Travellers warned to prepare for 2026 ETIAS border changes

According to official guidance from GOV.UK: “This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area.”

The ESTIAS are expected to come into operation from autumn 2026.

What is changing under the new travel rules?

The new Entry/Exit System applies to UK passport holders travelling for short stays to countries in the Schengen area from October 2025, including popular holiday destinations such as France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece.

The Schengen area also includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not part of Schengen, so EES will not apply when travelling there.

Under EES, travellers will be required to register biometric details — including fingerprints and a facial photograph — at the border. There is no fee and no action required before travel.

The UK government states: “EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.”

It also warns: “EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.”

Your digital EES record will be valid for three years. On future trips within that period, you will usually only need to provide either a fingerprint or photo on entry and exit.

What happens at airports, ports and Eurostar?

If flying to a Schengen country, biometric checks will take place on arrival.

However, passengers travelling via Port of Dover, Eurotunnel or St Pancras International will complete checks before leaving the UK using self-service kiosks or registration areas.

Cruise passengers whose sailing both starts and ends outside the Schengen area, such as at a UK port, will generally be exempt unless they disembark and continue onward travel within Schengen.

The 90 day rule still applies.

Frequent travellers must continue to follow the 90 days in any 180 day limit within the Schengen zone. EES is designed to automate border control and monitor overstays more closely.

The EU says the system aims to strengthen border security and reduce illegal migration by replacing passport stamps with digital records.

New for 2026: ETIAS, or European Travel Information and Authorisation System

From later this year, UK passport holders will need to apply online for travel authorisation before visiting Schengen countries. Travellers will need to submit personal details, trip information and pay a 20 Euro fee. An approved ETIAS will be mandatory for boarding flights, ferries or trains.

Jane Bolton, Managing Director of tailor-made package ski holiday operator Erna Low, said many travellers are still unaware of what ETIAS means. “With big changes coming to how we travel to Europe, a lot of people are understandably confused about what ETIAS actually is.

“In simple terms, ETIAS is a new online travel authorisation that UK travellers will need before visiting most European countries in the Schengen area. It’s not a visa, but it will be mandatory once it comes into force.”

She advises applying as soon as bookings are confirmed once the system goes live.

“ETIAS becomes part of your travel checklist, just like travel insurance or airport transfers. Don’t leave it until the week before you travel.”

She also warned travellers to use official channels only to avoid scam websites charging inflated fees.

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What this means for your next holiday

Travellers should allow extra time at airports, ferry ports and rail terminals, particularly during busy seasons such as summer holidays and ski breaks.

Securing ETIAS approval will become as essential as packing your passport.

With two major systems rolling out within months of each other, preparation – and understanding the new rules – could make the difference between a smooth departure and being turned away at the gate.