Delay in Galileo Secure Service Could Impact European Travelers: Here is Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 9, 2025

For travelers heading to Europe in the coming years, the European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation system, specifically its secure public-regulated service (PRS), is a critical development. Originally expected to be available before the end of 2023, the launch of the Galileo Secure Service has now been delayed. According to the latest updates, it is expected to be operational by 2026, missing an earlier deadline.

What is the Galileo Secure Service (PRS)?

The Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS) is a secure satellite navigation service designed to provide enhanced accuracy and reliability for both civilian and government use. Initially, the system aimed to ensure that travelers across Europe would benefit from more accurate GPS signals, especially in challenging environments like urban areas, airports, and remote regions.

For tourists and international travelers in Europe, this service holds promise for improving the security of GPS signals. It is particularly crucial for those relying on satellite navigation for both personal and professional purposes, including those traveling for work, exploration, or leisure. The system is part of Europe’s broader effort to reduce dependency on foreign navigation systems, like GPS, and offer better precision for its citizens and visitors.

The Setback: What Went Wrong?

While the infrastructure for Galileo’s secure service is mostly in place—including the space segment and ground-based systems—some administrative paperwork has delayed its official launch. European Space Agency officials have emphasized that the system is technically ready. However, certain regulatory and procedural hurdles have held back its activation, meaning that travelers may need to wait longer to see the full benefits.

This delay highlights a broader trend in space and satellite projects: while technology may be ready, regulations and international agreements can often slow down the rollout of services. For now, European travelers will have to make do with the standard version of the Galileo system, which still offers enhanced GPS accuracy compared to older systems.

What Does This Delay Mean for Travelers?

For those who rely on satellite navigation for daily travel or during their European vacations, the delay of the Galileo PRS is a small but notable inconvenience. Here’s what this delay means for global travelers:

1. GPS Reliability and Accuracy: The standard Galileo service is still available and provides good coverage across Europe. However, the secure service would have offered even more accuracy, especially in dense urban environments or areas with weak satellite signals. Until 2026, travelers will continue using the existing Galileo service, which, while still reliable, may not provide the highest level of precision possible.
2. Impacts on Travel Security: The primary benefit of the Galileo PRS is enhanced security, ensuring that signals are protected from jamming or spoofing. In the absence of the secure service, travelers may find that GPS security in certain areas is not as robust as it could be. This is particularly important for business travelers, emergency services, and government officials.
3. No Major Disruption to Daily Travel: For most tourists, the delay won’t cause immediate disruption. Standard GPS services will continue to guide travelers on their routes across the continent, including key attractions, historic sites, and local destinations. That said, the absence of the secure service may cause issues in certain sensitive or high-risk areas.
4. Alternative Navigation Solutions: Until Galileo PRS is up and running, travelers can rely on existing systems like GPS or commercial alternatives. While Galileo offers improved accuracy in Europe, other services like GPS and Russia’s GLONASS will remain functional in the interim.

Looking Ahead: A Secure Future for Travelers

While the delay in the Galileo Secure Service is disappointing for some, European authorities remain committed to providing travelers with the best possible satellite navigation system. Once the secure service is fully operational, it will not only enhance GPS accuracy but also provide an added layer of security for those navigating unfamiliar European regions.

Travelers can look forward to a more reliable and secure navigation experience once the PRS service is active. This delay is merely a temporary setback in the EU’s larger vision to ensure that travelers have access to the most advanced, reliable, and secure navigation systems.

Conclusion: Travel Smart with Galileo’s Standard Service

Though the launch of Galileo’s Public Regulated Service may be delayed, Europe’s satellite navigation system still offers many benefits for travelers today. The standard service is already available and continues to offer precise GPS navigation across the continent. By 2026, when the secure service comes online, travelers will enjoy a more robust and secure navigation experience.

Until then, travelers can rest assured that Europe remains a fantastic destination for exploration, and with the help of Galileo’s standard system, their travels will remain on track.