The Etias scheme is coming and UK travellers will have to pay €20 visit Europe

The new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) visa-waiver system for British travellers (and other nationals of third countries) wishing to visit Europe is due to be rolled out in the last quarter of 2026.  The cost of the visa will be €20 and will apply to 29 Schengen countries plus Cyprus.

The Schengen states are the 29 countries in Europe that have an open border with each other.
They are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. In addition, the Etias will also be required when visiting Cyprus, which is undergoing the process for joining the Schengen area.

The system works with the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is currently being put into place. Once completely rolled out, the Etias will be required for stays up to 90 days in any 180 days. It’s not considered a visa and the application is simply a form to fill in before travel and a fee to pay. Authorisations should be received within minutes.

Exceptions

Citizens of any of the 30 countries requiring an Etias, or who have a residence permit for any of the countries, you will not need a travel authorisation to visit one of the others. And if you are travelling under another type of visa, you won’t need to apply for an Etias.

Nationals of Andorra, the Holy See (Vatican), Ireland, Monaco and San Marino will also not need an Etias. An Etias is also not required if you’re only transiting and staying in the “international transit area”.

Which countries within Europe do not require Etias to enter?

Within Europe, countries that don’t require the Etias include Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Ukraine and the Vatican. However, keep in mind that in some cases, you may need to travel through a country where it is required.

Can I stay in the Schengen zone for longer than 90 days with an Etias?

An Etias document can only be used while it’s valid, and you can’t stay for more than 90 days within any 180 days across all the countries. The new EES system will be able to track your travel to make sure this limit is not exceeded. If you would like to stay longer, you can apply for a visa.

How do I apply for an Etias?

To apply, you will have to complete an online form through the official website or mobile app (not launched yet). You will need:

• Personal details including your name, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address and phone number
• Travel document details
• Details about your level of education and current occupation
• Details about your intended stay
• Details about criminal convictions, past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject to a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country

You will need a valid passport to hand that is less than ten years old and has at least three months of validity left on it after the end of your stay.

Your details will be checked against databases held by EU countries, including immigration and Interpol. In 95 per cent of cases, a travel authorisation should be issued within minutes. It doesn’t guarantee your entry into the Schengen zone — your details will still be checked at the border.

How long does an Etias last?

An Etias lasts up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It can, however, be revoked at any time.

More information about ETIAS how to apply

NOTE: Travellers from US, Canada and Australia and other visitors will need an ETA to enter the UK – here’s how to apply for an ETA.

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