ETIAS: What we know so far, application, who it's for and more

Travelling to Europe next year? UK citizens will soon need to apply for ETIAS travel authorisation before visiting most European countries. This guide explains what ETIAS is, when it starts and how to apply.

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Key takeaways

• ETIAS is a new travel authorisation system launching in late 2026
• UK citizens will need to apply online for ETIAS before travelling to the EU/Schengen Area for short trips
• ETIAS isn’t a visa, it’s a pre-travel check
• Your ETIAS travel authorisation will be digitally attached to your passport

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. From late 2026, UK citizens must have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation to visit most European countries. ¹

You’ll still be allowed to stay in the Schengen Area — which includes 29 European countries — for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The difference is that you’ll need to complete an ETIAS application online in advance. Make sure to apply on the official ETIAS website and be wary of fakes.

The ETIAS will work alongside the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) to improve security, speed up border checks, and give clearer information about how long you can stay in Europe.

📚 ETIAS and EES: Key differences

Is ETIAS a visa?

No, the ETIAS isn’t a visa. A visa requires a formal application and is usually for long stays or working. The ETIAS checks if you're allowed a visa-free short stay in Europe.² It’s a bit like the US ESTA or the UK ETA.

You don’t need to use ETIAS if you have an EU long-stay visa or residence permit.³

Does an ETIAS let me work in Europe?

No, the ETIAS doesn’t let you work abroad — although it does allow some business trips from the UK to Europe.²

The ETIAS is generally for things like family holidays in the EU, backpacking with friends, taking short courses or attending a conference. If you want to work in Europe or stay longer than 90 days, you’ll usually need a Schengen visa.

Is ETIAS a physical document?

No, an ETIAS travel authorisation is a digital record that’s electronically linked to your passport — so there’s nothing to print off or wait for in the post.¹

Does ETIAS guarantee entry?

No, border officials can still turn you away if you don’t meet the entry conditions. This includes having a valid passport, which must be the same one you used for your ETIAS application.²

When does ETIAS start for UK citizens?

ETIAS is expected to launch in late 2026. When this happens, UK citizens are expected to start using it straight away for their European trips. However, there is a bit of leeway:

• Transition phase - for the first 6 months, border officials won’t turn you away if you don’t have an ETIAS, as long as you meet all other entry rules.
• Grace period - after the transition phase, you’ll only be given a pass if it’s your first trip to Europe since the transition period ended. Otherwise you must have an ETIAS. The grace period will last at least 6 months. ⁴

Always check the UK government’s travel advice and the official ETIAS site for updates before you go.

ETIAS application: Step-by-step guide for UK travellers

The ETIAS application system isn’t live yet, but here’s what the process is expected to look like.

What you’ll need for your ETIAS application

You’ll need:

• A valid UK passport with at least 3 months before it expires
• A payment card to cover the fee, unless you’re exempt

You’ll also need to provide personal information like your:

• Full name
• Date and place of birth
• Nationality
• Home address
• Parents’ first names
• Email address and phone number
• Travel document details (like your passport number)
• Education and job details
• Travel plan details
• History of any criminal convictions, travels to war or conflict zones, and orders to leave a country⁵

ETIAS approval time

Most ETIAS applications should be approved within minutes, but in some cases the process may take up to 30 days.⁶

You should get an email within 96 hours telling you if your travel authorisation has been granted or refused — or if you need to provide extra information within the next 10 days.⁶

ETIAS UK: Cost, validity and countries

How much does an ETIAS cost?

Most people will need to pay €20 to make an ETIAS application. ⁷

ETIAS applications will be free for:

• Travellers under 18 or over 70
• Family members of EU citizens, or non-EU citizens who have free-movement rights in the EU

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How long is an ETIAS valid for?

An ETIAS will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.⁸

Which countries require an ETIAS from UK visitors?

You’ll need an ETIAS travel authorisation for short stays in any of these 30 countries:⁹

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland¹⁰

Note that while you need an ETIAS authorisation to travel to Cyprus, the time you spend in Cyprus won’t count towards your 90-day limit in the Schengen Zone.²

You won’t need ETIAS to visit the Republic of Ireland, which has its own entry rules. ¹⁰

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FAQs about ETIAS

What happens if my ETIAS application is denied?

You’ll be told why and will have the right to appeal. The appeal process will depend on the country that processed your application. Learn more about ETIAS appeals on the official site.¹¹

Do I need a new ETIAS for every trip?

No. As long as your ETIAS and passport are still valid, you can use the same authorisation for multiple trips.¹²

Do I need to submit my ETIAS application for a day trip to France?

Yes, ETIAS will apply for all short visits to countries using ETIAS. That includes a quick hop over the Channel for lunch and a wine tour!

When should I complete my ETIAS UK application?

Once ETIAS comes into effect, you should apply as soon as you’ve made your travel plans. Most approvals are quick — but try to make your application early in case it requires further checks.

Sources used in this article:

1. Europa.eu - about ETIAS
2. Europa.eu - what ETIAS is for and entry conditions
3. EUR-Lex - ETIAS exemptions
4. Europa.eu - current ETIAS timeline
5. Europa.eu - what you need to apply
6. Europa.eu - how long the process takes
7. Europa.eu - application fee
8. Europa.eu - how long ETIAS is valid
9. Europa.eu - European countries that require ETIAS
10. ETIAS.com - Ireland entry rules
11. Europa.eu - right to appeal
12. Europa.eu - using same ETIAS for multiple trips

Sources last checked on: 31-Aug-2025

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