What is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an upcoming electronic authorisation that UK (and other visa-exempt) travellers will need for short stays in the Schengen Area.
Updated official timeline:
- Entry/Exit System (EES): Phased rollout begins on 12 October 2025, completing by 10 April 2026. This will replace manual passport stamping at EU borders.
- ETIAS launch: Expected in the last quarter of 2026, after the EES is fully in place.
- Application fee: €20 for travellers aged 18–70. It will be free for under-18s, over-70s, and certain EU family members.
- Validity: ETIAS will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Who needs ETIAS?
UK passport holders traveling to the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in 180) will need ETIAS once it is operational. It does not replace visas for travel beyond the allowed stay.
How to apply
- Apply online via the official ETIAS website/app once it launches.
- Provide your passport and personal details, and answer short security/health questions.
- Pay the €20 fee if applicable.
- Most applications will be approved instantly, though some may take up to 30 days.
Travel tips
- Use the same passport for ETIAS as you will for your trip. A new passport means a new ETIAS.
- Apply well before travelling once the system is live.
- Remember that passport validity rules still apply (such as the EU 10-year issue limit and 3-month rule).
For more details, visit the official ETIAS site: travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias