SchengenClock
Verified June 2026

Do UK citizens need ETIAS?

Yes

Yes. Since Brexit, British citizens are treated as non-EU visitors, and once ETIAS launches they will need an ETIAS authorisation for short trips to Europe.

Needs ETIAS?
Yes
Cost
€20
Validity
3 yrs
From
Q4 2026

Before Brexit, British citizens had freedom of movement and no day limit in the EU. Since 1 January 2021 they are third-country nationals: the 90-days-in-180 rule now applies to them, and ETIAS will add a pre-travel authorisation on top of it.

This is a genuine change for the many UK citizens with holiday homes or family in Spain, France, Portugal and Italy. The 90/180 limit already bites today - ETIAS is simply the next administrative step layered onto trips that used to be unlimited.

Which British nationals does this cover?

ETIAS applies to people travelling on a 'British citizen' passport. Other categories of British national - British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Territories citizens or British subjects - can have a different status and should check their own case. Note too that Ireland is not in the Schengen area: the Common Travel Area between the UK and Ireland is unaffected, so a trip to Ireland never uses up your Schengen days.

How UK citizens will apply

When ETIAS launches, UK citizens will apply online on the official EU portal, pay €20 (free under 18 or over 70), and receive an authorisation linked to their passport for up to 3 years. It is not a visa - see what ETIAS is and how it differs from a visa.

ETIAS gets UK citizens to the border; it does not extend the stay. Check how many days are left with the free 90/180 calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Do UK citizens need ETIAS?

Yes. Since Brexit, British citizens are treated as non-EU visitors, and once ETIAS launches they will need an ETIAS authorisation for short trips to Europe.

How much will ETIAS cost UK citizens?

€20 per application, free for travellers under 18 or over 70. One authorisation lasts up to 3 years. See ETIAS cost.

When will UK citizens need ETIAS from?

From the launch of ETIAS, expected in the last quarter of 2026. No exact date is set yet - track it on the ETIAS start date page.

Does ETIAS change the 90-day limit for UK citizens?

No. ETIAS lets you travel, but the 90/180-day rule still caps short stays at 90 days in any 180. Plan it with the 90/180 calculator.

Sources