Who Needs ETIAS to Travel to Europe?

Starting in late 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will become a new entry requirement for UK citizens visiting most European countries, including Cyprus. 

After Brexit, Britons are no longer EU citizens and must obtain travel authorisation for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. 

This guide explains who needs ETIAS, who’s exempt, and how to prepare before booking trips across the European Union.

What is ETIAS and Why it’s Being Introduced

ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is a new electronic travel requirement created by the EU for visa-exempt visitors entering 30 European countries. It is designed to pre-screen travellers before arrival to strengthen border management, reduce security risks, and modernise the travel process across Europe.

Starting in late 2026, you will need to complete an ETIAS application before visiting countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. The authorisation links directly to your passport and remains valid for up to three years or until the passport expires. 

ETIAS does not replace a visa but acts as a digital clearance that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

ETIAS was created to respond to new mobility patterns after Brexit and to work alongside the EU’s digital border system known as the Entry/Exit System (EES). 

The EES, already active in 2025, automates passport stamping and records the time and place of entry or exit for non-EU nationals.

When both systems are fully operational, your data will be automatically verified when crossing borders. The process will be faster than traditional stamping, especially if you hold a biometric passport that meets international standards.

Unlike the visa application process, ETIAS can be completed entirely online. You will only need a valid travel document, a payment card, and a few minutes to complete the online form. 

Most approvals will arrive within minutes, though some may take up to four days if extra checks are needed.

Who Actually Needs ETIAS from the UK

Starting in late 2026, UK travellers will need to secure ETIAS before visiting most European destinations. 

The requirement applies to short-term stays across the Schengen Area and neighbouring states, with some exceptions for residents protected under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

UK Nationals Travelling to Europe

If you hold a UK passport, you will need ETIAS to enter 30 European countries for short visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. 

This applies to British citizens, British Overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, British Protected Persons, and British subjects.

You will need ETIAS whether you are travelling for tourism, short business meetings, medical care, or brief educational programs. 

The authorisation does not grant the right to work or settle long term in countries such as France, Spain, or Iceland, where separate visa or residence permits are required.

Before travel, you must complete an online application form through the official ETIAS website or app. The process includes providing your travel document details, answering a few security questions, and paying the application fee of 20 euros. 

Applicants under 18 or over 70, and family members of EU nationals with free-movement rights, do not pay this fee.

Once approved, ETIAS links electronically to your passport. At the airport or ferry terminal, border guards will scan your passport to confirm your travel authorisation. These checks are part of the EU’s move toward tighter border control and greater border security.

ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can re-enter multiple times within that period as long as your stay does not exceed the 90-day limit. 

When travelling between countries such as France, Spain, and Switzerland, you will not need new authorisations since ETIAS covers the full Schengen zone. Ireland remains outside this system, meaning you can travel there without ETIAS.

UK Nationals Exempt Under the Withdrawal Agreement

Not every UK citizen needs ETIAS. Those legally living in an EU member state under the Withdrawal Agreement are exempt from this requirement.

This applies to UK nationals who established residence in an EU country before the end of the Brexit transition period and continue to hold that protected status.

You can still travel across Europe without ETIAS if you live in an EU host country and hold a residence permit issued by that country. When crossing into another Schengen state, you must carry both your residence card and your passport to prove your legal status. 

Border guards will check these documents to confirm your exemption during routine border control.

To qualify, you must show a valid residence card or document under the Withdrawal Agreement. These documents confirm your right to stay, work, and move within the EU. Travelling without them could lead to delays or refusal at border checkpoints.

If you are uncertain whether your residence status falls under this category, you can contact your local immigration office or consulate before travelling. The European Commission also advises confirming the validity of your documents in advance, especially when visiting countries where border procedures may differ slightly from those in the EU.

Travellers from the UK who do not meet these exemption criteria must apply for ETIAS before entering Europe. Whether you plan a holiday in Italy or a business meeting in Spain, you will need to ensure your authorisation is approved and linked to your passport before boarding your flight.

Which European Countries Require ETIAS?

From late 2026, ETIAS travel authorisation will be required for short-term visits to 30 European countries. 

These include all Schengen Area countries and several associated states that have adopted common border policies and digital entry systems.

The new ETIAS will apply to both Schengen members and countries that have opted into the system, including non-EU states such as Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland.

