ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is not yet in operation. As of autumn 2026 there is no confirmed start date and no application is needed to visit the Canary Islands. The EU has said it will announce the launch date several months in advance, so ignore any website asking you to pay for an ETIAS today.
What ETIAS will be
Once launched, ETIAS will be an online travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, including UK, US and Canadian citizens, travelling to Schengen countries for short stays. It is not a visa. You will apply online, pay a fee and receive an authorisation linked to your passport, valid for several years or until your passport expires.
Timeline so far
| Date | Status |
|---|---|
| Original plan | Launch in 2021, repeatedly postponed |
| October 2025 | EES begins a gradual rollout |
| 10 April 2026 | EES fully operational |
| Autumn 2026 | ETIAS still without a confirmed start date |
What it means for long stays
ETIAS will not change the 90/180 rule. It is an extra step before travel, not extra days. When it starts, a transition period is expected before it becomes mandatory.
Beware of scam sites
Several websites already advertise ETIAS applications. Until the EU opens the official system, any payment is at best useless and at worst a scam.
Our verdict
Nothing to do for now. We update this page when the EU confirms a date. Meanwhile, read EES at Canary Islands Airports.
Official sources
Rules change. Before you book or apply, check the current position with the official source: