ETIAS for British Citizens: Requirements & How to Apply
Following Brexit, British citizens are now classified as third-country nationals for EU travel purposes. From Q4 2026, UK passport holders will need an approved ETIAS travel authorization to enter the Schengen Zone.
ETIAS Required
Yes, from Q4 2026
Fee
€7
Maximum Stay
90 days in any 180-day period
Passport Validity
Must be valid for 3+ months beyond stay
Do British citizens need ETIAS?
Yes. Since the UK left the European Union, British citizens are no longer covered by freedom of movement rights. UK passport holders will need ETIAS authorization for short stays in the Schengen Zone.
This applies to tourism, business trips, transit, and medical visits of up to 90 days.
How to apply as a British citizen
The application process is the same for all eligible nationalities. You will need your valid UK passport, an email address, and a payment method for the €7 fee.
Apply online through the official ETIAS portal. The application takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Important notes for UK travelers
ETIAS does not replace the need for a visa if you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days in a Schengen country. For these purposes, you will need to apply for the appropriate national visa.
Ireland is not part of the Schengen Zone and has its own entry requirements. ETIAS does not cover travel to Ireland.
Other Nationalities