Tuesday, July 22, 2025
As part of our commitment to improve security across Europe, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System will soon be a new entry requirement for citizens of visa free countries, including the United Kingdom. From 2027, the UK travelers will have to apply for an ETIAS authorization prior to traveling to favorite European countries such as Spain, France, Greece and other Schengen countries.
The gesture comes in wake of UK’s withdrawal from the European Union and is part of the overall policy of EU to step up border security and safety of visitors by enhancing the entry into the continent. Here’s what British travelers need to know about the new entry mandates and how the requirements will affect their travel plans.
What is ETIAS and Why we need it?
ETIAS is a visa-waiver pre-screening launched by the European Union. The system is intended to enhance border security and minimize the dangers of illegal immigration, terrorism, and public health risks. Not a visa itself, the ETIAS will ask travelers for personal information as well as travel plans and a few security questions. The system will use data supplied to it to determine whether the traveler is allowed to enter the EU and allows only those who fulfill the conditions to cross the borders.
The ETIAS has been in development for several years, and is intended to provide an extra level of security without adding the weight of visa applications to visitors from countries currently with visa-free access, such as the UK, which do not currently require a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. When the system is in force, UK passport holders and other visa-exempt nationals will have to obtain ETIAS authorisation before going to Europe.
Application Process for ETIAS
The application process for obtaining an ETIAS authorization is expected to be simple and quick, conducted entirely online. Travelers will need to provide personal details such as their passport information, travel dates, and any criminal history or health-related questions. The process is designed to take just a few minutes, with most travelers receiving approval within minutes of applying. However, some applications may require additional processing time.
Once approved, the ETIAS will be electronically linked to the traveler’s passport, and travelers will be able to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The authorization will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Travelers aged under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from the ETIAS fee (set at €20 for those between 18 and 70 years old), making it a more affordable process for families and elderly travelers. However, anyone within this age group will still need to apply for an ETIAS, but at no cost.
Impact on UK Travelers
For UK passport holders, the introduction of ETIAS represents a shift in the ease of travel to the EU. Before Brexit, UK citizens could travel freely across the EU without needing an additional travel authorization. However, following the UK’s exit from the EU, the introduction of the ETIAS system brings the country in line with other visa-exempt nationals such as the United States and Australia, which have been required to apply for a similar system known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to travel to the U.S.
As UK travelers prepare for the new regulations, it is important to note that ETIAS is not a visa and does not replace any existing travel documents. Travelers will still need to ensure they have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, along with the appropriate travel authorizations, including ETIAS when it becomes mandatory. The process is designed to be an additional, hassle-free step to improve travel security and efficiency.
Exemptions to the ETIAS Requirement
While most travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for the ETIAS authorization, there are some exceptions to this requirement. The ETIAS will not be mandatory for individuals who are already in possession of a valid visa or a residence permit issued by an EU member state. Additionally, travelers under 18 or over 70 years old will not be required to pay the €20 fee, although they will still need to apply for the travel authorization.
Those with dual nationality (i.e., both UK and EU citizenship) will not need to apply for an ETIAS if they are traveling on their EU passport. This is an important point for individuals holding both UK and EU nationality, as they will not need to undergo the ETIAS application process when using their EU passports to travel to the Schengen Area.
When Will ETIAS Become Mandatory?
ETIAS is expected to become operational in the final quarter of 2026, but it will not be mandatory for entry until 2027. This allows travelers ample time to familiarize themselves with the new process. During the initial grace period, travelers will still be able to enter the Schengen Area with their current travel documents, but it is important to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made well ahead of the deadline.
Why Is the ETIAS Important for the EU?
The introduction of the ETIAS system is part of the EU’s broader efforts to tighten border control and ensure that only travelers who meet the necessary security and health criteria are allowed to enter the continent. With growing concerns about terrorism, illegal migration, and the global pandemic, the ETIAS system aims to enhance the EU’s ability to monitor and control who enters the region.
By requiring travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain a travel authorization before entry, the EU can screen passengers ahead of time, identify potential risks, and take necessary actions to maintain security. This system is expected to improve the efficiency of the Schengen Area’s border control system, facilitating smoother and safer travel for both tourists and residents.
Conclusion: A New Era for Travel to Europe
ETIAS will certainly change the way UK nationals and other non-Europeans are able to visit the Schengen Area. The new program, which may take some time for some people to learn to use, is meant to improve border security and make travel easier without subjecting citizens of all three countries to onerous visa requirements. Travellers should be aware of the ETIAS launch date and ensure they get ready for the impending changes to entry conditions. In the meantime, travellers can and should consider applying for ETIAS in good time to ensure that they do not encounter any last minute complications when the new system goes live.
As travelling to Europe picks up we’re going to see the introduction of ETIAS, and with this the EU certainly means business when it comes to tightening up things, or at the very least bring a slicker edge to security and efficiency while keeping the freedom of movement open for its citizens from non-EU states such as the UK. Residents of countries that wish to travel to Europe in the future will have ETIAS as a necessary part of their travel arrangements, just as individual traveling to any country in the United States must have ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) USA visa.