If you are planning trips across Europe, you must have ETIAS before entering any of these destinations for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Ireland is excluded, as it is not part of the Schengen Area and maintains its own border policy. This means you can continue visiting Ireland with a valid passport without ETIAS.

The following table lists all the European countries where ETIAS will be mandatory:

Who Does Not Need ETIAS?

Not every traveller to Europe will need an ETIAS travel authorisation. Certain groups remain exempt because of their nationality, residence status, or the type of documents they already hold under EU law.

EU and EEA Nationals

If you hold a passport from an EU or Schengen country, you do not need ETIAS to travel within Europe. 

This exemption applies to citizens of all 27 EU member states and the countries that are part of the European Economic Area and Schengen zone, including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

These travellers can cross borders freely using their national identity card or passport without an approved ETIAS. Border checks still occur at external frontiers, but EU and EEA nationals do not undergo the same authorisation process as visa-exempt travellers from non-EU countries.

If you are travelling between Schengen states for work, study, or tourism, no additional documentation is required beyond your national ID or passport. 

This right to free movement means you can plan your travel across Europe without needing a visa or ETIAS clearance, provided your trip remains within the EU or associated Schengen countries.

While these travellers do not need ETIAS, they may still be subject to national entry rules or customs inspections when entering or leaving Europe’s external borders. These checks are routine and focus on border security and identity verification.

Specific Exemptions

Beyond EU and EEA nationals, other groups are excluded from the ETIAS requirement under specific legal or travel conditions.

UK nationals who live legally in an EU member state under the Withdrawal Agreement are exempt. If you hold this protected status, you can travel between EU countries using your residence card and passport without applying for ETIAS. 

Border guards may ask to see both documents to confirm your legal residence during border checks.

You are also exempt if you hold a residence permit, residence card, or long-stay visa issued by an EU or Schengen country. These documents already grant you the right to live and move within that territory, making an additional ETIAS unnecessary. 

Your existing permit serves as proof of legal stay and will be verified at the border when you travel.

Diplomats, consular officials, and government representatives travelling under international agreements are not required to have ETIAS. 

The same exemption applies to holders of service or special passports issued under bilateral arrangements between the EU and third countries. These arrangements simplify official travel for those representing their governments abroad.

Civilian crew members working on international flights or ships may also be exempt, depending on their role and the country they operate in. If you are part of an air or sea crew, you should confirm your requirements with the consulates of the countries in your route before your trip.

Family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who have the right to free movement can also enter without ETIAS if they carry the appropriate residence card or documentation. 

For instance, a non-EU spouse of a German or Norwegian national can travel visa-free within Europe by showing a valid residence card issued under EU free movement rules.

These exemptions apply only when your status or documentation remains valid. Travelling without up-to-date papers can lead to delays or refusal of entry even if you would normally qualify for exemption.

ETIAS Eligibility for Different Types of British Travellers

ETIAS eligibility depends on the purpose of your trip, the passport you hold, and where you live. 

Whether you are visiting for leisure, business, study, or have dual nationality, the rules for entry and stay in Europe vary under the new system starting in late 2026.

Short-Term Tourists

If you are travelling from the UK for a short holiday, city break, or to visit friends, you will need to apply for ETIAS before departure. 

The travel authorisation covers stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the 30 European countries that require it.

Tourism is one of the main categories covered under ETIAS. You will be able to move between countries as long as your authorisation remains valid. 

Each visit must respect entry conditions at the border, including proof of return travel, accommodation details, and sufficient funds to cover your stay.

ETIAS simplifies short-term travel for UK visitors by removing the need for individual visas in each destination. Once approved, your authorisation will be valid for three years or until your passport expires. 

The same ETIAS can be reused for multiple trips, provided your travel plans fall within the permitted 90-day period.

If your passport is renewed, you must reapply for ETIAS as the authorisation is electronically linked to your current document. Border guards can check your status instantly, which means paper copies are not required but can be carried for convenience.

Business Travellers and Students

If you plan to travel to Europe from the UK for short-term business or study, you will also need an approved ETIAS. This includes those attending meetings, trade shows, training courses, or short academic programs lasting less than 90 days.

For business trips, ETIAS functions as pre-screening for visa-free access rather than a work permit. You can participate in conferences or company visits, but employment or paid work requires a national visa from the host country.

