The ETIAS and Brexit

Starting in 2025, it will be necessary for British citizens to obtain an ETIAS in order to travel to the European Union.

After Brexit, is it necessary for British citizens to have an ETIAS in order to travel to countries that are members of the European Union?

Since the United Kingdom has now officially left the European Union, it is classified as a ‘third country.’ As such, British citizens can travel to the EU without travel authorisation until the ETIAS system is launched in 2025. However, the European Union confirmed in 2019 that a valid ETIAS will be required for British travellers once the system is implemented.

Therefore, starting in 2025, British citizens wishing to visit the EU will need to obtain an ETIAS prior to their trip. This requirement is part of the EU’s efforts to increase security and streamline border control procedures for third-country nationals entering its territory. Despite being a member of the European Union for decades, the UK will now be subject to the same travel requirements as other non-EU countries.

Might British citizens need to acquire a Schengen Visa either before the introduction of the ETIAS system or after Brexit to visit countries in the Schengen Area?

After the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, British citizens will be classified as third-country nationals. As such, they will be required to have an ETIAS in order to enter EU member states for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

etias.co.uk, a leading provider of ETIAS-related information and services, has analyzed the differences between ETIAS and Schengen Visas, which can be useful for travellers planning their trips to the EU. While both documents are intended to facilitate travel for third-country nationals, there are several key differences between them.

What is the significance of the requirement for British citizens to have either an ETIAS or a Schengen Visa when travelling to countries within the European Union?

With the introduction of the ETIAS system in 2025, British citizens will be required to obtain an ETIAS to travel to EU member countries. While this may seem like an additional requirement for travellers, the cost of an ETIAS is significantly lower than that of a Schengen visa. With a planned cost of only €7 for each application, obtaining an ETIAS will be far less expensive than acquiring a Schengen visa, which is now charged at €60.

Another advantage of the ETIAS system is the flexibility it provides for travellers. Unlike a Schengen visa, which has a validity period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and requires applicants to submit their applications in person at the consulate of the intended destination country, an ETIAS can be obtained online and will be valid for three years or until the expiration date of passport, whichever comes first. This means that travellers can use their approved ETIAS for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period, without having to reapply for a new visa each time they visit the EU.

If I possess a passport for a different EU member state, will I still need to obtain an ETIAS for travel to other EU countries?

If you possess a passport from an EU member country, it serves as proof that you are an EU citizen and have the right to travel freely within the EU. Therefore, if you are travelling to an EU country using your passport from an ETIAS or EU member country, you will not be required to obtain an ETIAS.

However, if you are travelling to an EU country using a passport from a non-EU country, such as a British passport after Brexit, then you will be required to obtain an ETIAS starting in 2025. The ETIAS will serve as an additional travel authorisation that British citizens will need to obtain before their trip to EU member countries.

Does holding residency status in an EU member country exempt me from needing an ETIAS even if the ETIAS requirements state that I need one?

Obtaining an ETIAS is mandatory for citizens of certain countries, including the UK, for travel to the EU beginning in 2025. Even if you have residency status in an EU member country, If you have a passport from a nation where ETIAS is necessary, you must still get an ETIAS to travel to the EU. This means that, regardless of your residency status, you will need to comply with the ETIAS requirements to travel to the EU.

However, if you are a citizen or passport holder of another EU member country, you are exempt from the ETIAS requirement. In this case, you can use your passport or citizenship to travel to the EU without the need for an approved ETIAS. It’s important to note that this exemption only applies if you hold a passport or citizenship from an EU member country, not if you hold residency status in an EU member country.

In case of having a criminal record, contagious disease, or other histories that could impact admissibility, what are the consequences for obtaining an ETIAS to travel to the EU?

It has not been formalised by the EU-specific criteria, such as criminal or medical history, which will make an applicant ineligible for an approved ETIAS. In the event that a British citizen is denied an ETIAS on the grounds of security risk to the EU, criminal history, medical conditions, or other personal histories, they can make an appeal to the EU member country that has denied their request. However, the EU has not yet defined an alternate travel authorisation or another process for applicants whose ETIAS appeal requests have been rejected.

What are the resources available for me to gather information on the travel authorisation requirements for British citizens in the aftermath of Brexit or in the case of no Brexit?