As the EU prepares to roll out its new travel system, British travelers are finding it confusing. Moreover, post-Brexit changes are catching people off guard.
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. To clarify, it is not a visa. However, it is a mandatory pre-travel clearance.
Overall, the system applies to non-EU nationals who do not need a visa. In particular, British citizens fall into this category. As a result, they must apply before traveling.
Similar to the U.S. ESTA system, ETIAS checks security and travel information. In addition, it also grants permission to enter the EU for short stays of 90 days within any 180 days. Eventually, eligible visa-exempt travelers must undergo fingerprinting and face scanning, which border guards will use for future reference.
In addition, when traveling to the EU or the broader Schengen area, British passports must not be older than 10 years old. Meanwhile, when returning, their passports should be valid for at least three months.
When Is ETIAS Coming?
The EU plans to launch ETIAS by the end of 2026. This follows the Entry/Exit System (EES), launching in October 2025.
Once live, ETIAS will be mandatory for entry into 30 European countries. This includes France, Spain, and Italy—top destinations for British tourists.
The authorization fee will cost €7 for travelers aged 18 to 70. Meanwhile, children and seniors can apply for free. Applications are expected to be processed within minutes.
To help facilitate the EES for British and Europeans, Eurostar stations will have 50 kiosks, 100 at Eurostar stations, and 100 at Eurotunnel. The Port of Dover, in particular, will have 24 kiosks.
ETIAS is valid for three years or until the passport expires—whichever comes first.
Growing Confusion Among British
Despite being years from launch, confusion is already growing. In fact, many travelers think ETIAS is already in effect. But it is still not live.
Part of the confusion of the British comes from the UK’s own new system—the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). The UK’s ETA and the EU’s ETIAS sound similar, but serve different purposes.
Meanwhile, a number of unauthorized websites are adding to the chaos. These sites falsely offer ETIAS applications. Thus, travelers report paying for a service that doesn’t even exist yet.
Scammers Target British Travelers
As expected, scammers are exploiting the gap in public understanding. Correspondingly, fake ETIAS websites collect data and charge bogus fees.
Worryingly, many of these unauthorized sites look professional. Therefore, it’s easy for unsuspecting British travelers to fall prey.
Some even use ads on search engines to appear legitimate. Because of this, these mislead even cautious users.
Stay Informed About ETIAS
To avoid ETIAS scams, British travelers should always use official and authorized websites. Additionally, travelers should double-check the launch timeline before applying.
Meanwhile, airlines and travel agents should brief customers clearly, as misinformation spreads fast, especially on social media.
Need for Clarity
As the EU’s travel rules evolve, governments must provide consistent messagingto British travelers . This includes travel agents, airlines, and border control.
Moreover, confusion about the EES and ETIAS makes travel stressful. As such, simple, accurate guidance would solve many issues.
Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash
