If you are a British citizen planning to travel to Europe, there is a new requirement coming that affects every single trip you make to the continent. From late 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before you can enter most European countries. This guide explains exactly what it is, when it starts, what it costs, and what you need to do.
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 is that from Q4 2026, 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?
ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026 — meaning October, November or December 2026. This is confirmed across multiple EU sources including the European External Action Service and the Migration and Home Affairs directorate.
Timeline Breakdown
- Q4 2026: ETIAS launches (October-December)
- April 2027: Becomes mandatory (after 6-month transitional period)
- October 2027: Full strict enforcement (after 6-month grace period)
In plain terms: you can still travel to Europe this summer and autumn without ETIAS. But if you are planning trips in 2027 and beyond, you need to be aware of it.
You Cannot Apply Yet
The ETIAS system is not yet live. Applications will open when ETIAS officially launches in Q4 2026. 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 European countries — all 27 EU Schengen Area nations plus Cyprus.
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.
If you are driving through Europe and entering any Schengen country, you will need ETIAS from Q4 2026 onwards. This is in addition to any other requirements such as the French Crit'Air sticker for driving in French low emission zones.
If you are planning a driving trip to France or Spain in 2027, your pre-travel checklist 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 this summer?
No. ETIAS does not launch until Q4 2026 at the earliest, and there is a transitional period before it becomes strictly mandatory. Summer 2026 travel 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 has not yet announced a specific launch date within Q4 2026.
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 late 2026 or 2027.
Planning European Travel in 2027?
If you're driving to France or Spain, don't forget your Crit'Air sticker. We help with the French side while you sort out your ETIAS.
Order Your Crit'Air Sticker →Last Updated: June 2026