ETIAS for UK Citizens

British Requirements to Visit Europe

Beginning in mid-2025, UK nationals will not need a visa for short stays in Europe, but an ETIAS visa waiver will be required. Since Britain exited the EU, there are no new visa requirements for British citizens traveling to Europe for short periods, but there are some new rules and regulations of which to be aware. British passport holders must meet all the ETIAS requirements for third-country nationals in order to apply.

How Long Can British Citizens Stay in Europe?

One of the major changes following Brexit is the length of time British visitors can remain in the Schengen Area without a visa. Now that the UK is outside the EU, UK passport holders can cross an external EU border using just a valid passport and stay anywhere in the Schengen Area for up to 3 months (90 days) per 180-day period. But to stay in the Schengen Area for longer than 90 days, a visa or another kind of travel permit is required.

Discover British Application Requirements

From mid-2025, British passport holders will be able to register before traveling to any of the ETIAS countries by completing the online ETIAS application form.

Because ETIAS is not a visa, document requirements are minimal. British applicants should have the following to hand before proceeding with their request:

• Valid UK passport
• Credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fees

Filling out the online ETIAS application form is a quick process, requiring only the following details:

• UK passport details: number, expiry, and issue date
• Basic personal information: full name, date of birth, gender
• Contact details: email address is used for all correspondence

Traveling to Europe From the UK

Once approved, the ETIAS visa waiver is linked to the electronic chip inside the traveler’s passport. The EU visa waiver will be verified when the passport is scanned at the exterior border. ETIAS will be a mandatory entry requirement for UK nationals once it becomes available in mid-2025.

Anyone arriving from a visa-exempt third country will not be able to cross an external EU border without the travel authorisation. The ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for 3 years and multiple trips to Europe can be made within this period providing the total stay does not exceed 90 days per 180-day period.

Other Requirements for UK Citizens Following Brexit

In addition to ETIAS, there are other new rules for visiting Europe after Brexit. If they wish to visit a Schengen country, UK citizens should ensure they have the most updated information regarding the following:

• Passport validity
• Receiving healthcare in Europe
• Driving in European countries
• Mobile roaming charges after Brexit

Information Regarding Gibraltar

Following Brexit, Gibraltar has become a de facto part of the Schengen Area, meaning border-free travel between Gibraltar and Spain is still possible. Citizens of Gibraltar will not need to go through passport control when entering Spain.Following Brexit, Gibraltar has become a de facto part of the Schengen Area, meaning border-free travel between Gibraltar and Spain is still possible. Citizens of Gibraltar will not need to go through passport control when entering Spain.

However, the UK is not part of the Schengen Area. This means UK citizens, with the exception of Gibraltarians, may need an ETIAS visa waiver to enter Gibraltar from mid-2025. Travelers are advised to stay up to date with all the latest developments.