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ETIAS vs UK ETA

Comparing Europe and UK travel systems

ETIAS covers 30 Schengen countries while the UK ETA covers only the United Kingdom. Both are online travel authorizations for visa-exempt nationals.

ETIAS
30 countries
UK ETA
UK only
ETIAS Cost
€20
UK ETA Cost
£16

Separate Systems Since Brexit

Since the UK left the European Union, travelers now need separate authorizations for visiting Europe (ETIAS) and the United Kingdom (UK ETA). They are completely independent systems.

If you are planning to visit both destinations on the same trip, you will need both authorizations.

Full Comparison

ETIAS (Europe)UK ETA
Region30 Schengen countriesUnited Kingdom only
Cost€20£16
Validity3 years2 years
Max Stay90 days / 180 days6 months per visit
Age ExemptionsUnder 18/over 70 freeNo exemptions
Launch DateQ4 2026February 2025
ProcessingMinutes to 30 daysMinutes to 72 hours
ApplicationOnline onlyOnline/app

Key Differences at a Glance

Longer Validity
ETIAS

3 years vs 2 years

Longer Stay
UK ETA

6 months vs 90 days

More Countries
ETIAS

30 countries vs 1

Already Active
UK ETA

Since February 2025

ETIAS or UK ETA: two systems, two destinations

Since Brexit, Europe and the UK each run their own authorization. You may need one, the other, or both.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) covers travel to 30 Schengen Area countries. It costs €20 (free for under 18/over 70), is valid for 3 years, and allows stays of 90 days within any 180-day period.

ETIAS launches Q4 2026. The UK is not included in ETIAS.

What They Have in Common

  • Electronic travel authorization (not a visa)

  • Online application process

  • Pre-travel requirement

  • Security screening

  • Multiple entries allowed

  • Linked to passport

Key Differences

  • Stay calculation: ETIAS uses rolling 90/180 days; UK ETA allows 6 months per visit

  • Age exemptions: ETIAS is free for under 18/over 70; UK ETA has no exemptions

  • Validity: ETIAS lasts 3 years; UK ETA lasts 2 years

  • Coverage: ETIAS covers 30 countries; UK ETA covers UK only

  • Launch: UK ETA is operational; ETIAS launches Q4 2026

Planning a Trip to Both?

If you are visiting both the UK and Europe on the same trip, you will need:

  • UK ETA for the United Kingdom
  • ETIAS for Schengen countries (from Q4 2026)

Apply for both before you travel. They are completely separate systems, so approval for one does not affect the other.

Learn More

UK ETA Guide

Complete UK authorization info

ETIAS Requirements

Who needs ETIAS for Europe

British Travelers

ETIAS for UK citizens

Comparison FAQs

Do I need both ETIAS and UK ETA?
Only if visiting both destinations. ETIAS covers Schengen Europe; UK ETA covers the United Kingdom. They do not overlap.
Is Ireland covered by ETIAS or UK ETA?
Neither. Ireland has its own immigration system and is not part of Schengen or the UK's immigration zone. It currently does not require an ETA for most visa-exempt travelers.
What about the Channel Islands and Isle of Man?
These are part of the UK's Common Travel Area and will require UK ETA, not ETIAS.
Can I transit through the UK to reach Europe?
If you are transiting airside (staying in the airport without passing immigration), you may not need UK ETA. Check specific requirements for your nationality and transit duration.
Which one can I apply for now?
UK ETA is already operational for many nationalities. ETIAS applications will not open until Summer 2026.

Related Information

UK Travel Requirements

Complete UK entry guide

Schengen Area Guide

30 European countries explained

Schengen Calculator

Track your 90/180 day limit

Check Your Requirements

Find out what you need

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