What is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a pre-travel screening requirement introduced by the European Union for nationals of visa-exempt countries — including, post-Brexit, the United Kingdom — who wish to visit any of the 30 Schengen Area member states.
ETIAS is not a visa. It is an automated electronic authorisation linked to your British passport that must be obtained before you travel to Europe. A single ETIAS covers all Schengen countries, so one application covers trips across France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and beyond.
Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and permits multiple trips within that period.