The new Etias system will revolutionize the travel habits of Britons wishing to enjoy the landscapes and culture of the Old Continent. Starting from the last quarter of 2026, not only will you need to apply online, but you will also have to pay a fee of 20 € to stroll through one of the 29 Schengen destinations or Cyprus. What is this Etias? Who is it for? How do you obtain it and for how long? Pack your bags, your passport… and your credit card: here’s an overview of what this novelty holds for travelers from the other side of the Channel and beyond!
A fresh take on European borders
Gone are the days when all you needed to do was hop on the Eurostar or arrive at the airport with a simple British passport to cross into Europe! Enter the modern era with Etias – European Travel Information and Authorization System, a travel authorization that becomes the new standard for all travelers from third countries, including our friends from across the Channel. This system will concern 29 Schengen countries, plus Cyprus, which is already lining up to join the club, from Austria to Switzerland, through France, Italy, Poland, or Greece.
To find out everything about the imminent launch of this system and how it will revolutionize your travels, take a look here: the visa waiver system.
How much does it cost? Where does Etias apply?
Yes, you will now need to take out your wallet: 20 € per Etias application, for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The good news is that it’s not a formal visa, but more of an administrative formality, in the form of an online questionnaire and a quick payment. And this will apply to the entire Schengen galaxy as well as to Cyprus! To properly prepare for your next getaway in Europe, feel free to check out this detailed article on Etias.
An express application… but mandatory!
Let’s be honest: nobody likes filling out forms. But good news, Etias promises to be (almost) as quick as a strong coffee in Rome. You’ll just need to connect to the official portal, or in the near future, via a mobile app, enter your details, passport information, a few details about your job, your intentions for your stay, and your planned destinations, as well as a discreet history of your travels and any convictions. A glance from European authorities via Interpol, and in 95% of cases, approval will come through… in just a few minutes!
Beware, a simple Etias stamp does not guarantee access to the continent 100%. Borders will remain the final judge, who may always verify your information in person. For more precision, this guide will be invaluable: the essentials to know before you leave.
Exceptions, durations, and favored small countries
If you are a citizen of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican or Ireland, don’t worry: Etias is not for you! Moreover, if you already hold a residence permit or a visa for one of the affected countries, you can continue to travel with peace of mind. For travelers merely in transit and not leaving the international zone of the airport, this authorization is also not required.
For others, keep in mind that an Etias application remains valid for up to three years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first). But be careful, if you dreamed of staying more than 90 days in a luxurious Portuguese castle or on the Amalfi coast, you will need to apply for a visa, as Etias does not allow for long stays. All of this will be checked under the biometric lens of the new EES system, currently being installed. Need to know more about these high-tech controls? Visit here: biometric control 2025.
The European countries where Etias will not be required
Looking for the European exception? Good news: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Monaco, and the Vatican will not require an Etias for British travelers. Ireland, for its part, remains true to its free spirit and does not align with this system. But beware! To access some of these countries, you may sometimes have to transit through a Schengen nation where Etias will indeed be required.
A tour of Europe, yes, but by the book!
You’ve been warned: the spontaneity of one-day travel won’t quite have the same flavor atop the Eiffel Tower or on the golden beaches of Spain. With Etias, Europe is betting on security and traceability, while keeping the door wide open for curious souls and passionate people from around the globe. Remember to check the validity of your passport (less than 10 years old and at least 3 months of validity after your departure!) and follow the news on the arrival of ETA authorizations for the UK through this resource.
