UK Citizens · EU Travel Authorisation

UK citizens now need
an ETIAS for Europe

Following Brexit, British passport holders are required to obtain an ETIAS before travelling to Schengen Area countries. Fast, secure applications with expert review before every submission.

Rome Colosseum Italy at sunrise
✓  Expert Review
✓  Fast Processing
✓  Individuals & Families

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.

Barcelona Sagrada Familia Spain
3 yrs
Validity period
90 days
Maximum stay per 180-day period
30+ nations
Schengen countries covered

Do British citizens need an ETIAS?

Yes. Since the UK left the European Union, British citizens travelling to Schengen Area countries — including France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and the Netherlands — are required to hold a valid ETIAS before departure. This applies to tourism, business visits, and transit through Schengen airports.

An ETIAS is not required if you already hold a valid Schengen visa. UK citizens who have previously been refused entry to a Schengen country may not be eligible for ETIAS and should apply for a visa instead.

Not sure where to start? Visit ETA Permits and click Your Journey Begins Here — you can verify your eligibility instantly on the application page.

Brexit reminder: British citizens can no longer use EU/EEA passport lanes at European borders. You must use the non-EU queue and present your British passport along with your approved ETIAS authorisation.

How to apply

Our simple three-step process ensures your ETIAS application is accurate, complete, and submitted without errors.

1

Complete the form

Enter your personal details, British passport information, and travel plans on our secure online form. Takes around 10 minutes and covers the whole family in one session.

2

Expert review

Our team checks every application for accuracy before submission to the EU ETIAS Central System — minimising errors and the risk of refusal.

3

Receive your ETIAS

Your approved ETIAS is delivered by email and linked electronically to your British passport. No printing required — present your passport at the European border.


Planning a
European holiday?

Whether you're island-hopping in Greece, exploring the cities of central Europe, or heading to the Mediterranean coast, every traveller in your group needs their own ETIAS linked to their own passport.

ETA Permits makes it easy to apply for the whole family in one session. Our team reviews all applications before submission, and our fully inclusive pricing means you'll always know exactly what you're paying.

Apply for your family
Santorini Greece white buildings and blue domes

Frequently asked questions

Do UK citizens need an ETIAS for every European country?
A single ETIAS covers all 30 Schengen Area member states — you do not need a separate authorisation for each country you visit. However, not all European countries are in the Schengen Area; if your trip includes non-Schengen destinations you may need additional travel documentation.
How long is an ETIAS valid for British passport holders?
An approved ETIAS is valid for three years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Within that period you may make multiple trips to the Schengen Area, each for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Do I need an ETIAS to transit through a European airport?
In most cases yes — even if you are connecting through a Schengen airport without leaving the international zone, a valid ETIAS is generally required. Check the specific requirements at ETA Permits for your itinerary.
Can I work or study in Europe on an ETIAS?
No. ETIAS is for short-stay tourism, business visits, and transit only. If you intend to work or study in a Schengen country, you will need to apply for the appropriate national visa from that country's embassy or consulate.
Do British children need their own ETIAS?
Yes. Every traveller — including infants and children — requires their own individual ETIAS linked to their own passport. ETA Permits makes it easy to apply for all family members at once.
What if my ETIAS is refused?
If your ETIAS application is refused, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa through the embassy or consulate of your destination country. ETA Permits reviews every application before submission to minimise the risk of refusal.

Ready to apply for your ETIAS?

Fast, simple and fully inclusive pricing. Expert review before every submission to the EU ETIAS Central System.

Begin your Journey…