ETIAS Countries List 2026

From late 2026, UK travellers will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before visiting many European countries, marking a major change in European travel information requirements. 

ETIAS is being introduced to boost security and streamline border checks across Europe. 

This guide sets out exactly which countries require ETIAS, helping you plan ahead before starting your ETIAS application or paying any application fee.

What is ETIAS and Why it Matters for UK Travellers

From late 2026, travellers from the United Kingdom will need to apply for ETIAS before entering many European countries. This new requirement is part of a digital border system designed to improve travel efficiency and strengthen EU security.

Quick Definition of ETIAS

ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is not a visa, but a mandatory pre-authorisation for visitors who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area and other participating states.

Once approved, your ETIAS is digitally linked to your valid passport. It allows multiple short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The authorisation is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You must apply using the official ETIAS website or mobile app.

The application form is digital, with an application fee of €20 for most travellers aged 18 to 70. Children and those over 70 are exempt.

Most applications are processed within minutes, but the application process can take longer if your information needs further review.

ETIAS is mandatory even for short stays related to tourism, business, or transit. If you plan to study or work long term in a European country, you will still need a visa.

Why UK Travellers Need ETIAS

Before Brexit, UK citizens could travel freely across the EU without extra requirements. Now, the United Kingdom is classified as a third country under EU rules.

This means UK nationals must apply for ETIAS to enter the 30 European countries that have signed up to the system. These include most of the Schengen Area, as well as non-Schengen states like Cyprus.

Once you enter the zone, you can move between countries without further checks, but your ETIAS must remain valid. Countries like Switzerland, which are part of the Schengen Area but not the EU, also require ETIAS.

The ETIAS system will screen travellers before departure. This helps European authorities identify risks related to irregular migration, public health, or criminal records.

As part of the application process, you may be asked security questions, such as whether you’ve been refused entry into the EU, have a criminal record, or visited conflict zones.

This data is automatically checked against EU and international security databases. Border authorities use this information to decide whether to grant or deny entry.

For most UK travellers, applying will be straightforward and quick. But you should still allow time before departure in case the system flags your application for manual review.

ETIAS does not guarantee entry. On arrival, border guards can still ask for supporting documents, check your return ticket, or verify your travel plans.

You must travel using the valid passport you used in your ETIAS application. If the passport number doesn’t match, you may be denied boarding or entry.

Full List of European Countries Requiring ETIAS

From late 2026, UK travellers must hold a valid ETIAS authorisation before visiting 30 European countries. These include most countries in the Schengen Area, along with Cyprus, an EU state that is not yet part of the Schengen.

	Austria		Germany		Netherlands
	Belgium		Greece		Norway
	Bulgaria		Hungary		Poland
	Croatia		Iceland		Portugal
	Cyprus		Italy		Romania
	Czech Republic		Latvia		Slovakia
	Denmark		Liechtenstein		Slovenia
	Estonia		Lithuania		Spain
	Finland		Luxembourg		Sweden
	France		Malta		Switzerland

Do UK Travellers Need ETIAS for Transit Through These Countries?

UK travellers generally need ETIAS authorization even when transiting through a European country. The only exception is if you remain in the international transit zone of the airport and do not enter the country’s territory.

Transiting Through European Airports With ETIAS

If your flight connection takes place in an ETIAS country and you leave the international transit area, you must have an approved ETIAS. This includes collecting your baggage, changing terminals, or exiting the airport for any reason.

ETIAS requirements apply to both planned and unexpected layovers. If your connecting flight is cancelled and you must stay overnight in a nearby hotel, an ETIAS is legally required.

Most UK travellers transit through these airports when flying to long-haul destinations such as Australia, Canada, or the United States. Check your airline’s itinerary carefully to see if your connection involves changing terminals or clearing border checks.

Staying in the International Transit Area

You do not need ETIAS if your entire transit stay occurs within the international transit zone. This means you stay airside, do not collect luggage, and board your next flight without passing through border control.

Only a few airports in Europe offer this type of sterile transit. Even then, the facility must be open at the time of your flight, and your tickets must be booked on a single itinerary.

