ETIAS for Brits
Full ETIAS guide for United Kingdom citizens visiting Europe
Brits will require ETIAS authorization to travel to Europe's Schengen Area from Q4 2026. It costs €20, is valid for 3 years, and most applications are processed within minutes.
- Cost
- €20
- Validity
- 3 years
- Processing
- Minutes
- Launch
- Q4 2026
- Passport Rank
- #22 of 199
What Brits Need to Know About ETIAS
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new pre-screening system for visa-exempt travelers visiting Europe's Schengen Area. As British citizens, you will need to register for ETIAS online before traveling to any of the 30 Schengen countries. The good news: ETIAS is straightforward, affordable, and valid for multiple trips over 3 years. Most applications are completed almost instantly. The United Kingdom passport ranks #22 globally, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 154 countries. This excellent mobility means ETIAS is a minor requirement — not a full visa process.
- ETIAS Cost
- €20
- Valid For
- 3 years
- Processing
- Minutes
- Visa-Free Access
- 154 countries
What you need for United Kingdom
The basics for Brits traveling to Europe
-
Passport requirements
Valid 3+ months beyond your Schengen departure date
Check requirements - Official site
Apply for ETIAS
€20 — valid 3 years, official EU portal
Open EU Portal - Recommended
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How Brits Apply for ETIAS
- 1
Visit the official portal
Go to travel-europe.europa.eu/etias when the portal opens (expected Summer 2026).
- 2
Fill out the application
Provide your United Kingdom passport details, travel plans, and answer security questions.
- 3
Pay €20
Free for travelers under 18 or over 70. Payment by credit or debit card.
- 4
Get approval
Most completed almost instantly. ETIAS is electronically linked to your passport.
Popular Destinations
ETIAS FAQs for Brits
When do Brits need ETIAS?
How much does ETIAS cost for Brits?
How long is ETIAS valid for United Kingdom passport holders?
Which countries can Brits visit with ETIAS?
How strong is the United Kingdom passport?
Planning to stay longer than 90 days?
ETIAS only covers 90 days in any 180-day window. If you want to live in Europe for 12 months or more, a Digital Nomad Visa is the legal route, and your time on it does not count against your Schengen visitor allowance.