Post-Brexit Europe Travel Gets Stricter: Brits Face Mandatory ETIAS Fee Across 30 Countries From 2026

Crystal Travel | Travel News | 17 June 2026

From 2026, British passport holders will need to obtain a mandatory electronic travel authorisation before visiting 30 European countries. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the launch.

Europe's New Entry Rule That Every British Traveller Should Know About

Millions of British holidaymakers heading to Europe are set to face a new pre-travel requirement from 2026. The European Union is introducing the European Travel Information and Authorisation System — known as ETIAS — a mandatory online authorisation that UK nationals will need to secure before visiting any of the 30 participating European countries.

This is not a visa. British travellers will continue to enjoy visa-free access across Europe, but ETIAS introduces a compulsory additional step. Travelling without a valid authorisation could result in being refused boarding at a UK airport, so understanding the system well in advance is crucial for anyone with European travel plans.

What Is ETIAS and How Does the Application Process Work?

ETIAS is a digital pre-screening system that carries out background and security checks on travellers before they reach European borders, mirroring systems already in use in the United States and Australia. The application is completed entirely online, requiring basic personal details, passport information, and answers to a short set of security questions — with most approvals granted within minutes. Once approved, the authorisation is valid for three years or until the traveller's passport expires, covering multiple trips across participating countries without the need to reapply.

ETIAS Cost for British Travellers: Fees, Exemptions and Rules

How Much Does ETIAS Cost and Who Needs to Pay?

The ETIAS authorisation will cost £17 — equivalent to approximately €20 — per applicant. Travellers aged 18 to 70 will be required to pay the fee, while those under 18 or aged 71 and over will be exempt from the charge, though they will still need to obtain the authorisation itself at no cost.

The application process is designed to be straightforward and entirely online, with most approvals expected to be granted within minutes. However, some applications may take longer to process, which is why travel experts are urging British holidaymakers not to leave it until the last minute.

The 30 European Countries That Will Require ETIAS

ETIAS will cover 30 countries, encompassing the most popular European destinations for British travellers. The biggest holiday hotspots on the list include France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, and Croatia. The authorisation will also be required for Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Cyprus is a notable inclusion — the island requires ETIAS despite not yet holding full Schengen Area membership. The Republic of Ireland is not part of the scheme, as it operates its own independent visa policy.

When Is ETIAS Launching and How Should Travellers Prepare?

ETIAS is expected to go live in the second half of 2026, though an exact launch date is yet to be officially confirmed by the European Union. Given the scheme has experienced delays since it was first proposed, travellers are advised to follow updates from official EU sources as the launch approaches.

Anyone with European travel plans from late 2026 should begin factoring ETIAS into their pre-trip preparations alongside passport validity checks and travel insurance arrangements.

For expert advice on European flight bookings and travel planning, speak to the team at Crystal Travel today — our specialists are here to help you travel with confidence.