The EU’s long-awaited ETIAS system, set to impose new travel rules for Schengen zone entry, faces yet another delay. For now, Serbian citizens can continue to travel under old regulations.
The European Union’s implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has once again been postponed, leaving many wondering when, or even if, it will ever come to fruition.
Originally slated for introduction in May 2024, ETIAS was meant to apply to citizens of 50 visa-exempt countries, including Serbia.
However, recent announcements reveal that the system’s debut is now on hold, with no clear timeline for its roll-out.
In the meantime, the EU will first implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), which has been delayed until 2025, marking the beginning of new entry protocols for non-EU nationals.
Only after EES is up and running will ETIAS be introduced—likely within six months of that milestone.
For Serbian citizens, this means they can continue to travel to Schengen nations without the need for additional documentation.
While ETIAS will eventually require a €7 fee for travel authorization, those under 18 and over 70 will be exempt. For now, however, it’s business as usual.