Delta Air Lines continues its expansion in Europe with “first-of-its-kind” summer routes to Sardinia and Malta. As part of its SkyMiles program, Delta was praised for adding these destinations this year. However, passengers visiting certain destinations in Europe will notice a change scheduled for late 2026.
Delta Air Lines has already confirmed that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) changes are coming, with an associated fee for passengers visiting more than 30 destinations in Europe, including Italy and Spain.
Delta Air Lines Has Confirmed The ETIAS For Non-EU Travelers In Late 2026
Delta Air Lines posted on its website regarding the European Travel Information and Authorization System set to launch in the final quarter of 2026. For travel to several European destinations, passengers will be required to complete a pre-travel authorization for countries in the Schengen Area.
“The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a required electronic pre-travel authorization to the Schengen Area for visa-exempt visitors from over 50 countries. Starting late 2026, non-EU travelers are required to apply for the ETIAS online before any short-term stay in the Schengen Area. Apply for the ETIAS before your travel date,” Delta explains.
The electronic visa is similar to the U.S. ESTA. An exact date hasn’t been announced yet, though the ETIAS website confirms that operations will begin late this year. For now, Americans do not need to apply, while passengers are being cautioned about fake ETIAS.
Delta Air Lines sent TheTravel a statement regarding the upcoming ETIAS changes for travel to Europe. The airline confirmed that an official date hasn’t been set and directed further questions to the European Union regarding the upcoming changes.
“ETIAS has not yet gone into effect and is currently expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. ETIAS is an EU travel authorization requirement for certain visa-exempt travelers, so we would refer you to the European Union for the most current information about implementation, eligible countries and requirements. We would also note that some of the recent reporting about entry processes in Europe has focused on the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which is separate from ETIAS. EES is an EU border management program and questions about its implementation would likewise be best directed to EU authorities,” Delta told TheTravel in an exclusive statement.
Once the new system launches, it will require a fee for travelers aged 18–70. The authorization will give passengers validity in several popular destinations, including Italy, Germany and Greece.
The ETIAS Will Cost €20 For Most Passengers
Once it launches in the final quarter, the ETIAS will cost €20 for most travelers aged between 18 and 70. For those who are under 18 or over 70, there will be no fee. The authorization will be valid for up to 3 years or until a passenger’s passport expires. The list includes several major destinations but omits hotspots like Ireland.
30 European Countries Requiring Visa-Exempt Travelers To Have An ETIAS Travel Authorization
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
The rules are expected to be more flexible in late 2026. However, in early-to-mid-2027, the ETIAS rules are expected to tighten for travelers. Once the rollout is complete, all travelers will be expected to have an approved ETIAS before boarding flights to European destinations. Delta has already issued a warning, while other U.S. carriers may follow in the upcoming months.
