ETIAS Guidance
Understanding ETIAS: Your Travel Questions Answered
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Think of it as a travel waiver, similar to the ESTA for the USA, not a visa. It's designed to enhance security within the Schengen Area and includes four additional European countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania. When it becomes operational, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need ETIAS approval.
Do UK Citizens Need ETIAS Now?
No, not yet. ETIAS is expected to become mandatory in the last quarter of 2026, following the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025. Once it's in place, UK citizens will need ETIAS authorization to visit the Schengen Area and the four additional countries listed above.
When Does ETIAS Start?
ETIAS is scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2026. This follows the EES, which is planned for October 2025. The EES is an automated system that registers travelers from non-EU countries. Both systems have been delayed, but this is the current timeline.
How Do I Apply for ETIAS?
You'll apply online. You'll need a valid passport with at least three months of validity remaining. It's recommended to apply at least 96 hours before your trip. The ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years and covers all participating countries.
How Much Does ETIAS Cost?
ETIAS costs €7. It's free for travelers under 18 and over 70.
How Long Can I Stay in the EU with ETIAS?
ETIAS allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism. For work or study, you'll need a specific visa.
Do I Need a Separate ETIAS for Each Country?
No, one ETIAS covers all participating countries. You'll just need to indicate your first country of entry when you apply.
Is Travel Insurance Required?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended. It covers travel disruptions, lost belongings, and medical emergencies. Consider getting an EHIC or GHIC for discounted healthcare.
Who Needs ETIAS?
Citizens of visa-exempt countries need ETIAS. This includes:
- Albania
- Georgia
- Moldova
- Singapore
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Grenada
- Montenegro
- Solomon Islands
- Argentina
- Guatemala
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Australia
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Taiwan
- Bahamas
- Hong Kong
- North Macedonia
- Timor-Leste
- Barbados
- Israel
- Palau
- Tonga
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Japan
- Panama
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Brazil
- Kiribati
- Paraguay
- Tuvalu
- Brunei
- Kosovo
- Peru
- Ukraine
- Canada
- Macau
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- United Arab Emirates
- Chile
- Malaysia
- Saint Lucia
- United Kingdom
- Colombia
- Marshall Islands
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- United States of America
- Costa Rica
- Mauritius
- Samoa
- Uruguay
- Dominica
- Mexico
- Serbia
- Venezuela
- El Salvador
- Micronesia
- Seychelles
Last Updated: 14 March '25
EU Entry/Exit System (EES) Guidance
The EES system is coming soon, and the guidance below explains how it will affect UK nationals travelling to the Schengen Area.
Get a head start on the EES! Learn about the new system now, before its introduction, as the exact date is still to be determined.
What is the EES?
This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area.
This means British nationals will need to register their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photo, when they arrive. The EES will replace the manual passport stamping process.
Travelling to the Schengen Area?
The new EES system will require travelers to create a digital record upon their first entry to the Schengen Area. This involves providing fingerprints and a photo at dedicated booths at the arrival airport or port. You do not need to submit any information before your trip. Expect potentially longer queues at Schengen Area arrival points. Travelers departing from Dover, Eurotunnel, or St Pancras should also be aware of potential EES-related delays and check with their travel operator. Once created, your digital record is valid for three years, allowing for faster entry and exit with fingerprint/photo scans on future trips.
Why is the EES being introduced?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed to enhance border security and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen Area by automating border checks and preventing overstays. This is one part of the EU's ongoing work to strengthen its borders. In 2025, the EU will also introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). ETIAS will require UK passport holders to obtain pre-travel authorisation for Schengen Area entry by submitting personal and trip information and paying a €7 fee. Details about ETIAS, including the specific requirements for different nationalities, can be found on the EU's official Travel Europe website.
Affects on Travelling to the Schengen Area
The UK government has been working with key stakeholders, including the European Commission and travel industry, to prepare ports for the upcoming EES. To facilitate EES registration, the government is providing £3.5 million each to Eurostar, Eurotunnel, and the Port of Dover for infrastructure improvements, such as registration kiosks. Eurostar will install 50 kiosks at its stations, and Eurotunnel will have over 100, anticipating a minimal impact on journey times (approximately 5 minutes). The Port of Dover will utilize 24 kiosks for coach passengers and a streamlined agent-assisted tablet system for car passengers. For further details on the EES, visit the EU's official Travel Europe website.
This page will be updated as information becomes available.
Stay tuned for the latest information.
Last Updated: 19 February '25
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