Malaga’s coastline is one of many hit with a substandard rating(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
British travellers heading to Europe will soon face a new requirement before they can enter many of the continent’s most popular holiday destinations. The European Union is preparing to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a digital travel permit that UK passport holders will need to obtain before visiting a wide range of countries.
The scheme will apply to travellers from visa-exempt nations and is expected to begin operating in late 2026, although the final launch date has yet to be confirmed. Once the system is in place, visitors will have to complete a short online application before travelling.
The authorisation will permit short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period across participating countries. According to the UK Foreign Office, travellers do not need to take any action yet. Guidance published on its website says: “From Autumn 2026, the EU is expected to start operations of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). No action is required from travellers at this point.”
Officials have also warned that any websites currently claiming to sell ETIAS permits should not be trusted.
The department added: “The European Union will announce the specific date for the start of ETIAS before its launch. Any website selling ETIAS at this time is doing so fraudulently.”
How the new system will work
When the system launches, travellers will need to submit personal details, passport information and basic travel plans through an online form before departure. Most applications are expected to be processed automatically by security databases and approved within minutes, though some may undergo additional checks.
The travel authorisation will cost €20 for people aged 18 to 70, while those under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from paying the fee.
Once approved, the permit will generally remain valid for up to three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever happens first. During that time, visitors will be able to make multiple trips without reapplying.
ETIAS will also work alongside another EU border initiative known as the Entry/Exit System (EES). This scheme will replace traditional passport stamping with biometric checks, including facial scans and fingerprints, for non-EU visitors entering the Schengen area.
The Foreign Office explains: “EES is designed to improve border security within the EU and its neighbouring countries, and reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. It automates border control checks to help the EU stop visitors overstaying.”
Countries where ETIAS will apply
The new authorisation will be required for entry into 29 European countries that are part of the Schengen travel area.
These include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
The requirement will apply to travellers arriving by air, land or sea, meaning millions of UK holidaymakers visiting Europe each year will need to secure the digital permit before they travel.