Planning a trip to Europe? Here’s your all-in-one guide to upcoming changes that could affect your travel from the UK to EU and Schengen countries, including passport rules and new systems like EES, ETIAS, and the UK’s own ETA scheme.
🔒 Passport Validity for Schengen Countries
One of the most important things to check before travelling to Europe is your passport validity. Since the UK left the EU, British passport holders are considered third-country nationals, and that means different entry rules apply for travel to Schengen countries.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter a Schengen country (check the issue date).
- It must also have at least 3 months remaining from the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.
- Even if you have extra months added from a previous passport renewal, these do not count towards validity.
It’s always best to check both the issue and expiry dates well in advance of travel to avoid any issues at border control.
🛂 What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that have abolished internal borders, allowing for passport-free travel between them. However, external border checks for non-EU travellers like UK citizens are still in place.
Key countries include:
Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, and more.
Note: Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so different rules apply.
🧾 What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new electronic border system expected to go live in late 2025. It will change the way non-EU travellers – like British passport holders – are processed at EU borders.
Currently, your passport is physically stamped each time you enter or leave the Schengen Area. But once EES is launched, that will change.
Here’s how EES will work:
- Instead of manual passport stamping, your entry and exit will be logged electronically.
- The system will record your name, travel document details, biometric data (fingerprints & facial image), and the date/time of your entry or exit.
- It’s designed to make border checks quicker and more secure while keeping a detailed record of who is in the Schengen Area and for how long.
This will also help enforce the 90/180-day rule, which limits UK travellers to 90 days of travel within a 180-day period in the Schengen Zone.
Note: Until EES is launched, border officials will continue stamping passports as usual.
🌍 What is ETIAS and When is it Coming?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to be introduced in late 2026.
Think of it like the ESTA system used for travel to the USA – it’s not a visa, but a pre-travel authorisation that you’ll need to enter the EU or Schengen Zone for short stays.
Key Facts About ETIAS:
- It applies to non-EU citizens from visa-exempt countries – including the UK.
- It will cost €7 per traveller, and is valid for 3 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first).
- You’ll complete a quick online form with personal info, passport details, and a few background security questions.
- In most cases, approval will be automatic and fast, often within minutes.
- Travellers under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from the fee.
You’ll need to present a valid ETIAS approval alongside your passport before boarding your flight or entering the EU at border control.
The form is not yet available, so there’s nothing to do right now – just keep an eye out closer to your travel date if you’re planning a trip from late 2026 onwards.
🇬🇧 What About the UK’s ETA System?
Just like the EU is introducing ETIAS, the UK is rolling out its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for non-UK travellers coming into the UK.
This does not affect UK citizens. But for reference:
- ETA is already being phased in for certain nationalities.
- It will eventually apply to all non-visa nationals entering the UK.
- Similar to ETIAS, it’s a pre-travel authorisation, not a visa.
So, in the future, British travellers heading to Europe will need ETIAS, while non-UK travellers visiting Britain will need ETA.
❓Q&A Recap
Q: Do I need to do anything now for ETIAS or EES?
A: No – both systems are still in development. Continue travelling as normal and check official updates before future trips.
Q: Will I still get my passport stamped in the meantime?
A: Yes – until EES goes live, border officials will continue stamping passports.
Q: Will I need an ETIAS for every trip to Europe?
A: No – once approved, it’s valid for multiple trips over 3 years.
Q: Can I overstay the 90-day limit in the Schengen Zone?
A: No – both the current system and EES will enforce the 90/180-day rule. Overstaying can lead to penalties or future travel restrictions.
🧳 Final Tips
- Check your passport’s issue and expiry dates before booking any trip.
- Monitor official government websites for EES and ETIAS updates as your travel dates approach.
- Keep a record of your travel dates in and out of the Schengen Area to avoid overstaying.
Planning a European getaway for late 2025 or beyond? Now’s the time to start preparing for these changes – and don’t worry, I’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
