ETIAS latest for UK citizens
You do not apply for ETIAS yet. On 16 October 2026 the EU’s own site said the European Travel Information and Authorisation System is not in operation, and that no applications are being collected. The EU says it will announce the start date several months before launch.
A news item on the same EU site, dated 15 April 2026, said nationals of the United Kingdom would need an ETIAS travel authorisation from the last quarter of 2026. That quarter has started. The live pages still tell travellers not to apply. Use the EU site, not a commercial page, to see when that changes. The short-stay rules that already apply are on the Schengen guide.
What ETIAS is
ETIAS is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers, linked to a passport. It is not a visa, and this website does not issue it. The EU compares the idea with other authorisation systems, but the only place to apply, once applications open, is the EU ETIAS website or the EU app.
The EU says an authorisation would be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. You would still have to stay within 90 days in any 180-day period. The fee published for an application on the EU website is EUR 20. Applicants under 18 or over 70 do not pay. Family members of EU citizens can also be exempt if they meet the EU’s conditions.
The EU also says a commercial intermediary can charge an extra fee on top of EUR 20. That extra fee is not the EU charge. Do not use a site that pretends to be the EU application.
Who it will cover
The EU lists 30 countries that will require ETIAS for a visa-free short stay. They are the 29 countries using EES, plus Cyprus. Ireland is not on the list. Time in Cyprus is counted separately from the 90 days in the other countries.
UK nationals will be in scope when the system starts, unless an exemption applies. The EU describes an exemption for beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement who hold the right residence document. Documents issued by Ireland and by Cyprus do not give the same freedom to travel without ETIAS. Read the EU page rather than assuming a residence card is enough.
What to do before a trip now
Check the passport rules and the 90-day count. Expect EES registration at the border, which is already separate from ETIAS and has no fee. Ignore emails and ads that say your ETIAS is about to expire. If you have never applied on the EU site, you do not have one.
Last verified: 2026-10-16. Sources: who should apply, the ETIAS FAQ, and the 15 April 2026 UK nationals note.
FAQ
Do UK citizens need ETIAS now?
Not yet. On 16 October 2026 the EU site said ETIAS was not in operation and that applications were not being collected.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The EU’s published fee is EUR 20 when you apply on the EU website. Applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt. Any extra fee charged by another website is that website’s charge.
How long will an ETIAS last?
The EU says three years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. A new passport needs a new authorisation.
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Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.