Last Updated: March 2026
As of March 2026, UK citizens will need ETIAS (€20 / ~£17) to visit most of Europe starting in late 2026 — but British travellers still travel visa-free. ETIAS is a quick online authorisation, not a visa. Here’s exactly what Brexit means for your European travel.
⚡ ETIAS for UK Citizens: Quick Facts
| Do UK citizens need ETIAS for Europe? | Yes — starting late 2026, required before travel to any of the 30 ETIAS countries |
| When does ETIAS launch for UK citizens? | Q4 2026 (October–December) — exact date not yet announced |
| How much does ETIAS cost for UK citizens? | €20 (~£17) per application — free for under-18s and over-70s |
| How long is ETIAS valid for British travellers? | 3 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first |
| How long does ETIAS take to process? | Most approved in minutes; up to 30 days in rare cases |
| Which countries does ETIAS cover? | 30 European countries — one authorisation covers all |
| Do British citizens still travel to Europe visa-free? | Yes — ETIAS is not a visa. British citizens remain visa-free; ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation only. |
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Europe in 2026?
No — and that isn’t changing. British citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Europe, and ETIAS does not change that.
What IS changing is that starting in late 2026, you’ll need to complete a quick online authorisation before your trip. If you’ve applied for a UK ETA (which foreign visitors now need to enter Britain), ETIAS follows the same idea — short online form, small fee, near-instant approval, linked to your passport for three years.
The irony isn’t lost on anyone: Europe is now doing to British travellers exactly what the UK does to European visitors. Before Brexit, you could walk through EU border control with just a flash of your burgundy passport. Now, as a third-country national, you’ll need to get pre-approved — just like Americans, Canadians, and Australians.
Why Do British Travellers Need ETIAS? (The Brexit Factor)
When the UK left the European Union, British citizens lost their right to free movement across Europe. Since 1 January 2021, the UK has been classified as a “third country” — placing British passport holders in the same category as citizens from the US, Canada, Australia, and dozens of other visa-exempt nations.
For the past few years, the only practical change has been the 90/180-day limit on stays in the Schengen Area. But two new systems are tightening things further:
- EES (Entry/Exit System) — launched on 12 October 2025, this replaces passport stamps with biometric scans (fingerprints and facial recognition) to digitally track when you enter and leave the Schengen Area. It’s already in effect.
- ETIAS — launching in late 2026, approximately one year after EES. This adds a pre-travel screening step before you board your flight, train, or ferry.
Together, EES and ETIAS create a fully digital border management system for non-EU nationals. The days of simply flashing your passport and walking through are officially over.
What Exactly Is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a pre-travel screening system that the European Union is introducing for citizens of countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to Europe — and since Brexit, that includes the United Kingdom.
The system cross-checks your passport details and basic personal information against security databases before you travel. It’s designed to enhance border security while keeping travel straightforward for low-risk visitors. The EU has been developing it since 2016, and it’s now expected to go live in the final quarter of 2026.
ETIAS is NOT a visa. The differences matter:
| ETIAS | Schengen Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Who needs it | Visa-exempt nationals (UK, US, Canada, etc.) | Citizens of countries that require a visa |
| Application | Online only, ~10 minutes | Embassy/consulate appointment, weeks of processing |
| Cost | €20 | €80+ |
| Documents needed | Passport + basic info | Bank statements, hotel bookings, invitation letters, insurance proof |
| Interview | None | Sometimes required |
| Processing time | Minutes to hours (up to 30 days in rare cases) | 15–45 days |
| Valid for | 3 years | Usually 90 days to 1 year |
For a deeper comparison, see our full guide on Schengen Visa vs. ETIAS.
ETIAS vs. UK ETA: How Do They Compare?
| ETIAS (Europe) | UK ETA (United Kingdom) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | €20 (~£17) | £20 (from 25 Feb 2026) |
| Validity | 3 years | 2 years |
| Countries covered | 30 European countries | United Kingdom only |
| Max stay per visit | 90 days in 180-day period | 6 months |
| Age exemptions (fee) | Free for under-18s and over-70s | No age exemptions |
| Launch status | Q4 2026 — not yet live | Already live (mandatory from 25 Feb 2026) |
| How to apply | Official EU portal (not yet live) | UK ETA app or GOV.UK |
How to Apply for ETIAS as a UK Citizen
What You’ll Need
- Your British passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Europe, issued within the last 10 years)
- An email address
- A credit or debit card for the €20 fee
- About 10 minutes
Step-by-Step Process
Which Countries Require ETIAS?
