The new ETIAS guide explained...
Written by
Emma Harrison
•
5 min read
Do I need a visa to enter the EU?
The new rules for UK travellers explained….
Since the UK left the EU in January 2021, the rules on British holidaymakers travelling within Europe have changed. Currently at the time of writing, if you’re travelling from the UK, you will not need a special visa to enter any country within the European Union or the Schengen area, but the EU has set a date that the EES (the Entry/Exit System) will apply to some travellers from the UK to the EU from 12th October.
This means that some British passport holders traveling to Europe for the October half-term holidays will be required to submit fingerprints and facial biometrics. Although children under 12 will not have to provide fingerprints.
UK travellers currently are able to spend a maximum of 90 in every 180 days within the European Union without holding a visa. However if you want to stay longer than 90 days; you will be required to apply for a separate visa for the country you intend to be in.
Moving forwards, this is set to change and this can be outlined as follows:
Yes, based on the information that we have right now, the new visa ETIAS system is scheduled to be enforced for British travellers from 12th October. So, if you are travel planning for summer holiday, it’s worthwhile considering the following information.
What is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an entry requirement set to be enforced as of October 12th 2025. It is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to one of 30 European countries, including France, Spain, Greece and Italy. However, from 10 April 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossings of the European countries using the system, so it is worth getting ahead of the curve to ensure that all your travel planning is absolutely seamless.
Once granted, the authorisation is linked to passports and grants access to involved European territories for up to three years – or until the connected passport expires, whichever happens first. Travellers in possession of authorisation may enter these European countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
It's also worth noting that on the European Union's website that authorisation doesn't guarantee entry. Border force guards are tasked with checking passports and any other documents to ensure travellers meet the entry conditions.
When does ETIAS come into force and will I need a visa?
It’s been confirmed that the ETIAS system will come into play to some UK travellers from October 12th. But, it’s expected that this will be fully functional by 10th April 2026.
The European Union says: “Starting in the first half of 2026, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.”
They had said historically that: “The launch of ETIAS in mid-2025 will be followed by a transitional period of at least six months. This means that, for travel during this time, travellers should already apply for their ETIAS travel authorisation, but those without one will not be refused entry as long as they fulfil all remaining entry conditions.”
So it will not be mandatory for prospective UK visitors to apply online for permission to enter the Schengen Area until October 12th this year, but it’s worth planning ahead, especially if you are planning a trip in autumn.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS
Each ETIAs will cost €20, however if you have a child under the age of 18 or over 70, you will be exempt from paying the ETIAS.
Travellers will be required to submit personal information including name, address, contact details in Europe and passport data. They must also state an occupation (with job title and employer).
The applicant must also disclose any serious convictions in the past 20 years.
Travellers must also provide the reason for their journey (holiday, business, visiting family, etc), specify the Schengen Area country they will first arrive in, and provide the address of their first night’s stay – which will pose a problem for tourists who like to make plans as they go along. If this sounds like you, then make sure you use the Pogo app to plan your holiday as you go.
Will I need to apply for an Etias every time I travel to Europe?
No. The ETIAS visa permit will be valid for three years, or until your passport reaches three months before expiry, whichever comes first.
Will my Etias be checked before departure to the EU?
Yes - British travellers to Europe will have their Etias status checked by the airline to ensure passengers are complying with the immigration rules of the destination.