Students joining short courses or exchange programs of under 90 days can travel with ETIAS without applying for a separate study visa. For longer education stays, a student visa or residence permit will be necessary.

Applications are made online, and most decisions are processed within minutes. If your travel document or personal details are incorrect, you may face issues at border checks, so ensure your information matches your passport exactly.

If your travel plans combine business and leisure, ETIAS remains valid for the duration of your stay as long as you do not exceed the time limit or breach entry conditions.

Dual Nationals and Residents Abroad

Many British citizens hold dual nationality, either through EU citizenship or from visa-exempt countries such as Australia or Canada. ETIAS eligibility depends entirely on the passport you use to enter Europe.

If you travel using your British passport, you will need ETIAS for short stays in any Schengen state. But if you enter with an EU passport, such as a French one, you are exempt because EU citizens have free movement rights.

If you live permanently in a visa-exempt country outside the EU, like Australia or Japan, you will still need ETIAS when travelling on your UK passport. 

Residents abroad should also ensure that their travel document complies with European entry rules, as not all national passports meet biometric standards accepted by the system.

For those living in the EU with legal residence status, ETIAS is not required. You can travel freely within the region using your residence permit and passport. 

If you move between countries for short visits, make sure both documents are valid and presented at border control when requested.

When and How to Apply for ETIAS

You can apply for ETIAS online before the system officially launches, expected in the last quarter of 2026. The process is digital, quick, and designed to make pre-travel screening easier for visa-exempt visitors such as UK citizens.

Applications will open several months before ETIAS becomes fully operational. You can submit your request only through the official ETIAS website or the official mobile app, both managed by the EU. 

Any other website offering application services is not authorised and may charge additional fees or misuse your data.

ETIAS functions similarly to the United States’ ESTA system. It screens travellers against European databases, including Europol and Frontex systems, to ensure border security and prevent identity fraud. 

Most applications are approved within minutes, though some may take up to four days if further checks or additional documents are requested.

The EU advises travellers to apply before booking tickets or accommodation to avoid last-minute issues. Submitting the application early ensures that you receive your valid ETIAS in time for departure and prevents complications at the airport. 

Once approved, the authorisation remains valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

You will need to complete an online form, which asks for your passport details, contact information, and background information such as travel history and previous visits to war or conflict zones like Ukraine or Moldova. 

The questions are similar to those on visa waiver applications used in other regions, ensuring standardised entry checks across all participating countries.

Each traveller must apply individually, including children and dependent adults. If you are unable to complete the process yourself, a trusted person or travel agency can apply on your behalf using a declaration of representation.

The table below summarises where and how to apply for ETIAS:

What Happens if You Travel Without ETIAS

If you travel to Europe without an approved ETIAS when required, you will not be allowed to board your flight, ferry, or bus to any participating country. ETIAS is a mandatory pre-travel authorisation, and carriers must verify your status before departure.

Airlines and transport companies are required to check your ETIAS status electronically before allowing you to travel. If your authorisation is missing or expired, boarding will be refused. 

This rule applies to all travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the United Kingdom, even if you hold return tickets or hotel reservations.

Upon arrival at the border, border guards will recheck your ETIAS and passport details. Travellers who attempt to enter a country without valid authorisation will be denied entry.

According to the official EU guidance, a valid ETIAS does not guarantee automatic entry. Border checks will still take place at the point of arrival, and border guards will determine whether you meet the legal entry conditions.

This includes verifying the purpose of your visit, your length of stay, and your ability to support yourself financially during your trip.

If you fail to meet these conditions, you can be refused entry even with a valid ETIAS. The authorisation only grants permission to travel to the border; it does not serve as a visa or residence permit. 

Travellers must still comply with national immigration laws once they arrive in the Schengen Area.

The table below summarises what happens if you travel without ETIAS:

If your ETIAS application was refused and you travel anyway, you will also be denied boarding or entry. Each decision includes an explanation of the refusal and instructions for appeal, but appeals can only be filed with the authorities of the country that issued the decision.

Get Ready for ETIAS Before Your Next European Trip

From late 2026, UK citizens must have ETIAS for short stays in most European countries. To avoid travel delays, check the official EU website and its FAQs for the latest updates on when and how to apply. 

Verifying your eligibility early ensures smooth entry across Schengen borders. Check if your next European destination requires ETIAS and prepare your passport ahead of time.