There is a lot of uncertainty around what exactly is happening with the ETIAS system in Italy and in Europe.
Not currently operational in Italy
ETIAS is not currently operational in Italy. Italy is one of the 30 countries that will use the system, and this includes Italian airports, ports and other external Schengen borders, but for now the Italian ETIAS application system in not in operation. And neither is it operational in Europe.
The countries that will be involved
If someone is travelling to Italy today from a visa-exempt country such as the UK, US, Canada or Australia, they do not need ETIAS yet. If, for example, you are a British citizen flying from London to Rome, you don't need ETIAS today. But once ETIAS launches, you will need an approved ETIAS before travelling to Italy. The same situation applies across Europe. ETIAS is a single EU-wide system, rather than a national scheme, and will cover 30 European countries, including Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Greece and the other Schengen countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. At present, therefore, ETIAS is not actually working for travellers in any of these countries. Eligible visa-exempt travellers do not yet need to apply.
There will be a transitional and a grace period
The system is intended for citizens of countries whose nationals can currently enter the Schengen area without a visa, including the UK, United States, Canada, Australia and Japan. Once operational, travellers will have to obtain an electronic travel authorization before travelling to Europe. ETIAS is expected to cost €20 and normally remain valid for up to three years, or until the passport expires. ETIAS will also not become fully compulsory on its first day. After launch there will be a transitional period, followed by a grace period, allowing travellers and border authorities time to adapt. Consequently, if the current timetable is maintained, ETIAS is likely to become a normal and routinely enforced requirement during 2027 rather than immediately at the end of 2026.
Regular enforcement is expected in 2027
For Italy, therefore, the current position is clear: preparations are underway, but ETIAS is not yet functioning for travellers. This does not mean that Italy is behind the rest of Europe as the system's implementation is coordinated at EU level. The crucial dates for travellers are therefore the European launch in late 2026, and the expected move to regular enforcement in 2027.
