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8 | Gazette Life | February 2026ISLAND INFOBritish and other third-country visitors to Spain and other Schengen areas will not have to apply for an ETIAS visawaiver document until April 2027 at the earliest. The ETIAS scheme was scheduled for introduction this year, but difficulties with the EES biometric registration system mean that it has been pushed back until the EES system is functioning correctly. The current date given by the EU is November 2026. However, a transition period of six months will apply, meaning that the document will not be compulsory until April 2027. After that, the EU will also operate a further 6-month grace period for first-time visitors from the UK, permitting entry without an ETIAS as long as all other requirements are met. The ETIAS will cost %u20ac20 and will be valid for unlimited journeys for three years. We%u2019re planning a fuller article on the rollout of the EES machines in our March issue, and would welcome any comments from readers. Contact us at editorial@gazettelife.com. VIPO LAUNCHED The new mobility service, VIPO, has announced that it is operating in the municipalities of Arrecife, San Bartolom%u00e9, and T%u00edas, and in the towns of Costa Teguise, Tahiche, Uga, and Playa Blanca since 15th January. In the beginning, just 15 vehicles will be in service. Running from 6 am to 10 pm, the service can be contacted via WhatsApp on 682416971.TIAS SLIPROAD CLOSEDT%u00edas Ayuntamiento has announced the closure of one of the main sliproads linking the town to the main LZ-2 road from Monday, 12th January.The road between the roundabout near Ferreter%u00eda T%u00edas and the main LZ-2 road will be closed in both directions, as will the slip-road that allows traffic from the south to access it from the LZ-2.Traffic wishing to access T%u00edas or exit the town to Arrecife will have to detour via Calle Libertad, further up the hill just above Los Villareales (or the %u201cSmurf Houses%u201d).The closure will allow work to be carried out on the road, and works may last for up to three months.ETIAS SCHEME DELAYEDMI%u00d3PTICA TURNS ELEVEN!The team at Mi%u00f3ptica in Playa Blanca is marking a significant milestone this month, celebrating eleven successful years in business.Located on Calle Correillo, the opticians has become a firm favourite for both residents and visitors to the island. Praises are regularly sung for the knowledgeable team, led by Daniel and Anita, who are commended for their exceptional customer care and attention to detail.Patrons consistently highlight the combination of their professional service and the superb selection of products, which includes a wide range of prescription frames and designer sunglasses.Everyone here wishes the entire team at Mi%u00f3ptica a very happy anniversary and looks forward to their continued success.Taxi associations, fearing that the move signals the introductions of Uber-style services on the island, have expressed concern at the development, and have demanded that the Cabildo clarifies the legal position of the VIPO service. Cabildo transport minister Miguel %u00c1ngel Jim%u00e9nez has claimed that VIPO has all the necessary permits, and is %u201cnot Uber%u201d or a similar VTC service, whose entry remains prohibited under Canarian law.