a revised ETIAS timeline.
This news alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific guidance or further information, please contact Newland Chase directly.
