Published on
October 17, 2025
In a historic shift that will transform travel for UK tourists, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden are leading the way in implementing the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Set to be rolled out next year, the ETIAS will require all UK citizens and other nationals from visa-exempt countries to apply for a travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area. This groundbreaking system is designed to enhance border security while streamlining the entry process for legitimate visitors. By pre-screening travelers before arrival, the ETIAS aims to make travel across these key European destinations safer, faster, and more efficient, revolutionizing the way tourists from the UK experience some of Europe’s most popular countries.
UK Tourists Will Need to Pay £17 to Enter Popular EU Destinations Starting Next Year
In a significant shift for UK holidaymakers, starting next year, British tourists will be required to pay a £17 fee to enter a range of European Union destinations. The change comes as part of the European Union’s new travel authorization system, known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will apply to all travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia. This new requirement is set to impact millions of tourists heading to the EU each year, making travel to popular European hotspots a little more complex.
The new ETIAS system was confirmed by Ylva Johansson, the EU Home Affairs Commissioner, who explained that it will necessitate all non-EU citizens – who do not require a visa for short stays – to apply for an ETIAS before entering the Schengen Area. If you’re a UK passport holder planning to travel to Europe for a holiday or business trip, this change will affect you directly. The system is designed to improve border security and make entry easier for eligible visitors by allowing authorities to pre-screen travellers before they arrive.
How ETIAS Works: What UK Tourists Need to Know
The introduction of ETIAS will be a significant change for many UK tourists. Under the new system, anyone from a country that doesn’t require a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area, such as the UK, will have to apply for an ETIAS before entering Europe. The system will apply to visits lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period, which covers most short-term stays, including holidays, business trips, and family visits.
For UK nationals, this means that trips to countries like France, Spain, Italy, and Greece, among others, will now require them to apply for an ETIAS, which is essentially a pre-approved travel authorization that grants entry to the EU.
It’s important to note that the ETIAS system is not a visa. The ETIAS authorization is essentially an online travel pass that is designed to allow for faster and more secure entry to the EU. Once granted, the ETIAS will be valid for three years, which means you can travel multiple times to the Schengen Area within that period without needing to reapply.
The Cost of ETIAS: £17 Fee
The cost of an ETIAS will be €20, which is approximately £17.50 for UK tourists. However, the fee is waived for certain groups. Children under the age of 18 and older travellers, aged 71 and above, will not have to pay the ETIAS fee. The application process itself is designed to be straightforward, with travellers needing to fill out an online form providing basic information and details about their travel plans. The process should only take a few minutes, and the majority of applications are expected to be approved within minutes, although it’s recommended to apply at least a few days before your departure.
Once granted, the ETIAS will be valid for three years or until the expiration of your passport, whichever comes first. If your passport expires during the validity period of the ETIAS, you will need to apply for a new authorization. Similarly, if your ETIAS expires during a trip, you’ll need to apply for a new one before your travels.
Exemptions to the ETIAS System
While ETIAS will apply to most UK tourists, there are some exemptions. Irish passport holders are exempt from the system altogether. Additionally, British nationals who have EU residency rights will also be exempt from needing an ETIAS. These individuals will continue to benefit from freedom of movement within the EU, as they did before Brexit.
It is also important to remember that the ETIAS system only applies to countries within the Schengen Area. For example, countries like the UK, Ireland, Croatia, and Romania, which are not part of the Schengen Zone, will not be affected by ETIAS.
Which Countries Will Require ETIAS?
Once the ETIAS system is live, travellers will need the authorization to enter the following Schengen Area countries:
AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandItalyLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSlovenia
These countries, along with others in the Schengen Zone, will require visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, to have an approved ETIAS before entry. This system is expected to make travelling across Europe more streamlined for legitimate visitors while increasing security and allowing European authorities to better track who is entering the region.
France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden are set to transform European travel with the introduction of the ETIAS system for UK tourists. This move aims to enhance border security while simplifying entry for travellers.
A New Era for European Travel
While the ETIAS system introduces an additional step for UK holidaymakers, it is important to view it as part of the broader European effort to improve security and streamline travel for eligible visitors. Once fully operational, ETIAS will allow visitors to enter the EU more easily, reducing wait times at borders and increasing the efficiency of immigration controls.
As we move into the post-Brexit era, UK tourists are likely to encounter more changes like this, as European countries seek to balance security with efficient tourism management. ETIAS is just one of the many new systems that will shape the future of travel to Europe.
For now, UK travellers can prepare for the upcoming changes, making sure to apply for their ETIAS in advance to ensure smooth entry into Europe’s most popular destinations.
