What are the ETIAS travel rules for Brits travelling to Europe?

New rules are set to come into force for Britons who are travelling to the EU, in an effort to strengthen security measures across European borders.

The EU has said it wants all non-EU travellers to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) in order to enter any of 30 countries.

ETIAS is due to start six months after the EU introduces the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will be an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay. The EES is yet to be implemented.

A small fee will be charged for the ETIAS, which will then be valid for a number of years – much like the US ESTA.

The change is part of a broader initiative to manage and monitor entries into the Schengen area more effectively, following Brexit's impact on travel between the UK and the EU.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a new entry requirement for Britons – and people from other non-EU nations – for travelling to 30 European countries.

The system is designed to screen travellers before they arrive at EU borders, aiming to enhance security by identifying potential threats or risks. It is not a visa but adds an extra layer of security, particularly for short-term visitors.

The introduction of ETIAS reflects a shift in travel policies post-Brexit for Britons, ensuring that those entering the Schengen area have already been authorised, similar to the US ESTA system. The Schengen area allows more than 400 million Europeans to travel freely between member countries without going through border controls. A full list of countries can be found below.

The new measure is part of Europe's broader strategy to manage migration, improve internal security, and streamline border controls.

No start date has been announced as yet but it is due to be implemented six months after the Entry/Exit System (EES).

What is the EES?

ETIAS is connected to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated IT system for registering travellers from the UK and other non-member countries each time they cross an EU external border.

The EES was due to be rolled out in November 2024 but has since been pushed back. According to the EU website, it is currently slated to go live in 2025.

Under the new system, border officers will scan the fingerprints of those crossing the Schengen area's border for the first time and take a photo of them in a dedicated booth, with information recorded in a digital file.

Entries and exits of all non-EU nationals will be registered - along with any refusals - according to the European Union's website. Passports will still be stamped manually in Cyprus and Ireland, which are not part of the Schengen Agreement.

The EES digital record will be valid for three years, with people travelling within the Schengen area within that period only needing to provide a fingerprint or photo when entering or exiting the border, the UK Foreign Office says.

You will not need to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area country.

People queuing at checkpoints, ports and airports to register for their first time is expected to cause delays. However, Eurostar expects EES registration to be quick and easy and will have 50 kiosks across three locations at stations for people to carry out the checks.

Like ETIAS, the EES has also faced repeated delays – from 2022 to May 2023, then to late 2023, then late 2024 – with the BBC reporting in October that systems were not ready in France, Germany and the Netherlands.

The European Commission has indicated a phased rollout of the EES, which it describes as "part of a wider range of crime-fighting and border security IT systems that the EU is due to deploy in the next few years".

It aims to reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area and will automate border control checks to help the EU stop visitors overstaying.​

How much will an ETIAS cost?

If you are travelling to an EU country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, you will need to pay for an ETIAS.

The cost is set at €7 (around £6) for people aged between 18 and 70. Anyone outside this age bracket is exempt from the fee.

However, you will not have to pay for a new ETIAS every time you travel as it will be valid for three years – or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first.

How does the process work?

To apply for an ETIAS you will need to visit the website and fill out the form. You will need to provide personal details such as your name, date of birth, nationality, and passport information, along with any declarations about criminal records or travel to conflict zones.

Once the application has been sent, along with the fee, it will undergo an automated security check against EU databases. Most applications are processed and approved in minutes, but you'll need to wait for an email notification to confirm approval.

Some applications might require additional information or an interview, potentially extending the process up to 30 days.

Once approved, your ETIAS is linked to your passport, valid for multiple entries until it expires in three years.

What if I am refused an ETIAS?

If your application is refused, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, you will receive a notice of refusal detailing the reasons for the denial. Common reasons for refusal include discrepancies or errors in the information provided, health concerns, past criminal convictions, or previous refusals of entry to Schengen countries.

You will receive an explanation for the refusal and you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process involves contacting the ETIAS National Unit of the country where your application was initially lodged, who will provide guidance on how to proceed with the appeal. This might involved additional documentation or clarification of the information previously submitted.

If you believe the refusal was due to an error or misunderstanding, you can submit a new application. Ensure that all details are accurate and up-to-date to avoid similar issues.

Which countries are included?

The countries include those in the Schengen area, the EU, or associated with the Schengen Agreement. They are:

Austria

Belgium

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Bulgaria

Cyprus

Romania

Iceland

Liechtenstein

Norway

Switzerland

You can also use ETIAS to visit:

Andorra

Monaco

San Marino

Vatican City