From the last quarter of 2026, UK travellers will need a new digital authorisation called ETIAS before travelling to most European countries. If Europe is on your travel plans, this is something you will need to prepare for.
New entry rules can feel confusing, especially when they are still evolving or when you are living with a medical condition and want reassurance before you travel. That is why we have created this clear, practical guide to explain what ETIAS is, when it starts, who needs it, and how it works in real terms.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a new digital entry requirement that UK citizens will need before travelling to 30 European countries that are part of the Schengen Area or are otherwise participating in ETIAS.
In simple terms, ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation, similar to the ESTA system used when travelling to the United States. It allows European authorities to carry out security and border checks before you travel, rather than when you arrive.
ETIAS is not a visa. It does not replace your passport, and it does not guarantee entry. Instead, it is a pre-travel screening system designed to improve safety, strengthen border security, and streamline entry for visa-exempt travellers.
Key facts about ETIAS
- Cost: €20 for adults aged 18 to 70. It is free for travellers under 18 and over 70. The fee will apply once ETIAS becomes operational
- Validity: Valid for three years from approval, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
- Multiple entries: Can be used for unlimited trips during the validity period
- Processing time: Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes. However, some applications may require additional checks and can take up to 30 days to process.
- Application method: Online only, via the official ETIAS website
Which countries require ETIAS?
ETIAS will be required for travel to 30 European countries that are part of the Schengen Area or are otherwise participating in ETIAS.
- Western and Central Europe, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland.
- Northern Europe, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden.
- Southern Europe, including Greece, Italy, Malta, Portgal, Spain.
- Eastern and Southeastern Europe, including Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus.
When will ETIAS start?
The ETIAS system was originally due to launch in 2024, but the European Commission has delayed its introduction. The current expectation is that ETIAS will begin in the last quarter of 2026, although an exact start date has not yet been confirmed.
These delays reflect the scale and complexity of introducing a new Europe-wide digital border system and are intended to ensure the process works smoothly for travellers once it goes live.
What we know about the timeline
- Current status: System testing and final technical preparations are ongoing
- Expected launch: Last quarter of 2026
- Grace period: A transition phase is expected, during which ETIAS will be introduced gradually alongside existing entry rules
- Official updates: The European Commission has committed to announcing the confirmed launch date at least six months in advance
The postponement gives European authorities more time to complete testing and avoid disruption at borders. For you, it also provides extra time to understand the requirements and prepare for future trips.
We will keep this guide updated and share confirmed information as soon as the official ETIAS launch date is announced.
How to apply for ETIAS: Step-by-step guide
Applying for ETIAS is designed to be quick and straightforward. In most cases, the online application takes around 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
Before you apply
Before starting your application, make sure you have everything you need to hand. You will need:
- A valid UK passport that remains valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date
- An email address you can access easily
- A debit or credit card to pay the application fee
Information you will be asked to provide includes:
- Personal details, including your full name, date of birth, and nationality
- Passport details
- Contact information
- Your travel plans, including your first country of entry
- Background questions covering employment, travel history, health, and criminal history
Application process
- Visit the official ETIAS website once the system launches
- Complete the online application form with your personal and travel details
- Answer the security and background questions honestly and accurately
- Pay the €20 application fee (this is free for travellers under 18 and over 70)
- Receive your ETIAS authorisation by email, usually within minutes
- Save your authorisation number, as you will need it when travelling
Important application tips
We recommend applying for ETIAS at least 72 hours before you travel to allow time for processing, even though most applications are approved quickly.
Make sure all the details you enter match your passport exactly, including spelling and passport numbers. Keep your ETIAS authorisation details safe, and check that your authorisation is still valid before each trip so you can travel with confidence.
ETIAS for travellers with medical conditions
If you are living with a medical condition, it is completely understandable to wonder whether this could affect your ETIAS application. The good news is that having a medical condition will not usually prevent you from being approved for ETIAS.
ETIAS is primarily a border security and public health screening system, not a medical assessment of your fitness to travel.
Medical questions in ETIAS applications
As part of the application, ETIAS asks questions about communicable diseases that may pose a public health risk. These questions focus specifically on:
- Tuberculosis
- Diseases with epidemic potential
- Certain infectious or parasitic diseases
The aim is to identify risks that could impact public health across borders, rather than long-term or non-contagious conditions.
What this means for you
Common conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, respiratory conditions, or mobility issues are not classified as communicable diseases in this context. Living with these conditions should not affect your ETIAS application or your ability to travel.
If you do declare a communicable disease, your application may be referred for additional review. This can take up to 30 days and may require supporting medical documentation. Even in these cases, approval is still possible once appropriate clearance has been provided.
Important reminders for travellers
- ETIAS does not provide any medical support or financial protection abroad
- ETIAS approval allows you to enter participating countries, but it does not cover medical costs
- You should always declare your medical conditions when purchasing Travel Insurance
- Carry relevant medical documentation with you when you travel
ETIAS gives you permission to enter Europe. Travel Insurance is what protects you once you are there.
Your ETIAS preparation checklist
To help you stay organised and avoid last-minute stress, here is a simple timeline to prepare for ETIAS.
Right now (before ETIAS launches)
- Check your passport expiry date and ensure it is valid for at least three months beyond your planned travel
- Renew your passport if needed, allowing three to six weeks for processing
- Bookmark official sources so you can monitor announcements
- Review your Travel Insurance to make sure it provides high-quality cover for your needs
Six months before ETIAS launches
- Watch for the official start date announcement from the European Commission
- Check the official ETIAS website for the date when ETIAS goes live
- Review the application requirements and gather your documents
Three months before your trip (after ETIAS launches)
- Apply for your ETIAS – do not leave it until the last minute
- Save your authorisation details securely
- Double-check that your Travel Insurance still meets your needs
Before every European trip
- Confirm your ETIAS is still valid (it lasts for three years)
- Check that your passport has not expired
- Make sure your Travel Insurance is active
ETIAS vs Travel Insurance: Understanding the difference
It is important to understand that ETIAS is not a replacement for Travel Insurance. Many travellers assume that new entry systems offer protection, but this is not the case.
What ETIAS provides
- Permission to enter participating Schengen countries
- Pre-travel border security screening
- Identity verification
What ETIAS does not provide
- Cover for medical emergencies abroad
- Trip cancellation or curtailment protection
- Lost or stolen luggage support
- Repatriation costs
- 24/7 emergency assistance
Why you will still need Travel Insurance
ETIAS is simply an entry requirement, much like holding a valid passport. It offers no financial or practical support if something goes wrong during your trip.
For example, ETIAS will not cover hospital treatment abroad, compensate you if you need to cancel due to a change in your health, or support the cost of emergency repatriation. These costs can be significant, particularly if you are living with a medical condition.
What ETIAS means for your travel plans
ETIAS is a new entry requirement for UK travellers visiting Europe, but it is not a visa, and it does not change who can travel. For most people, the application process will be simple, quick, and completed online.
Having a medical condition should not affect your ability to get ETIAS, as the system focuses on border security and public health rather than long-term health conditions.
The most important step is preparation. Apply in good time once ETIAS launches, keep your documents up to date, and stay informed as official guidance is confirmed. With the right information, European travel can continue as normal – just with one extra step before you go.
