ETIAS for UK Citizens: Post-Brexit European Travel Guide

Following Brexit, UK citizens now require ETIAS authorization to visit the Schengen Area. This represents one of the most significant changes to European travel for British citizens in decades. While UK passport holders previously enjoyed unrestricted access to Europe as EU members, they are now treated as third-country nationals requiring travel authorization.

This guide explains everything UK citizens need to know about ETIAS, including how Brexit changed European travel requirements, what the application process involves, and special considerations for British travelers.

Why UK Citizens Need ETIAS After Brexit

Before Brexit, UK citizens were EU members and could travel freely throughout Europe without any authorization. After leaving the European Union on January 31, 2020, British citizens lost their EU freedom of movement rights.

While UK citizens can still visit the Schengen Area visa-free for short stays, they now require ETIAS authorization like other non-EU nationals. This is one of the direct consequences of Brexit on travel.

How Brexit Changed European Travel for Britons

Before Brexit:

• Unlimited stays in EU countries
• Right to live and work anywhere in EU
• Use fast-track EU/EEA queues at borders
• No time limits on visits
• Healthcare covered by EHIC

After Brexit (with ETIAS):

• Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period
• Tourism and business only (no work rights)
• Must use non-EU queues at borders
• ETIAS authorization required
• GHIC for healthcare (limited coverage)
• Passport must be stamped on entry/exit

How UK Citizens Apply for ETIAS

The application is entirely online and takes 10-20 minutes:

What You Need:

• Valid UK passport (must be valid 3+ months beyond your departure)
• Email address
• Debit or credit card for £6 payment
• Basic travel information
• Employment details

Application Steps:

1. Visit official ETIAS website
2. Enter personal details matching your passport
3. Provide UK passport information
4. Answer security questions honestly
5. Pay €7 (approximately £6)
6. Receive authorization via email

See our complete application guide for detailed instructions.

Dual UK/EU Citizens

Many UK citizens hold dual citizenship with EU countries (often through Irish, Italian, or other EU ancestry). Here's what to know:

If you're eligible for Irish or another EU citizenship, obtaining that passport eliminates the need for ETIAS and restores EU freedom of movement rights.

Common Questions from UK Travelers

Do I need ETIAS for Ireland?

No, Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. UK citizens can still travel to Ireland freely under the Common Travel Area agreement, which was unaffected by Brexit.

Do I need ETIAS for connecting flights through Europe?

Yes, even for airport transit without leaving the terminal. This applies whether connecting to another European city or a destination outside Europe.

Can I work in Europe with ETIAS?

No, ETIAS does not grant work rights. This is a major change from pre-Brexit when UK citizens could work anywhere in the EU. You now need work visas or residence permits for employment in European countries.

How long can I stay in Europe?

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is strictly enforced. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and bans on future entry. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa or residence permit.

What about my second home in France/Spain/etc.?

Many Britons own holiday homes in Europe. Post-Brexit, you can only spend 90 days out of every 180 days at your European property unless you obtain a residence visa from that country. This has been a major adjustment for UK property owners in Europe.

Understanding the 90/180 Day Rule

This is crucial for UK travelers, especially those who visit Europe frequently:

• Maximum 90 days in Schengen Area within any 180-day period
• The 180-day window is rolling (moves each day)
• All Schengen visits are combined
• Passport must be stamped on entry and exit
• Overstaying has serious consequences

Example: If you spend 60 days in Spain in January-February, you can only spend 30 more days in any Schengen country before late June. Many Britons with European holiday homes have struggled with this post-Brexit rule.

ETIAS for UK Children and Families

British children need ETIAS:

• All ages require ETIAS (including infants)
• Fee waived for under-18s
• Parents can apply on behalf of children
• Each child needs valid passport

Passport Requirements for UK Citizens

Post-Brexit passport rules are stricter:

• Must have at least 3 months validity beyond your departure date
• Must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter Europe
• UK passports issued before Brexit may have extra months that don't count toward validity
• Check exact validity rules before booking travel

Many UK citizens have been caught out by these new passport rules, so check carefully before traveling.

Healthcare Post-Brexit

Healthcare has also changed post-Brexit:

• EHIC cards: UK ones are no longer valid in EU
• GHIC cards: New UK Global Health Insurance Card provides limited emergency cover
• Travel insurance: Now essential for all European travel
• Private treatment may be required in some situations

Tips for UK Travelers

Apply Early

Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least a week before travel, though most applications are approved in minutes.

Track Your Days

Use a 90/180 calculator app to track your Schengen days. This is especially important if you travel frequently or own property in Europe.

Keep Documentation

Save your entry/exit stamps and flight records to prove your compliance with the 90/180 rule if questioned.

Consider Long-Stay Visas

If you need to spend more than 90 days in Europe, research long-stay visas or residence permits. Many European countries offer special visas for retirees or remote workers.

Additional Resources

• ETIAS Overview - General information
• About ETIAS - System history and purpose
• Application Guide - Step-by-step instructions
• FAQ - Common questions