ETIAS Requirements for UK Citizens

Do British citizens need a visa for Europe?

British citizens do not need a visa to travel to Europe short term. Passport holders can continue to travel to countries in the EU without applying for a visa, even following Brexit.

Like nationals of all other visa-exempt non-EU countries, British citizens will need to apply for ETIAS from 2025. Registering with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is mandatory to cross the external Schengen border.

Why do British citizens need ETIAS?

British citizens need ETIAS because the United Kingdom is not in the European Union. Since Brexit, you do not have freedom of movement in the EU as a UK passport holder.

ETIAS is being introduced for all visa-exempt non-EU nationals and therefore applies to travellers from the UK.

Citizens of over 60 countries including Australia, Canada, and the United States will also need to apply for ETIAS.

What you need to know about ETIAS for UK citizens

With the introduction of ETIAS, the requirements to travel from the UK to Europe will change. You will need ETIAS for holidays and business trips to Schengen countries.

Here is the essential information about ETIAS for UK citizens.

  1. You can stay in Europe for up to 90 days per 180-day period with ETIAS. A visa is required for longer stays.
  2. You can visit Europe multiple times with the same authorisation. You do not need to apply and pay each time you travel—ETIAS is valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires.
  3. You can go to any of the countries in the Schengen Area with the same ETIAS permit. No need to get separate authorisations for each country you plan to visit.

What you need to apply for ETIAS from Britain

As a British citizen, you need just a few items to apply for ETIAS. To meet the ETIAS requirements you must have:

  • UK passport valid for at least 3 months after you will exit the Schengen Area
  • Debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS application fee
  • Email address to be notified when your request is approved

The ETIAS application process for UK citizens

The ETIAS application for UK citizens is 100% online. You can apply for your visa waiver from anywhere outside the Schengen Area. It’s quick and simple to fill out the electronic application form for UK nationals. You will be asked to provide the following information:

  • Personal information—name, date and place of birth, gender
  • Contact details—including an email address
  • Passport data—number, issue date, and expiry date
  • Travel plans—travel dates and country of arrival

You also need to answer some security questions. This information is checked against Schengen security systems. Potential threats to public health and safety can be detected before reaching the Schengen zone.

ETIAS approval rates for UK nationals

It is expected that over 95% of ETIAS applications will be approved following automatic processing.

You are notified by email when your application is approved and the ETIAS is linked to your UK passport electronically.

If there is an alert in any of the security systems, the application is reviewed manually by the ETIAS National Unit responsible.

Applicants whose ETIAS is denied are given the right to appeal the decision.

Note that ETIAS does not guarantee entry to Europe for UK nationals. International visitors must meet all the Schengen entry requirements.

What are the aims of ETIAS?

ETIAS improves Schengen security and border management.

The travel authorisation system detects people who pose a potential threat to the Schengen Area public before they arrive. This could be a security, illegal immigration, or high epidemic risk.

The new system allows UK nationals to maintain their visa-free privileges whilst making Europe safer for residents and visitors. British passport holders can enjoy top European holiday destinations with greater peace of mind than ever before.

Several countries around the world have similar visa waiver systems. UK passport holders already need ESTA to visit the United States visa-free.

Visiting Europe after Brexit: latest news

Here UK citizens can find the latest Brexit travel news. Since leaving the UK, the way British nationals travel to European destinations has changed. Here are some useful links to help you familiarise yourself with the latest rules and regulations.

Make sure you check all the latest information before your next trip to Europe.