ETIAS covers 30 European countries — the 29 Schengen Area member states plus Cyprus. One ETIAS authorisation covers all of them.
Countries That Do NOT Require ETIAS
| Country | ETIAS Required? | What UK Citizens Need |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | No | Passport or national ID — Common Travel Area (no restrictions) |
| 🇦🇱 Albania | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 1 year) |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇲🇪 Montenegro | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇲🇰 North Macedonia | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days) |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | No | Passport only (visa-free up to 90 days in 180) |
The 90/180-Day Rule Still Applies
ETIAS does not change the Schengen 90/180-day rule. British citizens can stay a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day rolling period across the entire Schengen Area. Our free Schengen Calculator helps you track your days. For the full explanation see our guide to the Schengen 90/180-Day Rule.
Dual Citizens: Do You Need ETIAS?
- British + EU/Schengen passport: No ETIAS needed. Enter on your EU passport — no 90-day limit, no EES checks.
- British + non-EU passport: ETIAS required. Apply using whichever passport you’ll use to enter Europe.
- Children with dual nationality: Use the EU passport if they have one. British passport only = their own ETIAS (free for under-18s).
What Happens at the Border
How Much Does ETIAS Cost in British Pounds?
- Adults (18–70): €20 (~£17)
- Under 18: Free (application still required)
- Over 70: Free (application still required)
For a full breakdown, see our guide to ETIAS Cost & Fees Explained.
Plan Your Europe Trip
Check entry requirements, visa needs, currency, and more for every European country.
Use Europe Travel Planner →📱 Stay Connected in Europe
Skip expensive roaming charges. An eSIM gives you a local European data plan before you board — no SIM swapping, no hunting for a phone shop on arrival.
See our guide to the Best eSIMs for Europe in 2026 for a full comparison of plans and providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does ETIAS start for UK citizens?
As of March 2026, ETIAS is confirmed to launch in Q4 2026 (October–December). The exact date will be announced by the European Commission several months in advance. You cannot apply until the system goes live.
Can I still travel to Europe without ETIAS in 2026?
Yes — until ETIAS launches. Even after launch, there will be a transitional period of at least six months where ETIAS is available but not mandatory.
How much does ETIAS cost for UK citizens?
The fee is €20, approximately £17. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the fee but still need to complete the application.
Is ETIAS the same as a Schengen visa?
No. ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt countries like the UK. As a British citizen, you need ETIAS, not a Schengen visa, for short stays.
Do I need ETIAS if I’m just connecting through a European airport?
It depends. If your connection requires you to pass through border control in a Schengen country, yes. If you stay in the international transit zone, no.
I have a British passport and an Irish passport. Do I need ETIAS?
No. Enter Europe using your Irish (EU) passport. You cannot apply for ETIAS if you hold an EU passport.
I’m a British citizen living in Spain. Do I need ETIAS?
If you were legally resident in Spain before 31 December 2020 and hold a Withdrawal Agreement document, you are exempt from ETIAS.
Do children need ETIAS?
Yes, every traveller needs their own ETIAS. Parents can apply on behalf of minors. Children under 18 are exempt from the €20 fee.
Can I work or study in Europe with ETIAS?
No. ETIAS covers short-term visits only — up to 90 days. To work or study, you need a national visa or residence permit.
What if my ETIAS is denied?
You’ll be told the reason and can appeal or apply for a standard Schengen visa. See: Can You Be Denied ETIAS?
Does ETIAS replace my EHIC or GHIC card?
No. ETIAS is a travel authorisation only. Your GHIC or valid EHIC still covers emergency medical treatment in the EU.
📚 Related Articles
- ETIAS 2026: Complete Guide — The full breakdown of Europe’s new travel authorisation
- ETIAS for US Citizens — Travelling with American friends or family?
- ETIAS for Canadians
- The Schengen 90/180-Day Rule Explained
- Free Schengen Calculator
- UK Travel to Europe After Brexit
- ETIAS Cost & Fees Explained
- Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES)
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our privacy policy for details.