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For British expats, property owners, and regular visitors to Spain, the bureaucratic landscape of post-Brexit travel has been a source of constant "will-they-won't-they" tension. In a significant update for the 2026 travel season, it has been confirmed that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been delayed once again, with a new rollout target of 2027.

Here is what this latest reprieve means for the Eye on Spain community and your upcoming travel plans.

The ETIAS Delay: A Brief Sigh of Relief

The ETIAS system—often compared to the US ESTA—is designed to require non-EU citizens (including Britons) to apply for a €7 travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area. Originally slated for 2024, then 2025, and then 2026, the system has faced repeated technical hurdles.

The latest reports from Brussels indicate that the infrastructure is still not ready for a seamless launch. Consequently, British travellers can continue to visit Spain throughout 2026 without the need for this specific digital permit.

Why the Delay? The EES Connection

The primary reason for the ETIAS postponement is its dependency on the Entry/Exit System (EES).

The EES is the automated system that will replace manual passport stamping with biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial scans) at borders. EU officials have prioritized getting the EES hardware and software operational at major hubs—like Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, and Málaga airports—before layering the ETIAS permit system on top of it.

What Does This Mean for Your 2026 Travel?

1. No Extra Fees (For Now): You won’t need to pay the €7 fee or fill out the ETIAS application form for your summer 2026 holidays or visits to your Spanish home.

2. Passport Stamping Continues: Until the EES is fully active, the "old-fashioned" manual passport stamping will remain the norm. This means you must still be diligent about the 90/180-day rule.

3. 90-Day Rule Still Applies: It is vital to remember that the delay of ETIAS does not change the residency or duration-of-stay rules. British visitors are still limited to 90 days in any 180-day period unless they hold a TIE (residency card) or a relevant visa.

Preparing for the Future

While the delay to 2027 offers a temporary reprieve, the digital border is still coming. Once ETIAS eventually launches:

• Validity: The permit will be valid for three years (or until your passport expires).

• Cost: It will be free for those under 18 or over 70, and €7 for everyone else.

• Application: It will be a digital-only process, usually approved within minutes, though travelers are advised to apply at least 72 hours before departure.

The Bottom Line for Eye on Spain Readers

For those planning their 2026 trips to the Costas or the Islands, this news removes one layer of potential travel friction. You can book your flights and ferries with the confidence that, for another year at least, the only "paperwork" you'll need is your valid passport and, if applicable, your proof of Spanish residency.