What is ETIAS travel authorisation?

Currently UK passport holders do not require a visa to visit Europe, unless staying longer than 90 days in any 180-day period. 

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to start operations in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

When implemented, travellers will be able to apply for an ETIAS by the official website – www.europa.eu/etias.
As the system is not live, the website itself is not live or taking applications, so you cannot yet get an official ETIAS. Any websites claiming to offer this are false.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to the majority of the European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It will be linked to a traveller’s passport and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you obtain a new passport, you will need to apply for a new travel authorisation. The application fee is expected to be €20 per person, although there is no charge for applicants under the age of 18 or for those aged 70 and over.