Do UK citizens need to apply for ETIAS?

Yes, UK citizens will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) to visit most European countries for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). The system is expected to be introduced in late 2026. It applies to the Schengen area, plus countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus.

Will UK citizens need ETIAS?

Yes, UK citizens will need an ETIAS authorization to travel to most European countries for short stays (up to 90 days) once the system launches, currently expected in late 2026, as it's a mandatory pre-entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals, similar to the US ESTA. This applies to the Schengen Area and other countries like Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, but not Ireland due to the Common Travel Area.
 

What date in 2025 does ETIAS start?

EES started on 12 October 2025. It will be introduced in phases, building towards being fully operational by 10 April 2026. You won't need an ETIAS for travel this year. The EU is looking to introduce ETIAS towards the end of 2026.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS if I have a passport?

U.S. Passport holders will need a Visa to travel in Europe in 2025. Starting in 2025, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe will need to apply for authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before their visit.

What happens if I don't have ETIAS?

Travelers from visa-exempt countries who do not hold an approved ETIAS will be refused entry when crossing EU external border controls. Border guards will check your status in the ETIAS system, alongside the Entry/Exit System (EES), to verify that you meet all entry conditions.

British Passport Holders: New EES & ETIAS Visa Requirements Explained for 2025 🌍✈️

Will UK citizens need a visa for Europe in 2025?

Once approved, the ETIAS visa waiver is linked to the electronic chip inside the traveler's passport. The EU visa waiver will be verified when the passport is scanned at the exterior border. ETIAS will be a mandatory entry requirement for UK nationals once it becomes available in mid-2025.

Do I need etias to travel to Amsterdam in 2025?

When will ETIAS start? ETIAS is scheduled to begin operating in the last quarter of 2026. Travelers planning to visit the Netherlands or other participating countries after this period will need an approved authorization before departure.

How early should I apply for ETIAS?

Most applicants will receive their ETIAS travel authorisation within minutes, but in some cases the process may take up to 30 days. This is why you should apply well in advance of your travel to avoid complications.

Do UK citizens need a visa for the EU now?

No, UK citizens don't need a visa for short tourist trips (up to 90 days in 180) to most of Europe now, but starting in late 2026, they will need to register and pay for an ETIAS visa waiver (around €7) before traveling to Schengen countries and others like Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania. This ETIAS isn't a visa but a pre-travel security check, similar to the US ESTA, and is required for visa-exempt nationals for stays up to 90 days. 

Do I need an ETIAS to travel to Greece in 2025?

Get Ready for Your Trip to Greece with ETIAS

Starting in late 2026, ETIAS will be mandatory for visa-exempt travelers heading to Greece. The good news is that the process is quick, straightforward, and can be completed online in just a few minutes.

Do British citizens need ETIAS for Poland?

If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you will need to obtain a valid ETIAS before entering Poland or any of the other 30 European member states where ETIAS applies. This includes popular travel origins such as: United States. United Kingdom.

How much is an ETIAS visa for UK citizens?

You can fill in the application form using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 20, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee.

Do I need ETIAS to visit France from the UK?

Yes. UK nationals, including British overseas citizens (BOC), British protected persons (BPP), British subjects (BS), are required to have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation to travel to any of the 30 European countries requiring ETIAS for a short stay unless they are beneficiaries of the withdrawal agreement.

When in 2025 will ETIAS start?

When will ETIAS go into effect? ETIAS is scheduled to be introduced in the last quarter of 2026. The exact date will be announced at least six (6) months before the system enters into operation. The Entry/Exit System (explained further) will begin on October 12, 2025.

Can I apply for ETIAS now?

No, you cannot apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) yet, as it is not operational; it's scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026, with applications opening a few months prior via an official website or app, requiring a €20 fee for most travelers. 

How to apply for ETIAS in the UK?

For UK citizens, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) application will become mandatory in late 2026 for short stays (up to 90 days) in most European countries, involving a simple online form on the official EU website for a €20 fee, requiring a valid passport, email, and payment card, with most approvals coming quickly but sometimes taking longer. You'll provide personal, passport, and security details, and it's best to apply well in advance of your trip.
 

Can Brits still retire to Spain after Brexit?

Yes, you can still retire in Spain after Brexit, but you'll need to apply for a visa and meet financial requirements. As a British retiree, you're now considered a non-EU national, meaning you must secure a residency permit and follow specific legal obligations for long-term stays in Spain.

How to beat the 90 day rule?

Part 2: Staying in the Schengen Area Past 90 Days

1. Take advantage of the Bilateral Agreement. ...
2. Get a Working Holiday Visa. ...
3. Get a Long-Term Visa. ...
4. Get a Student Visa. ...
5. Get a Freelancer/Digital Nomad/Remote Worker Visa. ...
6. Get Married.

How can an UK citizen stay longer than 90 days in Europe?

​​You may need a visa or permit if you want to either:

1. work.
2. stay for more than 90 days.

What documents do UK citizens need to enter Spain?

To travel to Spain from the UK, you need a valid UK passport (less than 10 years old, valid 3+ months after departure) as British citizens don't need a visa for short stays (90 days in 180). You might also need to show a return ticket, proof of funds, and travel insurance, and your passport should be stamped on entry. 

Do I need to declare cash upon arrival in Spain?

Any means of payment equal to or exceeding €10,000 per person or its equivalent in foreign currency must be declared at customs. You will have to make a declaration of movements of means of payment to be presented to the customs services.

Is Spain exempt britons under 18 and over 70 from the new € 20 ETIAS travel fee?

At a glance: From late 2026, UK travellers will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) travel authorisation before visiting Spain and 29 other European countries. Applications will cost €20 for adults aged 18–69, while travellers aged over 70 and under 18 are exempt from the fee.