Applying for ETIAS for Estonia: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Citizens

Starting in late 2026, United Kingdom citizens travelling to Estonia or any country in the Schengen Area will need an ETIAS authorisation. 

This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the mandatory online application—from gathering documents to receiving approval—for all visa-exempt British passport holders.

Understanding ETIAS: Key Facts for UK Travellers to Estonia

Understanding ETIAS is essential for your future trips to Estonia. This section breaks down what the European Travel Information and Authorisation System is and clarifies how it works for British passport holders.

What is ETIAS and Why is it Required?

ETIAS is a new security pre-screening for visitors from visa-exempt countries like the UK. It’s not a visa but a mandatory online check for short stays, created by the European Union to strengthen border security across the Schengen Area.

ETIAS vs. Schengen Visa

A Schengen visa is a sticker in your passport for those who need a visa, while an ETIAS travel authorisation is a simple digital link to your biometric passport. You need ETIAS for tourism or business trips under 90 days, but a work or study visa for longer stays.

For UK citizens visiting Estonia, ETIAS is for stays up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business, or transit. A Schengen visa is required for any stay longer than 90 days, or for purposes like work or study.

ETIAS Validity and Stay Limits for Estonia

Your approved ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires. You can enter Estonia and other participating countries multiple times, but your total stay cannot exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.

Remember, this 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Zone, not just Estonia. A border guard will check your travel document and calculate your remaining stay every time you enter.

Step-by-Step Guide to the ETIAS Application for Estonia

Follow these steps to secure your travel authorisation for Estonia. The process is entirely online and designed to be quick for most applicants.

Step 1: Gather Your Required Documents and Information

You will need your valid UK biometric passport and a payment card ready. You should also prepare details like your home address and your first night’s accommodation in Estonia, such as a hotel in Tallinn.

Having everything to hand makes the form faster to complete. This prevents errors that could delay your ETIAS travel authorisation.

Step 2: Access the Official Application Platform

Always apply through the official ETIAS website or its mobile app. Avoid third-party sites that often add unnecessary service charges.

The official platform is the only direct and secure route. It is managed for all EU countries by the operational agency eu-LISA.

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Complete each section of the digital form carefully with your personal and passport details. You will also answer background questions related to security and health.

Take extra care with your passport number and spelling of your name. The information you provide must exactly match the data in your travel document.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

A fee of €20 is required for most adult applicants to process your ETIAS application. You can pay securely online using a debit or credit card.

Applicants under 18 years of age, applicants over 70 years of age, and family members of EU citizens who meet specific criteria are exempt from the application fee.

Step 5: Submit and Receive Your Authorisation

Submit your form and you will get an immediate email confirmation with a unique reference number. Most applications are approved within minutes, linking the authorisation directly to your passport.

If further checks are needed, a decision can take up to 30 days. Once approved, your ETIAS is electronically linked to your passport for use at border control.

After You Apply: What UK Citizens Need to Know

Once your application is submitted, you need to know what happens next and how to manage your authorisation. This section covers checking your status, handling a refusal, and correcting any errors.

Checking Your ETIAS Status and Validity

You will receive an email confirming your application submission with a unique reference number. Keep this email safe as it contains your application number for future enquiries.

Your approved valid ETIAS is electronically linked to the passport you used in the application. You do not need to print anything, as border guards and airline staff can check the digital record in the system.

You can verify your authorisation status at any time before travel. The system used is separate from the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will record your border crossings.

What to Do if Your Application is Denied

If your application is refused, the decision email will explain the specific reasons. Common grounds for refusal include security risks or issues with your travel document.

You have the right to appeal the decision with the authorities of the Schengen country that made the refusal. The email will provide details on the appeal procedure and the relevant time limits you must follow.

Correcting Mistakes and Updating Your ETIAS

If you spot a minor error after submission, you can request a correction through the official platform. Be aware this administrative process can take up to 30 days to complete.

For significant changes, like a new passport or a different surname, you must submit a brand new application. Your old ETIAS authorisation becomes invalid once you receive a new passport.

The table below summarises the main actions after you apply:

Traveling to Estonia with Your ETIAS Authorisation

Your approved ETIAS authorisation is your key to boarding your flight and presenting yourself at the Estonian border. This section explains what to expect upon arrival and lists the final checks for a smooth journey.

At the Border: What to Expect

Present the same biometric passport you used in your application process to the border guard. They will scan it to verify your valid ETIAS against the central system and check your remaining allowed stay.

The guard may also ask to see supporting documents like proof of accommodation or a return ticket. Remember, ETIAS is not a guarantee of entry, as the final decision rests with the border authority of each Schengen country.

Important Reminders for a Smooth Trip

You must respect the 90-day limit within any 180-day period across all European countries in the scheme. This rule applies whether you are visiting Estonia alone or travelling to multiple nations like Finland, Germany, or Italy.

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area. Keep these items accessible for your entire trip:

• Your valid biometric passport linked to your ETIAS.
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
• Travel insurance documents.
• Your return or onward travel ticket.

Note that a stay in Cyprus is calculated separately from your 90-day Schengen limit. Time spent in Cyprus does not count towards your allowance for other European countries like Estonia, France, or Spain.

The table below contrasts ETIAS with other travel schemes:

Get Ready to Explore Estonia

Securing your ETIAS for Estonia involves five key steps: gathering your documents, accessing the official website, completing the form, paying the fee, and awaiting your authorisation. The process is designed to be a straightforward and digital experience, with most UK applicants receiving approval quickly. 

Once the system launches in 2026, remember to apply only through the official ETIAS site and keep this guide handy for reference. Bookmark this page or explore our related guides to ensure your travels to Estonia are seamless.