Scottish holidaymakers and other UK passport holders will soon face a new £17 charge when travelling to dozens of European countries. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a post-Brexit requirement, will apply to 30 nations within the Schengen area, with Cyprus set to join the list once it becomes part of the zone.
ETIAS Fee and Exemptions
Initially expected to cost €7 per person, the ETIAS fee has been confirmed at €20 (approximately £17). However, children and those aged over 70 will be exempt from paying. The authorisation allows multiple visits for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. An approved ETIAS is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Timeline and Implementation
The programme has faced several delays. According to the EU's Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, ETIAS is now scheduled to launch in the final quarter of 2026. Following an initial grace period, securing an ETIAS will become compulsory in 2027. Brussels officials state the system is designed to bolster security and strengthen the frontiers of the Schengen area.
Full List of Countries Requiring ETIAS
UK passport holders will need an ETIAS for the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Cyprus will also be subject to the requirements once it joins the Schengen zone.
