A passenger checks her passport (Image: Getty)
British tourists travelling to popular destinations such as Spain, Greece, France and Italy are being warned about a new rule that will soon apply across much of Europe. The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a digital travel permit that visitors from visa-exempt countries – including the UK – will need to obtain before entering a host of European destinations.
Under the system, travellers will have to complete an online application before their trip and receive authorisation to enter participating countries for short stays. The permit will allow visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The EU expects ETIAS to begin operating in late 2026, although the exact launch date has not yet been confirmed. The new permit will work alongside Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES), another digital border scheme that will replace passport stamping with biometric checks such as facial scans and fingerprints for non-EU travellers.
The Foreign Office said on its website: “EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. It automates border control checks to help the EU stop visitors overstaying.
“EES is part of wider work the EU is doing to strengthen their border security. From Autumn 2026, the EU is expected to start operations of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). No action is required from travellers at this point.
“The European Union will announce the specific date for the start of ETIAS before its launch. Any website selling ETIAS at this time is doing so fraudulently, and you should only apply on the official EU website when able to.
“When ETIAS is introduced, you will need to apply for authorisation to enter Schengen area countries if you are using a UK passport and don’t already have a visa or residence permit.
“You will need to provide personal information and details about your trip, and pay a 20 Euro fee, as part of the authorisation process. The EU has already set out more information on ETIAS, including what information will be required from each nationality, on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.”
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Officials say the new rules will apply to travellers arriving by air, sea or land and will affect millions of tourists who currently visit Europe without needing a visa.
Travellers will need to fill out a short online form before travelling and provide details such as their passport information and travel plans.
Applications are expected to take only a few minutes and will be checked automatically against security databases.
Most requests will be approved quickly, although some may require additional checks.
Once granted, the ETIAS authorisation will usually remain valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever happens first.
It will allow multiple trips to Europe during that period without needing to reapply.
The travel authorisation will cost €20 for travellers aged between 18 and 70, while those younger than 18 or older than 70 will be exempt from the fee.
Officials say the system is similar to travel authorisation schemes already used by countries such as the United States.
Full list of European countries affected
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