Do British citizens need to obtain an ETIAS authorization to travel to Europe?

Yes. Since Brexit, citizens of the United Kingdom no longer enjoy freedom of movement within the European Union. They will need to obtain an ETIAS authorization to enter the Schengen Area. The system is expected to launch in 2027.

September 2026 Update: The ETIAS launch, originally scheduled for late 2026, will not take place. The official date has not yet been confirmed. 2027 is now the most likely year. Visit our page on the ETIAS launch delay for the latest information.

This system, modeled after the U.S. ESTA program, is designed to enhance security without requiring visas for nationals of partner countries, including the United Kingdom. Even for a short tourist visit, British citizens will need to complete this process online before their departure.

What exactly is the ETIAS system?

The ETIAS system is not a visa, but an electronic authorization linked to a passport that allows travel to Europe. It is valid for 3 years and allows British citizens to travel to Europe for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It will be required for:

Tourism;
Business travel;
Private or family tours;
Transit through a Schengen Area country.

Brexit and ETIAS: Before Brexit, British citizens enjoyed freedom of movement within the European Union and did not need any authorization to travel within the Schengen Area. Since leaving the EU in 2020, they are now treated like nationals of any other third country and will therefore need to obtain ETIAS authorization once the system is launched.

Do British citizens need a Schengen visa in addition to the ETIAS system?

No, not for short-term stays. British nationals are exempt from the Schengen visa requirement for tourist stays of less than 90 days. Learn more about the differences between the ETIAS system and the Schengen visa.

However, a national visa is required for:

Study in a European Union country;
Work or do an internship;
Settle permanently in Europe.

The ETIAS system therefore applies only to short-term, non-profit stays.

How do British citizens obtain the ETIAS system?

Here are the steps to follow once the system is officially launched:

Visit the official website

Visit the European Union’s official ETIAS website. Be wary of unofficial websites that are already accepting applications.

Fill out the online form

Fill out the ETIAS form online with your personal information and passport details, and answer the security questions.

Pay the ETIAS fee

Set the price of the ETIAS authorization at €20. The system is free for those under 18 and over 70.

Wait for confirmation by email

The response is sent by email within a maximum of 4 business days, usually within a few minutes.

Travelling with a valid biometric passport

Present the valid biometric passport used to obtain authorization when checking in. The ETIAS system is electronically linked to this document.

Which European countries will require the ETIAS system for British citizens?

The ETIAS system is required for entry into the 30 countries of the Schengen Area and equivalent countries. Here are the most popular destinations for British travelers:

ETIAS Norway → All countries

Frequently Asked Questions — ETIAS for UK Citizens

Is the ETIAS system required for short-term travel?

Yes, even for a weekend trip or a vacation, the ETIAS system will be required upon entry into the Schengen Area.

Does the ETIAS system allow you to work in Europe?

No. To work, you must apply for a visa or permit from the country in question. The ETIAS system covers only short-term, non-profit stays.

Can you travel to multiple European countries with a single ETIAS authorization?

Yes. Once approved, the authorization is valid for all countries in the Schengen Area for multiple stays totaling 90 days within any 180-day period. Review the rules for obtaining an ETIAS authorization.

Do I need to submit a separate application for each trip?

No. The ETIAS is valid for 3 years, unless the passport expires sooner. See our page on the validity period of the ETIAS authorization for more details.

Does the British passport have to be biometric?

Yes. The ETIAS system is electronically linked to the biometric passport, which is required for boarding. All recent British passports are biometric. Visit our page on passports for travel to Europe to check the requirements.