Starting in the final quarter of 2026, British citizens planning trips to 30 European nations will be required to obtain authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This mandate applies not only to UK residents but also to individuals from 58 other countries exempt from visa requirements when traveling to popular EU destinations like France, Spain, and Portugal.
For Brits venturing to sought-after holiday spots such as the Costas or Dordogne, securing an ETIAS ahead of time is essential. The application process entails completing an online form, with most approvals expected to be granted within minutes. However, individuals subject to additional scrutiny may experience delays of up to 30 days, underscoring the importance of applying promptly upon confirming travel plans.
Despite its apparent simplicity, the accompanying fee for an ETIAS application has emerged as a point of contention for British holidaymakers. Initially projected to be €7, slightly over £6, the fee was revised upwards to €20, equivalent to about £17.37, nearly three times the original amount. Notably, the fee exemption for children and seniors means only travelers aged 18-70 will be subject to payment, though for couples traveling together, this translates to an additional €40 expense to factor into their holiday budget.
Explaining the rationale behind the fee adjustment, the European Commission pointed to factors such as inflation since the original 2018 announcement and the integration of new technical features into the system. This fee revision aligns the cost of an ETIAS with comparable travel authorization programs worldwide.
Upon approval, an ETIAS remains valid for up to three years or until the passport’s expiration date, whichever comes first, allowing for multiple trips under the same authorization. In addition to the ETIAS requirement, recent EU-bound British travelers have encountered the new Entry/Exit system (EES) at airports, aimed at enhancing security measures and streamlining border control processes within the Schengen area.
Unlike the ETIAS application, registration for the EES is not obligatory for Brits, although utilizing the official Travel to Europe app can potentially expedite the entry process by pre-registering personal details. As of now, the official launch date for the ETIAS remains unspecified, with the European Commission committed to providing prior notice to facilitate preparation for affected travelers and airport operators. Once operational, Brits should exclusively utilize the official ETIAS website for application submissions.