If you have separate tickets, or if your airline doesn’t transfer your bags automatically, you may be forced to exit the transit zone. In that case, a valid ETIAS authorisation will be mandatory.

Transiting by Land or Sea Between ETIAS Countries

If your journey involves land or ferry crossings between two ETIAS countries, you must hold a valid ETIAS. This applies even if you do not plan to stay in the country where you enter.

For example, if you land in Spain and then travel by train to France, both countries fall under the ETIAS system. Once inside, you may cross internal borders freely, but you still need to meet ETIAS entry conditions at your point of arrival.

The same applies to ferry passengers arriving from the UK to ports in the Netherlands, France, or Spain. Disembarking in an ETIAS country triggers border checks and entry control.

ETIAS Requirements for Common Transit Scenarios

ETIAS rules also apply to those with connecting travel across Europe who are not staying long. Whether you’re on a one-day layover or a quick overnight stop, you must meet the standard ETIAS conditions.

These include:

• A valid biometric passport
• An online ETIAS application before departure
• Payment of the €20 fee through debit or credit card (unless exempt)
• Accurate personal details, including full name, place of birth, and contact information
• No conflicting visa or residence permit for the destination country
• Compliance with all security and public health conditions

If you’re not sure whether your itinerary requires an ETIAS, contact your airline or check the official ETIAS website before booking. Make sure your travel document matches the information submitted during your application to avoid delays or denied boarding.

Exceptions: European Countries That Do Not Require ETIAS

Not every country in Europe will require an ETIAS authorisation for UK travellers. A few European states remain outside the new ETIAS system and have separate border control policies.

Ireland

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and does not participate in the ETIAS scheme. UK citizens can travel to Ireland without needing a visa, ETIAS, or additional pre-authorisation.

This arrangement remains unchanged post-Brexit due to the Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland. You can enter Ireland directly from the UK with a valid passport and no extra paperwork.

If you plan to visit Ireland before travelling to an ETIAS country, make sure you meet both sets of rules. While Ireland does not check for ETIAS, your next destination in Europe may require it.

Microstates Within the EU and Schengen Borders

Several European microstates are landlocked within countries that require ETIAS but do not have their own external borders. These include Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City.

You do not need a separate ETIAS to enter these places. Entry is handled by the surrounding country, such as France or Italy, where your ETIAS will already be checked.

If you travel overland into these microstates, your ETIAS eligibility is already verified at the Schengen border. There is no additional checkpoint when entering or leaving these small states.

Countries with Separate Visa or Entry Policies

Some non-EU countries in Europe are outside both the ETIAS and Schengen systems. These include nations in the Western Balkans and others that may require separate visas or pre-approvals.

Examples include:

• Albania
• Serbia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Montenegro
• Moldova
• Ukraine
• Belarus
• Turkey
• Armenia
• Georgia

These countries are not included in the current list of ETIAS countries. You must check each destination’s visa rules directly or via the respective embassy.

Travelling from an ETIAS country to one of these places means you will exit the EU external border. Your ETIAS remains valid for re-entry within the allowed 90-day limit.

Territories with Special Status

Some European territories have unique status under EU law and may not follow ETIAS rules. These include overseas regions or non-mainland territories linked to EU countries.

The European Commission advises checking local travel requirements before booking. Entry rules can vary depending on the territory’s legal status within the European Union.

These exceptions are not part of the new ETIAS authorisation scheme. If your journey includes both ETIAS and non-ETIAS destinations, make sure your travel documents meet all country-specific rules.

If you’re unsure, check your EES and ETIAS status through the European Commission site or use your embassy’s guidance. While the EUR 20 ETIAS fee covers most of Europe, some borders still require separate checks or paperwork, especially outside the European Union or Schengen country zones.

This is different from systems like ESTA used by the United States, where the authorisation often covers air transit only. ETIAS is region-specific, and your travel route matters when determining your eligibility.

How ETIAS Affects Multi-Country Trips in Europe

If you’re planning to visit several European countries in one trip, ETIAS will apply across the entire travel area. Once approved, your ETIAS allows movement between participating countries, but only within a limited timeframe.

