A New Travel Authorisation for EU Visitors
ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System – Coming in the final quarter of 2026.
European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. These visitors have been granted visa-free access to the EU and Schengen member countries through virtue of their good track record on security issues and, thus, have not been deemed as a threat to EU security. However, the EU is wanting to strengthen its border security as well as digitally screen and track travellers entering and leaving EU countries.
Once they confirm the date, UK travellers will need approval in order to enter any country in the Schengen Area, and three others.
These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Finland, France, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Slovakia and Switzerland.
How to apply?
Brits can apply for their ETIAS online and expect a response within minutes. You must apply for it at least 96 hours before boarding transport to your destination (whether by land, air or sea).
To apply, you will need a valid passport with at least three months left before expiry. You’ll also need to provide some personal details as well as information about the countries you’re intending to visit.
The ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for three years and covers all countries in the Schengen Area plus Cyprus, Iceland and Romania.
If you hold both a UK and an EU passport, you do not need an ETIAS as long as you use your EU passport for entry and exit.
Applicants with a criminal record will be able to apply.
How much is an ETIAS?
An ETIAS costs €7, unless you are under 18 or over 70 years of age, in which case it’s free. Those travellers will still need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation to travel, however.
In most cases, everyone will apply for their own pass, but there are cases when someone else can apply on your behalf. In cases like this, both parties will need to sign a declaration of representation.
How long can I travel in the EU on ETIAS?
While the ETIAS is valid for three years, the same rules for travelling to the EU remain in place. Brits travelling as tourists can stay in an EU country for no longer than 90 days in every 180.
You will need to apply for a specific type of visa if you want to work or study in the EU.
Will I need to apply for each country?
No, your ETIAS will be valid in all the countries outlined above. You only need to purchase one document for your trip.
However, on application, you will need to confirm which country you’ll be entering first.
Sources: ETIAS/Skyscanner
