UK travellers planning trips to Europe will need to obtain a new travel permit, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected to be introduced in late 2026. The fee will be €20 (approximately £17) for adults under 70, valid for three years. Unlike the Entry Exit System (EES), which requires in-person registration, ETIAS requires an online application before travel.
The EES, a separate system, began a phased rollout in October 2025 and will continue until April 2026. It requires non-EU citizens, including Brits, to scan passports and provide fingerprints and photos at the EU border. No fee is charged for EES, and no advance action is needed.
From February 25, 2026, visitors from 85 nationalities, including the US, Canada, and France, will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. The ETA costs £16 and is applied for via an app. British and Irish citizens are exempt.
These changes are part of broader UK law updates in 2026, including new recycling rules requiring four separate waste collections from March 31, and a minimum wage rise in spring.
