If you are a British citizen planning to travel to Europe, there is a new requirement on the way that will affect every trip you make to the continent — an ETIAS travel authorisation before you can enter most European countries. The launch date has slipped, though: the EU quietly dropped its Q4 2026 target in July 2026, and 2027 is now the more likely start. This guide explains exactly what ETIAS is, where the timeline currently stands, what it will cost, and what you need to do when it goes live.
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a pre-travel screening system introduced by the EU for citizens of countries that do not require a visa to enter Europe — including the United Kingdom.
Important: It is not a visa.
British citizens remain visa-free for short stays in Europe. What is changing — once ETIAS finally launches — is that you will need to complete a quick online authorisation before your trip, similar to the UK ETA that the UK now requires from American, Canadian and other foreign visitors.
The irony is not lost on anyone: Europe is now doing to British travellers exactly what the UK does to European visitors post-Brexit.
When Does ETIAS Start? (Updated: Delayed)
Timeline update — the Q4 2026 date has been dropped.
The EU's own ETIAS page carried a "last quarter of 2026" target for months, but that date was quietly removed in mid-July 2026. The Financial Times reported that eu-LISA — the EU agency actually building the system — had concluded internally that a 2026 launch was no longer feasible. No replacement date has been announced.
A revised timeline is expected after eu-LISA's board meets in September 2026. Based on current reporting, 2027 is the most likely launch window — but nothing is confirmed, and this system has already slipped several times since it was first proposed.
What We Actually Know
- Launch: No confirmed date — 2027 is the working assumption, pending the September 2026 review
- Transitional period: A 6-month grace period after launch is still expected before enforcement tightens, based on the EU's prior guidance
- Fee: €20, confirmed and unaffected by the timing delay
In plain terms: you do not need ETIAS for any travel currently being planned, including into 2027. We'll update this page the moment a firm date is announced.
You Cannot Apply Yet
The ETIAS system is not yet live, and with the Q4 2026 target dropped, there is no confirmed date for when applications will open. Until then, UK citizens travel to Europe exactly as they have since Brexit — with just a passport.
Any website claiming to process ETIAS applications today is a scam. Be aware that fraudulent sites are already appearing. Do not use them.
How Much Does ETIAS Cost?
€20 (approximately £17)
The fee was updated from the previously stated €7 to reflect operational costs, system functionalities and inflation.
Fee Exemptions:
- Travellers under 18 are exempt from the fee
- Travellers over 70 are exempt from the fee
- All exempt travellers still need to complete the application
The authorisation is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first — making it cost-effective for regular European travellers.
Which Countries Require ETIAS?
ETIAS covers 30 countries — all Schengen Area member states, including 4 non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland). EU member states outside Schengen (Ireland, Cyprus) do not require ETIAS.
Popular British Holiday Destinations Requiring ETIAS
Major Exception: Ireland
Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. Travel between the UK and Ireland is unaffected by ETIAS under the Common Travel Area arrangements.
What Do You Need to Apply?
When filling in the application form, you will need your travel document and a payment card. You will also be asked to provide personal information, details of any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject to a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country.
Specific UK Passport Requirements
- ✓ Valid biometric UK passport
- ✓ Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area
- ✓ No more than 10 years old
- ✓ Valid email address for receiving ETIAS confirmation
How Long Does Approval Take?
Most Applications:
Processed within minutes
Some Applicants:
May require further checks, which could delay authorisation for up to 30 days
Recommendation:
Apply at least one week in advance — or earlier if travelling during a busy holiday period.
Does ETIAS Affect Driving to France or Spain?
Yes.
Once ETIAS does launch — likely 2027, though not yet confirmed — if you are driving through Europe and entering any Schengen country you will need it. This will be in addition to any other requirements such as the French Crit'Air sticker for driving in French low emission zones.
Once ETIAS is live, your pre-travel checklist for a driving trip to France or Spain will include:
- ETIAS authorisation
- Valid Crit'Air sticker (for French ZFEs)
At Europermits we can help with the Crit'Air side of that — and we will update this page as soon as the ETIAS application portal goes live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ETIAS to travel to Europe soon?
No. The EU's own Q4 2026 target has been dropped and no replacement date has been confirmed — 2027 is the current working assumption. Any travel you're planning now, including into next year, is unaffected.
Is ETIAS the same as a Schengen visa?
No. As a British citizen you do not need a Schengen visa for short stays. ETIAS is a lighter-touch pre-travel authorisation, not a visa.
Can I apply for ETIAS now?
No — the portal is not open yet. Any site claiming to process ETIAS applications right now is fraudulent.
Is ETIAS valid for multiple trips?
Yes. Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for three years and covers unlimited trips to all 30 participating countries.
How is ETIAS different from the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is what foreign visitors need to enter the UK. ETIAS is what British citizens need to enter Europe. They are separate systems run by different governments but work on the same principle.
Stay Updated
The EU dropped its Q4 2026 target in July 2026. A revised timeline is expected after eu-LISA's board meets in September 2026 — 2027 is the current best guess, but nothing is confirmed.
We will update this page as soon as official dates are confirmed.
Bookmark this page or check back regularly if you are planning European travel in 2027 or beyond.
Planning European Travel?
ETIAS isn't live yet and won't affect your next trip. But if you're driving to France, don't forget your Crit'Air sticker — that requirement is already in force. We handle the French side for you.
Order Your Crit'Air Sticker →Last Updated: August 2026 — updated to reflect the dropped Q4 2026 launch target