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.
- Required by all UK passport holders visiting the EU
- 100% electronic system, linked to your passport
- Grants stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period
Key updates on the ETIAS start date:
- Expected launch date: Late 2026
- Applications are not currently being accepted
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:
ETIAS | EES | eu-LISA |
---|---|---|
A visa waiver for non-EU travellers visiting the Schengen Area. | An automated system tracking non-EU travellers' entry and exit into the Schengen Area. | The EU agency that manages IT systems for security and migration. |
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.
Do I need a visa for Europe if I come from the UK?
No, ETIAS is not a type of visa. It's a travel authorisation that allows UK passport holders to continue to visit the EU visa-free. The application process is simpler and faster than for most international visas.
Is ETIAS a consequence of Brexit?
The ETIAS initiative for visa-exempt travellers, such as U.S. and Canadian citizens, was planned before Brexit. However, as Brexit has changed the UK’s status to a non-EU country, British passport holders must now apply for an ETIAS.
How will ETIAS affect longer stays or work opportunities for Brits?
ETIAS only covers short stays for tourism, business, or transit. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or work in an EU country, you'll need a visa or residency permit.
Can I get an ETIAS if I have a UK criminal record?
You can apply for ETIAS from the UK with a criminal record, though it may be denied if you have serious criminal convictions. Each case will be reviewed individually.
What happens if I fail to get an ETIAS before travelling from the UK?
Once the system is fully operational, you will not be able to enter the EU without a valid ETIAS. You’ll be stopped from boarding your flight or ship, or denied entry at the border if you do not have a valid travel authorisation.
Is the ETIAS process for Brits the same for all non-EU nationals?
Yes, UK citizens will apply for their ETIAS in the same way as travellers from other non-EU and visa-exempt countries.
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.
ETIAS timeline
The rollout of both EES and ETIAS has been postponed several times. EES is expected to be launched in October 2025, followed by ETIAS the following year.
Authorities plan to grant a 6-month grace period to allow systems to integrate and travellers to get used to the new rules.
Here’s an overview of key dates in the ETIAS timeline:
- March 2025
-
EU announces further delays to ETIAS with roll-out postponed to late 2026.
- November 2024
-
EU authorities state that six months after EES is rolled out, ETIAS will be launched.
-
The EU announces that EES will not become operational until 2025, but does not specify a date.
- October 2023
-
Justice and Home Affairs Council announces EES is delayed until Autumn 2024
-
Justice and Home Affairs Council states ETIAS is postponed until mid-2025
- December 2021
-
eu-LISA announces ETIAS is postponed until May 2023
-
eu-LISA delays the EES until September 2022
- October 2018
-
ETIAS regulation entered into force
- July 2018
-
Official agreement to implement ETIAS is passed
- November 2016
-
First proposal published by the European Commission
Delays to the launch of ETIAS
ETIAS postponements have no doubt fuelled speculation on what’s to come for Brits at the EU border. Despite the wait, experts are clear that the new systems will inevitably be introduced.
As Jason points out: “the EU’s Entry and Exit System, which is inextricably intertwined with ETIAS, has also faced delays”, which has had a knock-on effect on rollout dates across the board.
“Software issues and IT integration across 30 member countries is a massive challenge, particularly with EU budgets under pressure. Taking account of GDPR regulations and data privacy has also proved more time-consuming than initially thought.”
Logistical and budget issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic were a big factor in the delays of the system launch. Different EU member states have also had to coordinate their border policies and legal frameworks to accommodate ETIAS, leading to slow decision-making.
As Jason highlights, "Unforeseen issues have arisen in the development and testing phase of the system, raising concerns as to whether it was ready to be deployed."
What to expect from ETIAS 2026
Some final details of the new procedures are yet to be confirmed, and how the system works on the ground will not be seen until ETIAS is in effect. This has led to a lot of speculation, as Jason highlights:
"There have been various news reports around the travel delays expected from the introduction of EES at UK airports and ports, and how much longer it is going to take to collect and process facial recognition and biometrics."
Though uncertainty about the new travel system and how it will work is natural, it’s important to stick to the facts and keep up to date with verified information as it’s released.
As Jason sums up, "ETIAS is a mixed bag of enhanced security coupled with potential logistical challenges. The key for British citizens will be to stay informed and prepared."
Stay up to date with OnTrailVisa
At OnTrailVisa, our mission is to provide the details of new travel requirements clearly and accurately, ensuring our information comes from trusted sources. Check our site regularly for the latest updates, including more launch details as they emerge, and when ETIAS starts.