A slight reprieve based on latest reports of further delays to the implementation of EES and thus the extension of ETIAS to UK passport holders.  Looks like I might get to do my European Farewell Tour in 2026

From https://www.fragomen.com/insights/european-union-european-travel-information-and-authorisation-system-etias-launch-delayed.html

• Launch date. On March 5, 2025, the European Council announced that the ETIAS is likely to be launched in the ‘last quarter of 2026’. This timeline is not yet official as the European Parliament must now review and approve this approach. Previously, the system was scheduled for a 2025 commencement. In any event, EU authorities have stated that ETIAS will commence ‘a few months’ after the EES begins. This means that any delays in implementing the EES are likely to affect the ETIAS schedule.
• Transitional period/grace period. EU authorities have stated that ETIAS will be subject to a ‘transitional period’ and a subsequent ‘grace period’ as follows:
  • During the transitional period – the first six months after ETIAS commences – any traveller will be able to enter without an ETIAS travel authorization, subject to satisfying all other entry requirements.
  • During the grace period – the six months after the ‘transitional period – all first-time arrivals to Europe since the end of the ‘transitional period’ will be allowed to enter without an ETIAS travel authorization, subject to satisfying all other entry requirements. All other travellers will need to have an ETIAS travel authorization to enter.

ED,

Appreciate the reply, though at 71 years of age I don't think 15 years is going to do me a lot of good

It won't be "forever".

ETIAS will only require disclosure of convictions in the last 15 years. That's 15 years from the date of conviction that you'll have to declare convictions for ETIAS, and even declaring wouldn't be an automatic refusal. I get why you wouldn't want to disclose though, but nevertheless, disclosure will not be "indefinite".

I wouldn't worry about Green Notices - generally these tend to be used for more "high-risk" areas like Asian countries notorious for CSE, or where there is specific intelligence to suggest a risk.

I am on licence until the New Year, on SOR with SHPO indefinitely...  No travel restrictions thankfully but after being grounded for 5+ years, I am gagging to get back on a plane for some hot sun and cold beer.

Reading various news reports, it seems that the EES may now go live in October but not apply to UK citizens until 6 months after that (April 26 or thereabouts).  In addition, the ETIAS is now pencilled in for October 26 (hope I've got that straight - I think so!).

Putting aside the risk of a Green Notice being issued on me (I would be amazed if this were the case), I now have to plan what may be my last ever trip to the EU.

Thinking in terms of friction: the lower the friction, the easier I will slide across the border

From Jan 26 (end of licence) to 31/03 - frictionless (no change from today)
From Apr 26 to Sep 26 - some potential friction due to EES registration but should be manageable
From Oct 26 onwards - full stop, I may never be allowed into the EU again... 

So I really have to make use of next year to see/revisit my favourite bits of Europe.  Hopefully, after that, other fave destinations like Turkey will continue in their lax ways.

It's all a bit sad really, I can only take comfort from the likelihood of further delays to the EES and ETIAS implementations.

CB
You locked up my person, but my personhood was always free