ETIAS for UK citizens
Will British passport holders need ETIAS for Europe? What about timing, fees, and the difference vs the UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) system?
Quick answer
ETIAS at a glance
- Status
- Not live yet
- Expected launch
- Last quarter of 2026
- Applications open
- Not yet
- Official fee
- Expected €20
- Validity
- 3 years or until passport expiry
- Stay limit
- 90 days in any 180-day period
- Official application route
- Official EU ETIAS website / app when live
- Private help
- ETIAS Pro may offer optional support when applications open
Do UK citizens need ETIAS?
Yes, once ETIAS becomes mandatory, UK citizens travelling for short stays to participating European countries are expected to need an ETIAS authorisation. Because the UK left the EU, British passport holders are now classed as visa-exempt third-country nationals for travel to the Schengen area, which is exactly who ETIAS applies to.
When will UK citizens need ETIAS?
Not yet. ETIAS is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026, with a transition window before it becomes strictly mandatory in 2027. For trips this year, no UK citizen needs to apply or do anything yet.
Is ETIAS a visa for British citizens after Brexit?
No. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. UK citizens will still be able to visit Europe without a visa for short stays. ETIAS is an extra pre-travel check linked to the passport, closer to the UK ETA or US ESTA than to a Schengen visa.
Which countries will UK citizens need ETIAS for?
All 30 ETIAS countries, which covers every Schengen country plus Cyprus. Popular destinations for UK travellers (Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Switzerland) are all in scope. ETIAS will not be required for Ireland: the Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland is unaffected.
How long can UK citizens stay on ETIAS?
ETIAS does not change the existing Schengen short-stay limit: 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS itself is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until your British passport expires.
What should UK travellers do now?
Nothing operational. ETIAS is not open. The most useful steps are: check your passport has enough validity for your travel plans, keep an eye on official EU communications, and (optionally) sign up below so we email you once on the day applications actually open.
Popular UK routes
Guides tailored to the most-booked trips from the UK.
Popular ETIAS destinations for British travellers
Country-specific guides for the most-searched ETIAS destinations.
Get the ETIAS launch alert for British travellers
Get one email when ETIAS applications open. No passport details. No payment before launch.
Common questions
Is ETIAS a visa?
Technically no. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. Many travellers search for “ETIAS visa” or “Europe visa waiver”. The closest comparison is the US ESTA system. You still need a valid passport, and ETIAS does not guarantee entry: border officers always make the final decision.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee, though they will still need an ETIAS. Private services may charge a separate, optional service fee for help with the application.
How long will ETIAS last?
An approved ETIAS is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within ETIAS countries.
Can I apply directly through the EU?
Yes. When the official ETIAS system opens, every traveller will be able to apply directly through the official EU website or app at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Using a private service is always optional.
Is ETIAS Pro official?
No. ETIAS Pro is a private information and assistance service. We are not affiliated with the European Union, Frontex or any government. When ETIAS opens, you will be able to apply directly through the official EU ETIAS website or app.
Related pages
Be ready when ETIAS opens for British travellers
ETIAS is not live yet. Check whether you’re likely to need it and get one email when applications open.