6th May 2025
Following Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU), there have been discussions regarding the future of travel for Brits on the continent. And in late 2026, a new type of travel document will be introduced – European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
Known as the Schengen Zone, 26 European countries within the EU have their own border control requirements, offering its combined citizens a wider area of freedom of movement.
This area functions as a single jurisdiction and is a common visa-waiver policy for international travel purposes – something Brits no longer have the luxury of enjoying.
Although this travel document is not currently in operation and no applications can be made for countries outside this zone – this guide summarises all you need to know about ETIAS.
Currently there is no electronic system that allows the EU to monitor visitors from countries who do not need a visa or waiver to enter the Schengen Zone. This is where the ETIAS is changing travel within the region from 2026.
In the words of the European Commission, it ‘resembles the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)’ – and serves a very similar purpose.
Although plans for ETIAS began in 2016, the system is expected to be fully operational in 2026.
Non-EU nationals who previously did not need a visa to travel to the Schengen Zone will now have to apply for a travel authorisation through the ETIAS system prior to their journey.
Information gathered via the electronic ETIAS system will provide EU nations with the ability to provide advanced verification for travellers.
After filling in the application form, the system will conduct checks against EU information systems for borders and security. Should there be no irregularities, people will be issued a travel authorisation form within a few minutes.
If there are any further checks needed, then this could take up to 30 days.
ETIAS will be a mandatory part for travellers in order to gain entry to the Schengen Zone. It will be checked by border security alongside your passport and other relevant paperwork.
The ETIAS is primarily being introduced to provide border security with a detailed security check of each person entering the country within the Schengen Zone.
According to SchengenVisaInfo.com: “The ETIAS system will gather, keep track of, and update necessary information regarding visitors to determine whether it is safe for them to enter Schengen countries.”
Following years of increased security checks on borders, the EU wants to ensure safe travel within its region.
ETIAS will detect if a traveller is a threat and will lead to them being denied entry.
The electronic visa system will also enable visitors and country officials a few more benefits.
It has been introduced to assist in detecting and decreasing cross-border crime, as well as improving the internal management of crossing EU borders.
The EU has also stated that it should reduce procedures and application time – making it ‘less of a hassle and a much safer experience’.
After a successful application to gain an ETIAS form, you will be able to travel within the 26 Schengen Zone and three other nations in Europe.
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
The Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
The UK, alongside 62 other nations, will need to apply for an ETIAS if they wish to visit the above countries after it officially launches in 2026.
These nations are listed below.
Georgia
Grenada
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong S.A.R (Special administrative regions of the People’s Republic of China)
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Macao S.A.R (Special administrative regions of the People’s Republic of China)
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Montenegro
Nauru
New Zealand
Nicaragua
North Macedonia
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent
Samoa
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan
Timor-Leste (East Timor)
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Venezuela
In short, anyone outside the Schengen Zone and from one of the nations above (including the UK) who are looking to travel to the area for up to 90 days.
You will not gain access to the country if you do not have this document.
The ETIAS will be a relatively cheap – but important – part of travelling to this area of Europe and will cost €7.
Travellers under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee.
It is important that you only purchase this from the official ETIAS source.
The application process is very simple and only takes 10 minutes.
Reports towards the end of 2022 within the British media highlighted that many fake websites have launched to try and entice people to buy their visas through them – avoid them and don’t get hit with an unnecessary charge.
Once you have applied, you will receive an email confirming the submission of your application which will include your unique ETIAS application number. Keep this number safe.
According to official guidelines, you will only need your passport details.
In some rarer cases, you may be contacted by the country dealing with your ETIAS request – as they may need some extra documents before granting your access to your document.
Should more details be needed, you may be asked to attend an interview to explain your documentation or anything that comes up in a security check.
An ETIAS lasts for 90 days and can be used to travel across all Schengen Zone areas within that time period.
Visitors on an ETIAS are only allowed to engage in business or tourism activities.
Should you wish to study or work in these countries, then you will need to speak to the relevant government bodies ahead of your visit.
ETIAS will be linked to a traveller’s passport and remain valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
If a traveller applies for a new passport, then they need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation form.
Your ETIAS document can be used for all countries – meaning you only have to purchase one official document ahead of your visit.
However, when you apply for an ETIAS you will need to state what country you will be entering first. In order to gain access to the Schengen Zone, you will need to enter this country first.
