What is ETIAS?

Your questions answered

ETIAS is an acronym for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It was created in September 2018 and is designed to improve the security of EU member states within the Schengen region. It captures data on travellers that visit the 30 countries covered by ETIAS, which includes the 26 Schengen Area countries and four additional countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania.

It’s important to know that ETIAS is not a visa, it’s a visa waiver, similar to an ESTA for entering the US.

Do I need an ETIAS to travel to Europe from the UK?

Currently, British citizens do not need a visa to enter EU countries and the ETIAS is not yet operational. The EU has announced that ETIAS is expected to be implemented in the last quarter of 2026, following the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025. However, the exact date has yet to be confirmed.

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.

When does ETIAS start?

The EU has announced that ETIAS will start sometime in the last quarter of 2026.

ETIAS was originally due to start six months after the EU introduces the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in the Schengen Area. Due to delays in rolling out the EES, ETIAS has been delayed.

EES will need to be implemented at all Schengen Area frontiers before ETIAS can take effect. These include land borders from the Norway-Russia crossing in the Arctic to the Greece-Turkey frontier in southeast Europe, as well as every airport with direct flights from the UK and other non-Schengen nations.

The Schengen Area includes all EU nations except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The EU has announced a revised timeline, stating that the EES will become operational in October 2025, with ETIAS following in the last quarter of 2026.

How do you 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.

Do I need travel insurance when travelling to the EU?

Travel insurance when travelling to the EU is not mandatory, however, it is recommended. As well as making sure you’ll be compensated for travel issues, loss of belongings and other frequent holiday issues, you’ll have healthcare cover.

Consider applying for the EHIC or GHIC before you depart. This can help you provide discounted healthcare while in the EU.

Who needs an ETIAS?

Citizens from visa-exempt countries will be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter participating European countries. ​See the table below for the full visa-exempt country list.

This information was correct at time of publication on 13 March 2025. Visit etias.com for the latest developments.

Thinking of travelling to Europe? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.