Every year, tens of thousands of us Brits head to Europe on holiday for their annual dose of sun, culture, and all around good vibes. From next year however that process will be made ever so slightly more complicated, as the European entry/exit system (EES) is coming into effect, and British passport holders will need to register for a visa before they next fly/sail to the continent.
That might sound complex or intimidating, but we promise it really isn’t. All it actually means is uploading your information to a database so the EU officials can make sure you’re not a criminal. The system will apply to lots of nations around the world – including us, now that we’ve left the EU.
There will also be a six-month grace period when the EES first begins, so you won’t immediately be refused entry if you are otherwise good to go. Still, it’s good to know exactly what you’ll need to do before next summer, which is where we come in. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming EU visa situation.
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What is the ETIAS visa?
ETIAS stands for the ‘European Travel Information and Authorisation System’. The European entry/Exit system (EES) is a database which keeps track of who is and isn’t allowed to travel in and out of the EU. The ETIAS visa is exactly what it says on the tin – it grants you passage into the EU.
We’ll be able to apply for it by next May, but more on that in a minute. That’s all the basics, so let’s get into the nitty gritty.
When does the visa start for the UK?
After several delays, the EES will become operational midway through 2025, and from then it will be mandatory for everyone travelling to Europe from a non-member state to obtain a visa.
British citizens will be able to apply for a waiver as soon as the system comes into effect. It will cost €7 (about £6), and you won’t be allowed to enter the EU without it, so make sure to put it on next summer’s to-do list before you forget. As is currently the case, it will enable Brits to spend 90 out of every 180 days in EU countries.
You can find out more about when EU visas come into force for other countries here.
How long does it last?
The waiver will be associated with your passport, and your biometric information like fingerprints, and so it will last either three years, or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. Once it runs out you’ll have to reapply online and pay the fee again.
It shouldn’t take very long for your request to be approved, but it’s recommended you apply at least a few weeks before you’re due to travel.
How to apply for an ETIAS visa?
Luckily, the application process is very simple. All you’ll need is your passport, six quid (or so), and about 15 minutes. You can’t apply yet, but eventually a tab will open on the ETIAS website where you’ll enter the following information:
- Personal information including your name(s), surname, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address and phone number;
- Travel document details;
- Details about your level of education and current occupation;
- Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS;
- Details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject of a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country.
If you are applying with a British passport, it must not be within three months of its expiry date. If you have different travel documentation, you can have a look here to make sure that it is a valid form.
How far in advance must I apply?
As we say, some will be approved within a matter of hours while others could take closer to days. To be safe, apply at least two-to-three weeks before your date of travel, and make sure that your passport is not about to expire.
Does it need to be printed?
All your information, including the visa, will be on the ETIAS system, so you don’t need to print anything or even save a QR code to your phone. When your passport is scanned, it will automatically come up that you have a visa. You will probably be asked for fingerprints the first time you travel with the pass, so don’t be alarmed when the border agent starts whipping out the ink pads.
Do you need to apply every time you travel to Europe?
If you head to Europe once every three years then yes, you will need to reapply for every trip. Otherwise, you will be fine for as much continental travel as your heart desires for 36 months from the date of issue, or until your passport expires.
The 90/180 day rule
The 90/190 day rule, which allows citizens of certain countries, including the UK, to enter the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days as long as they are not there for 180 days of the year, will remain in place. You’ll still have to apply and pay the fee, as your EES data will be used to make sure you’re complying with the rules and not overstaying your welcome.
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