Updated travel restrictions for British nationals
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is set to be implemented in the last quarter of 2026, requiring travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain pre-travel authorization to enter most European Union countries and related Schengen Area states for short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period [1][2][4].
Key details and requirements for ETIAS in 2026 include:
Application Process
The application process is entirely online and typically takes less than 20 minutes. Applicants must provide basic personal data, passport information (passport must be valid at entry with at least 3 months validity beyond departure date and issued within the last 10 years), and answer security and health questions. Approval is usually granted within minutes but can take a few days for some applicants [2][3][5].
Cost
The ETIAS application fee is set at €20 (~$23) for applicants aged between 18 and 70. Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from paying the fee but still need to obtain the ETIAS authorization [1][2][4][5]. The authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first [4][5].
Exemptions
Travelers who already have a valid visa for entering Europe do not need to apply for ETIAS. Transit passengers also require ETIAS authorization [2][5].
Biometric Data
ETIAS itself does not collect biometric data like fingerprints or facial scans. The system electronically links the approved authorization to the traveler’s passport but relies on pre-screening of data against security databases such as Interpol and Europol for identification of security or irregular migration risks [1][4][5].
Purpose
ETIAS aims to enhance border security, help identify security, irregular migration, or epidemic risks before travelers’ arrival, and streamline border control processing without being a visa or guaranteeing entry [1][4][5].
Validity and Usage
Once approved, ETIAS allows multiple entries into 30 European countries (mainly EU Schengen member states and associated countries) for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) [1][3][4][5].
In summary, from late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries need to apply online for ETIAS authorization, pay a €20 fee if aged 18-70, and have an approved electronic authorization linked to their passport to travel to Europe. The system enhances security by screening applicants without collecting biometric data and applies broadly for tourism, business, or transit stays up to 90 days within 180 days [1][2][4][5].
The ETIAS authorization, which will be implemented in the last quarter of 2026, is necessary for travelers from visa-exempt countries to enter most European Union countries and related Schengen Area states for short stays. For these travels, travelers should be aware that they need to apply online, pay a €20 fee if aged 18-70, and have an approved electronic authorization linked to their passport to facilitate their journey.
This system aims to improve border security, help identify security, irregular migration, or epidemic risks before travelers’ arrival, and streamline border control processing without being a visa or guaranteeing entry, allowing multiple entries into 30 European countries for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). This means that adopting a flexible travel lifestyle, whether for tourism, business, or transit, will require obtaining ETIAS authorization from late 2026 onwards.
