British holidaymakers are set to face a new charge for trips to dozens of European destinations. From late 2026, UK passport holders will need to pay €20 (approximately £17.50) for an electronic travel authorisation under the forthcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
What is the ETIAS and Who Needs It?
The ETIAS is a new pre-travel screening system for visitors from visa-exempt, non-European Union countries. This includes nationals from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and Canada. It is not a visa, but a travel authorisation required for short stays.
Travellers will need to complete an online application, providing personal details and answering security questions, alongside paying the €20 fee. The authorisation, once approved, will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, and allows for multiple entries of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
The fee will be waived for children under 18 and adults over 70, though they must still complete the application. Residents of EU countries and those with a Schengen Area residence permit do not need to apply.
Key Dates and the Full List of 30 Countries
The system is expected to launch in late 2026, with a transition period meaning it will not become mandatory until 2027. The ETIAS will be required for travel to 30 European nations, encompassing most of the Schengen Zone plus Cyprus.
The countries requiring ETIAS authorisation are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, 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.
Warning: Don't Fall for ETIAS Scams
Travel association ABTA and the European Union have issued urgent warnings about fraudsters exploiting confusion around the new system. More than 60 fake websites are already claiming to sell the ETIAS visa waiver, even though it is not yet operational.
Luke Petherbridge, ABTA's Director of Public Affairs, stated: 'The European Union is very keen to stress the fact that there is only one official site for purchasing an ETIAS visa-waiver, and people should not use other channels.'
Travellers are advised to ignore apps, websites, or social media posts offering alternative application routes. When it goes live, the only legitimate application channel will be the official ETIAS website. Applying elsewhere risks financial loss and identity theft.
It is also crucial to distinguish ETIAS from the separate Entry/Exit System (EES) launched earlier this year. The EES involves collecting biometric data from non-EU travellers at border crossings and does not require a separate online application or fee.
While the new process adds a step and a cost for UK tourists, authorities emphasise it is designed to bolster border security and is similar to systems already used by countries like the USA and Canada.
