Published on
January 4, 2026
Romania, along with Luxembourg, Germany, France, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Greece, Slovakia, Netherlands, Hungary, and several other European nations, will implement the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) starting in 2026. This system, aimed at enhancing border security, requires travelers from the UK and other visa-exempt countries to obtain digital authorization before visiting any of the Schengen Area nations. The ETIAS is set to revolutionize European travel by streamlining entry procedures while ensuring greater safety and security for travelers and the region.
The new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to begin operating in the last quarter of 2026, bringing a significant change for travelers heading to Europe. For years, British passport holders enjoyed the freedom to travel across Europe without the need for any pre-trip approval. However, with the UK no longer part of the European Union due to Brexit, this convenience is coming to an end, and new travel rules are being introduced.
Starting in 2026, UK nationals will be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before traveling to any of the 30 European Union (EU) countries that are part of the Schengen Area. These countries include popular destinations such as Spain, Greece, and Portugal. However, it’s important to note that Ireland is excluded from this system due to its membership in the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the UK, meaning British passport holders can still visit Ireland without an ETIAS.
The ETIAS travel authorization will be valid for three years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. With this authorization, travelers will be permitted to stay within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, making it suitable for short-term tourism and business trips.
The European Union has confirmed that the system will be launched in the final quarter of 2026, but the exact date will be announced months before its official rollout. Unlike a traditional visa, the ETIAS is a digital authorization linked directly to a traveler’s passport, and it must be approved online before embarking on any trip to Europe.
Not every traveler from the UK will need an ETIAS. Certain individuals, such as those holding both a British and an EU passport, can use their EU passport to enter Schengen countries without needing the authorization. Additionally, long-term residents in Schengen countries will not require an ETIAS for intra-EU travel. If you already have a long-stay visa for a particular EU country, an ETIAS will not be necessary for that destination.
Before applying for the ETIAS, travelers must ensure that their passports meet the validity requirements. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from the Schengen Zone. Passports that are older than ten years may not be accepted for ETIAS applications.
The ETIAS application will cost €20 for most individuals. However, exemptions apply to applicants who are under 18 or over 70 years of age, as well as family members of EU citizens or non-EU nationals with the right to move freely within the EU. The €20 fee covers the cost of data processing, identity verification, and security checks. It is important to note that the fee applies individually to each traveler, meaning that even when traveling as a family or group, each person must submit their own application and pay the fee separately.
The application process will be straightforward, requiring travelers to submit personal details such as their passport number through the official ETIAS website. As the system is digital, the application can be completed quickly and conveniently online, reducing the need for in-person visits to consulates or embassies.
Here is a list of the 30 EU countries where ETIAS will be required for visa-exempt travelers:
AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzechiaDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandItalyLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenSwitzerland
The ETIAS system is a key part of the European Union’s efforts to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for travelers. It will be essential for British travelers and others who previously enjoyed free movement within Europe to familiarize themselves with this new system and apply for their ETIAS well in advance of their planned travels. As more details are released, travelers are encouraged to stay updated on the official ETIAS website to ensure they meet all necessary requirements for their trips to Europe in the future.
