EU ETIAS and EES for UK citizens

Two separate EU systems affect British visitors to Europe. The Entry/Exit System (EES) records you at the border — there is nothing to apply for. ETIAS is a travel authorisation you will apply for online before you travel, once it starts.

Is it needed yet?

ETIAS is not in operation yet and no applications are being taken. The EU says it will announce the start date several months before launch. Until then, any website taking an ETIAS application or payment is not the EU.

The official website is

travel-europe.europa.eu

Go to travel-europe.europa.eu ↗

Check the address bar shows travel-europe.europa.eu before you enter passport or card details.

Avoid paying a lookalike website

ETIAS applications are not open yet, so there is nothing to pay for. Once ETIAS starts, the EU's own site says other websites "collect your data and use the official ETIAS website to file the application on your behalf" and "may also require you to pay additional fees".

Search results and ads can show unofficial sites above the government's own. Use the link on this page, or type the address yourself.
Compare the total you're asked to pay with the official fee on this page. If it's well above it, you are probably not on the government's website.

Key facts

When ETIAS starts: Not yet in operation. The EU's news article for UK nationals says UK nationals will need ETIAS "starting from the last quarter of this year" (published 15 April 2026); the exact date will be announced several months in advance. Source ↗
Official fee: EUR 20. Free for applicants under 18 or over 70. The fee is not refunded if an application is refused. Source ↗
Valid for: Three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, for as many trips as you like. Source ↗
How long you can stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the countries requiring ETIAS (Cyprus is counted separately). Source ↗
Where it applies: 30 European countries: the Schengen Area countries plus Cyprus. Source ↗
How long it takes: Most applications within minutes; some within 96 hours; a few up to 30 days more if more information or an interview is needed. The EU advises getting it before you book tickets and hotels. Source ↗
Where to apply: Only the official ETIAS website (travel-europe.europa.eu) or the official ETIAS mobile app, once ETIAS starts. Source ↗
Who is exempt: UK nationals who are beneficiaries of the EU–UK Withdrawal Agreement and hold its residence document — except documents issued by Ireland, and Cyprus's outside Cyprus. Source ↗
EES (in force now): Fully operational at all external borders since 10 April 2026. On your first crossing, officers take a photo of your face and/or your fingerprints; your passport is no longer stamped. Nothing to apply for in advance. Source ↗

Sourced facts checked against the official pages on 30 September 2026. Always confirm on the official site before you travel.

Sources (9 official pages)