Understanding ETIAS: implications for British citizens

It’s no secret that post-Brexit changes for UK citizens travelling to Europe are a cause for concern amongst Brits.

Updates to European entry requirements for British citizens have been subject to a number of delays, causing confusion for those planning future trips. The new framework is now currently expected to be launched in the last quarter of 2026.

With the upcoming rollout of new entry systems and requirements for European Union and Schengen Area countries, it’s essential to get reliable information on how they will impact the way we travel to the continent.

Your trusted source on the impact of ETIAS

Plans have been in place to digitalise entry systems for the EU for several years. Despite this, a YouGov survey from January 2025 found that 68% of Brits were unaware of the upcoming ETIAS requirements.

To prepare for the launch of the new travel frameworks, known as ETIAS and EES, the OnTrailVisa team has compiled answers to commonly asked questions, verified and fact-checked, so you’ll be ready to travel with confidence.

We’ve consulted leading experts on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, including Blevins Franks — a firm with decades of expertise supporting British expatriates living in Europe.

Business Development Director Mr Jason Porter is leading the charge in understanding how these new regulations will impact Brits. He took the time to give us a detailed rundown on ETIAS and how it will impact UK citizens travelling to Europe from late 2026 onwards.

New EU travel requirement from 2026: ETIAS

The launch of ETIAS represents a fundamental shift in the way British people will visit European countries. It applies to almost all member states of the European Union, and the entire Schengen Area. The only exemptions are Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania.

Key updates on the ETIAS start date:

The ETIAS system doesn't change how long you’ll be able to stay in affected countries. However, instead of visiting without a travel document, you’ll need an approved ETIAS.

If you hold a residence permit for a Schengen Area country, you do not need to make an ETIAS application, even if you’re a British passport holder.

Changes to the way we travel to Europe

Thanks to proximity and prior lack of travel restrictions, Brits have always been very regular visitors to Europe. In 2022, UK citizens made more than 56 million visits to European countries.

As British nationals no longer enjoy the same freedom of movement within the EU, changes to the way we travel are on the way. Here are some key impacts of the new system for UK citizens.

Extra preparation

With the launch of ETIAS, it’s no longer possible to simply arrange a flight and carry your British passport to enter EU countries. Though no visa will be required, you must submit your ETIAS request online before you travel as of late 2026.

“British passport holders need to plan their travel well in advance,” advises Jason. "While this may introduce an extra step in the travel preparation process, it's crucial for ensuring compliance with new European regulations."

Nevertheless, once approved, your travel authorisation will be valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires. If you keep on top of maintaining a valid ETIAS, you’ll still be able to take last-minute trips without additional preparation.

Increased security

A key aim of the ETIAS initiative is to pre-screen travellers before they arrive at air or seaport immigration controls. By registering with the system from home, your details can be cross-checked and verified in advance.

As Jason points out, “one of the major benefits is the enhanced security protocol that aims to identify any potential threats or risks, which helps in maintaining safety across the region.”

Though your ETIAS grants pre-approval for travel, it does not guarantee entry to your destination country. "When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions", Jason explains.

Added cost

The online process to request your ETIAS comes with a cost per applicant. Though this might not be too troublesome to solo travellers, families or larger travel parties feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living will need to factor this extra expense into their budgeting.

A 2024 YouGov study on UK travel trends found that 52% of Brits were taking fewer holidays than before due to high living costs.
However, Jason points out that there’s good news for younger and older travellers: "All nationals of the 60 visa-free countries will need to have an ETIAS travel authorisation, but applicants under 18 or over 70 years of age are exempt from paying the fee."

New arrivals process

The details of the new arrivals processes are still being finalised. Currently, UK passports must be inspected and stamped by a border official on arrival in Europe.

Though your passport may still be inspected, it’s hoped that a new automatic system, known as EES, will perform the process more quickly. As Jason tells us, “It’s designed to track the entry and exit of non-EU travellers, and so complements ETIAS's purpose.”

“While there have been reports of potential delays and challenges at UK borders due to the introduction of the EES, it's less clear how well these systems will integrate with ETIAS processes,” he mentions.

ETIAS UK fact check

Here’s a reminder of the key terms involved in the overhaul of travel regulations for British citizens travelling to Europe:

Details about the launch of new entry and exit systems and the planned rollout of ETIAS in late 2026 are still emerging.

With repeated delays and a lack of specific information about the ETIAS start date, there’s been some concern amongst Brits who regularly travel to the EU about what the new requirements will entail.

Some travel experts have speculated about extended waiting times at border control points, including at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel entrance, which may come as a result of the biometric data collection processes.

It’s thought that fingerprints and facial scans, which must be collected as part of EES controls, will take more time to process than current electronic border controls.

In anticipation, some delay management processes have been set up, such as Operation Brock, a contraflow system to organise lengthy queues of travellers wishing to cross the Channel.

Until the systems go live and begin to interact with the public and existing infrastructure, there’s no way of knowing what types of issues or delays may occur.

Concerns about ETIAS from UK citizens

Once up and running, the new travel systems for the EU and Schengen Area should help to optimise arrival and exit procedures. The application process will only take a few minutes to complete, and the majority of travellers will get pre-approval quickly.

As we prepare for these changes, many UK citizens have raised concerns and queries about how the system will work. In fact, a Co-op Insurance study found that 1 in 5 Brits may be deterred from travelling to the EU once EES and ETIAS are launched.

To clear up confusion, here are some verified details in answer to common fears about ETIAS for UK nationals.

How does ETIAS affect the Withdrawal Agreement?

The Withdrawal Agreement (WA) guarantees continued rights to live in the EU for some UK nationals. To benefit, you must have been a lawful resident in a European Union member country before 1st January 2021.

As Jason explains, "Citizens who benefit under the Withdrawal Agreement are exempt from ETIAS. They may live in and travel to European countries normally requiring ETIAS as long as they hold documents proving their WA status."

For most Brits residing in the EU or Schengen Area, this proof will be in the form of a national ID or residence card. Your resident status exempts you from ETIAS requirements in all countries where the system applies.