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EU entry rules Last reviewed 6 Jun 2026

EES & ETIAS for UK travellers

The two EU border schemes UK travellers keep asking about — what's live now, what's still coming, and what you actually need before you book. We keep this current and source it from GOV.UK.

Written by the Departly editorial team Reviewed against GOV.UK on 6 Jun 2026

In short

Do UK travellers need ETIAS in 2026?

Not yet. The EU's biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational, so on your first trip since 10 April 2026 you give fingerprints and a photo at the border. ETIAS — a €20 online travel authorisation — is expected in late 2026 but is not required yet. Always confirm on GOV.UK before you book.

EU entry rules for UK travellers

Checked 6 Jun 2026

The EU's biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) began a progressive rollout on 12 October 2025 and became fully operational on 10 April 2026: on your first trip since then you give fingerprints and a facial scan at the border (a one-off, valid 3 years), and the 90-days-in-180 limit is now counted automatically. Some countries may still ease or pause checks at busy crossings during the rollout-flexibility window, so queues vary. ETIAS — a separate €20 travel authorisation (free for under-18s and over-70s, valid 3 years) — is expected in late 2026 and is not required yet. Always confirm on GOV.UK before you book.

90/180 rule
Visa-free stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. Days spent in other Schengen countries count towards the total.
Passport
Issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive, and valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area. Check the issue date, not just the expiry.
GHIC
Carry a free UK GHIC for state healthcare on the same basis as a local — but it is not a substitute for travel insurance, which you still need.
Roaming
Post-Brexit, EU roaming is no longer guaranteed free; many UK networks charge around £2.25/day. Check your tariff or use a travel eSIM.
ETIAS has no confirmed start date — treat it as "expected late 2026, not required yet" until GOV.UK says otherwise. Rules can change, so always confirm on GOV.UK before you book or travel.
Full EES & ETIAS guide for UK travellers

What is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the EU's automated border system. It records the entry and exit of non-EU visitors — including UK travellers — using a facial scan and fingerprints instead of manually stamping your passport. Your registration is a one-off that's valid for three years, and it's what now counts your days automatically against the 90-days-in-180 Schengen limit.

What is ETIAS, and do I need it?

ETIAS is a separate, online travel authorisation — a little like the US ESTA. It is expected in late 2026 and is not required yet. When it goes live it will cost around €20 (free for under-18s and over-70s), last three years, and be linked to your passport. Until GOV.UK confirms it is live, you do not need to apply — and you should never pay a third-party site that claims otherwise.

What this means for your trip

For now: travel on a valid passport that meets the Schengen validity rules, allow extra time at the border for EES registration on your first crossing, and keep an eye on GOV.UK as ETIAS approaches. Each of our European country guides carries the same up-to-date status and the country-specific detail you need.

How we know this

GOV.UK last updated 6 Jun 2026.