1. Do British citizens need ETIAS?
- You are travelling on an eligible United Kingdom passport
- Your trip is a short stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- You are visiting one or more of the 30 ETIAS countries
- You are travelling for tourism, business, transit or another permitted short-stay purpose
ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers. It is not a visa and approval does not itself guarantee entry at the border.
2. Passport rules for United Kingdom
ETIAS is linked electronically to the British passport used in the application. Travel on a different passport or a replacement document can change the requirement.
The ETIAS authorisation will be electronically linked to the passport used in the application. If that passport expires or is replaced, a new ETIAS will normally be required.
Brexit and ETIAS for British travellers
- ETIAS is for short visa-free visits; it does not create residence or work rights.
- British citizens who also hold an EU passport should normally use their EU passport for EU free-movement travel.
- Some people protected by the Withdrawal Agreement can have different rights connected to their EU country of residence.
3. ETIAS cost and validity
*Or until the travel document used in the application expires, whichever comes first.
4. Where will British citizens need ETIAS?
ETIAS applies to eligible short trips to 30 participating European countries. Start with these destination guides:
5. How ETIAS will work
Applications are not open yet. Use the official EU website when ETIAS launches; ETIAS.guide is an independent information website.
Visit the official EU ETIAS website6. Important exceptions
- EU citizens do not need ETIAS when travelling under EU free-movement rights.
- If you hold more than one nationality, the passport you actually travel on determines the relevant rule.
- Some residence permits, residence cards and other statuses can change the requirement.
- Some UK nationals covered by the Withdrawal Agreement have different rights when travelling to their EU country of residence; check the official rules for your status.
Frequently asked questions
Can British citizens apply for ETIAS now?
No. ETIAS is not yet operational. The current official timetable is Expected Q4 2026.
What is the difference between ETIAS and a Schengen visa?
ETIAS is a travel authorisation for eligible visa-exempt travellers. A Schengen visa is a visa required for travellers of nationalities that are not visa-exempt for short stays. ETIAS does not replace a Schengen visa where a visa is required.
Do children need ETIAS?
Eligible children are expected to need their own ETIAS authorisation, but applicants under 18 are exempt from the application fee.
Is ETIAS a new visa for British tourists?
No. ETIAS is a travel authorisation for eligible visa-exempt travellers, not a Schengen visa.
Do UK residents in the EU always need ETIAS?
Not necessarily. Residence status and Withdrawal Agreement rights can change the requirement, so travellers should check the official rules for their status.