Understanding the 90/180-Day Rule

ETIAS works as a visa waiver for short stays, allowing up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule applies across the full group of 30 ETIAS countries, not per country.

You can’t reset the clock by moving from one member state to another. Your time in all ETIAS countries counts together, including transit days.

The rule does not apply to EU citizens, but it does apply to visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the United Kingdom. Staying longer than allowed can lead to fines, entry bans, or other penalties at the next border check.

Here’s an example for clarity:

In this example, you’ve used 55 out of the 90 allowed days. You can return for more travel as long as you don’t exceed the 90-day total in any rolling 180-day window.

Cyprus is an exception. It applies its own 90-day limit, separate from the Schengen rule, so you can visit Cyprus without it affecting your Schengen count.

Crossing Internal Borders in Europe

Once your ETIAS is approved and you enter a Schengen country, you can move between other ETIAS states without border checks. There are no internal controls, but your travel will still be recorded through the Entry/Exit System.

While you may not be stopped at every border, authorities can check your travel history at any time. This system tracks when and where you entered or exited any ETIAS country.

Unlike a Schengen visa, which is often attached to your passport, ETIAS is digital. Border guards may scan your passport to confirm ETIAS approval before allowing entry into the zone.

If your trip includes stops in both ETIAS and non-ETIAS countries, plan accordingly. Moving between systems can trigger new entry checks, even if you stay within your limits.

Things to Know Before Planning a Multi-Country Trip

You only need to submit one ETIAS application form per passport. It’s valid for multiple trips, as long as you stay within the 90-day limit and your passport is still valid.

The online application is quick, usually approved in minutes, though some cases can take days. It’s best to apply early, especially if your travel dates are fixed.

ETIAS costs 20 EUR and is required for all travellers between the ages of 18 and 70, unless exempt. Make sure your information, including travel plans and arrival point, matches what you enter in the form.

If you’re visiting many countries in a short span, it’s your responsibility to track your days. ETIAS approval does not reset the rule if you re-enter the area mid-trip.

What UK Travellers Should Do Next

If you’re planning a trip to Europe from late 2026, you’ll need to prepare for the new ETIAS rules. The process is simple, but missing a step could disrupt your journey.

Check if Your Destination is an ETIAS Country

Start by confirming whether your destination is part of the ETIAS system. This includes most countries in the Schengen Area and Cyprus.

If you’re visiting several countries in one trip, make sure every stop is covered. You’ll only need one ETIAS for all participating countries, as long as your travel fits the time limit.

Always use official sources when checking requirements. Do not rely on third-party travel blogs or unverified posts.

Prepare a Passport that Meets ETIAS Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your intended departure from Europe. It must also have been issued within the past 10 years.

If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before applying. ETIAS is linked to your passport number, so you’ll need to reapply if your details change.

Only biometric passports are accepted. You can check this by looking for the small chip symbol on the cover.

If your passport number, name or birth date doesn’t match your ETIAS record, you may be denied boarding or entry.

Apply Early Once ETIAS Launches

The ETIAS system is digital and will open in late 2026. You’ll apply online through the official website or mobile app.

Most applications are approved within minutes, but some may take longer if extra checks are needed. Don’t wait until the last minute, especially if you have fixed travel dates.

Apply at least a few days before departure. If additional information is requested, processing may take up to 30 days.

This system is similar to the ESTA used by the United States, but it applies only to ETIAS countries in Europe. The goal is to maintain visa-free access while improving border security.

Once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for three years, or until your passport expires. You can use it for multiple trips as long as you respect the 90-day rule.

Keep your ETIAS confirmation email for your records. You don’t need to print it, but you may be asked to show it during airline check-in.

Get Ready for ETIAS Before You Travel

From late 2026, UK citizens will need ETIAS to enter 30 European destinations, including almost all major holiday spots. Understanding which countries require ETIAS and checking your passport rules early will help you avoid delays at the border. 

Take a moment to review your travel plans and stay updated as the launch approaches. Check whether your next European destination is an ETIAS country and prepare now for the 2026 rollout.