New rules will soon mean people travelling on a UK passport will have to pay 20 euros to enter countries such as Spain, Greece and Italy. Following Brexit, UK citizens will will legally have to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to gain access to certain European nations.
EU chiefs say the travel permit is being introduced to strengthen security and the borders of the Schengen zone. An ETIAS was reportedly originally planned to cost 7 euros per person, however it’s now been announced it will cost almost three times that at 20 euros per eligible traveller.
Children and people aged over 70 are exempt. With an ETIAS, travellers can gain access to European countries as frequently as they would like for short-term stays, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
The scheme has been delayed several times already. Speaking earlier this year, EU’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs estimated that the ETIAS will be introduced in the final quarter of 2026.
After an initial grace period, applying for an ETIAS will then become mandatory in 2027.
Full list of countries Brits will soon need an ETIAS for
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
It will also be needed for Cyprus travel when Cyprus joins the Schengen area.
