Travel to Europe is about to change in a noticeable way. If you have plans to explore France, Spain, or any part of mainland Europe in the coming years, you will soon need to get familiar with new digital authorisations known as ETA and ETIAS. These may sound overly technical at first glance, yet once you understand how they work, you will see they are fairly straightforward and nothing that should put you off planning a trip. The key is to know what they are, when they start, and how they might affect your journey so you are not caught off guard at the airport.
What Are ETA and ETIAS?
Both ETA and ETIAS are digital entry authorisations, created to strengthen border checks while making the process smoother for travellers who do not need a full visa. An ETA, which stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation, is already in place for entry into the United Kingdom. If you are heading to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland from abroad, you will now need to apply for one before your trip.
The European Union has created a similar system, called ETIAS, which means European Travel Information and Authorisation System. This will apply to almost all non-EU travellers who currently enter the Schengen Area visa-free, including British passport holders. Think of them both as digital gate passes that are linked electronically to your passport. They are not visas, yet they work as pre-screening tools to ensure border security while keeping entry lines moving faster.
How Do ETA and ETIAS Work?
Both programs require an online application for every traveller, no matter their age. You enter personal details, passport information, and answer a set of basic questions about your background. For ETA in the UK, the process costs £10 and once approved, it remains valid for two years or until your passport expires. This means you can enter the UK multiple times within that period for short stays of up to six months.
For ETIAS, which comes into force in late 2026, the process will be similar. Travellers will pay €20, which currently converts to around £17. The authorisation will then last for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that period, you will still need to respect the Schengen rule of no more than 90 days in any 180-day window. Children under 18 and adults above 70 will not need to pay the fee, though they will still need to complete an application.
Once approved, the authorisation links directly to your passport. Airlines will likely check that you have it before allowing you to board. Most applications are processed within minutes, many within a day, and nearly all within three working days. It is still wise to apply at least a few weeks before your trip in case any extra checks are required.
When Will ETA and ETIAS Take Effect?
The UK’s ETA is already being rolled out in stages, and before long, nearly every non-UK visitor will need one. This includes travellers from the US, Canada, Australia, and yes, even British nationals if they are heading to another part of the UK from abroad.
As for ETIAS, the launch has faced repeated delays. The most recent update confirms that the program will finally begin in the last quarter of 2026, with a short grace period for travellers unaware of the change. In practice, most people will not feel the impact until 2027, so you have time to prepare.
Which Countries Require ETA Registration?
The ETA is specific to the United Kingdom, covering England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You will need it to enter through any UK airport or seaport from outside the country. However, if you are only changing planes in the UK and remain airside without passing through border control, you will not need one.
Another Good Read: What Are The New EU Carry-on Baggage Rules?
Which Countries Will Require ETIAS Registration?
The ETIAS covers most of mainland Europe, including all 27 Schengen countries as well as a few that cooperate closely with the EU such as Iceland and Cyprus. It does not apply to the Republic of Ireland, which continues to operate under its own entry rules. Nor will it apply to some of Europe’s eastern neighbours such as Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, or Serbia.
So if you plan a holiday that takes you from London to Paris, Rome, or Barcelona, you will need both an ETA for entry into the UK and an ETIAS for entry into the Schengen zone.
How Long Do ETA and ETIAS Last?
Once granted, an ETA remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that time, you can enter the UK as often as you like for visits up to six months.
ETIAS works slightly differently. It lasts for three years or until your passport expires. You can enter and exit the Schengen zone as often as you wish during that period, provided you do not exceed the 90 days in 180 days rule. This means frequent travellers will not need to reapply every trip.
Why Do ETA and ETIAS Exist?
The main reason both systems exist is border security. They allow authorities to screen travellers before they arrive, checking against international security databases such as Europol and Interpol. This process helps reduce risks, while at the same time making it easier for genuine travellers to pass quickly through border control.
It is not entirely new either. The United States has required something similar, called ESTA, since 2009. Australia and New Zealand have their own versions as well. Europe and the UK are essentially catching up with a wider global trend of digitising border checks.
How Will This Affect European Travel?
If you are worried about long queues or complex paperwork, rest easy. For most travellers, these are minor formalities that take only a few minutes online. In fact, many will not notice a major difference beyond having one more item on the travel checklist.
At airports, you may see more automated kiosks where travellers scan their passports and biometrics, such as fingerprints or facial images, rather than speaking directly to border staff. This should eventually shorten the wait times that often frustrate people at Schengen entry points.
What Do Travellers Need to Do Now?
If your next European holiday is planned for 2025 or even early 2026, you do not need to do anything yet. The ETA is already in effect for the UK, so make sure you apply through the official government site or app before arrival. For ETIAS, applications are not open yet, so there is nothing to prepare until late 2026.
When the system is live, be sure to apply only through the official EU website to avoid unnecessary fees from third-party providers. The form will require your personal details, passport information, education background, occupation, and declarations of any criminal history. The system will then check your data against security watchlists. If an application is refused, you can appeal or apply for a limited travel authorisation.
Wrapping Up…
The introduction of ETA and ETIAS may sound like yet another bureaucratic hurdle, yet in practice they are simple online forms that take only a few minutes to complete. They are designed to make travel safer while keeping borders efficient. As a UK traveller, you will now need to apply for an ETA when returning home from abroad and prepare for ETIAS before heading to the Schengen area from 2027 onwards.
So keep it in mind when planning your next trip across Europe. Add it to your pre-departure checklist along with your passport and insurance, and you will be well on your way to a smooth journey. Far from being a burden, these systems could mark the start of faster, safer travel across the continent in the years ahead.
