Starting in the first half of 2025, British travellers heading to Europe will have to obtain a new visa to enter many popular destinations in the European Union.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require UK citizens to apply for travel authorisation before entering the Schengen Area among other areas.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation system for non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area and a handful of other nations.
Though not as complex as a traditional visa, it requires travellers to submit an online application before their trip.
This system aims to enhance security, track entry and exit data, and reduce illegal immigration.
Once approved, an ETIAS will be valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires.
Countries Requiring ETIAS for British Travellers
From 2025, the ETIAS requirement will apply to the following 30 countries within the Schengen Area:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Bulgaria*
- Croatia*
- Cyprus*
- Romania*
(*While these countries are not part of the Schengen Area, they are expected to join the ETIAS system upon its launch.)
The application process is expected to take only a few minutes and cost around €7 (£5.90).
However, the added requirement has sparked concern among some British travellers who are wary of the additional paperwork, especially after the relative ease of travel between the UK and EU before Brexit.
Some British citizens have expressed concerns over the inconvenience of this new system. Mum of two Flora told Euronews: “Traveling with kids is already challenging, and now we have to deal with extra paperwork.”
Despite these concerns, EU officials assure that ETIAS will be a simple and efficient process, designed to improve border security without causing unnecessary delays.
For now, UK travellers are advised to monitor updates on ETIAS and ensure they have their passports ready to apply as the 2025 launch approaches.