Do UK citizens need ETIAS after Brexit?
Some links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no cost to you. They are for optional travel products only, never for ETIAS itself. Disclosure.
Status as of 2026-10-25: ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. The EU says it will announce the start date "several months prior to its launch."
Yes, once ETIAS launches. The official site says UK nationals need a valid ETIAS for short-term stays (90 days in any 180) (Official: Who should apply).
Key points for Brits
- Ireland does not require ETIAS and is not one of the 30 countries.
- Fee: EUR 20; free under 18 and over 70 (Official: What you need to apply).
- Withdrawal Agreement residents holding a uniform-format residence document from one of the 30 countries are exempt. Those whose host country is Ireland are not exempt, and Cyprus-issued documents only cover Cyprus (Official: Who should apply).
- Longer stays (over 90/180) need a national visa or residence permit, not ETIAS.
- EES: since 10 April 2026, passports are no longer stamped; you register fingerprints and a facial image at the first crossing (European Commission: Entry/Exit System).
Dual UK/Irish citizens: travel on your Irish passport and you do not need ETIAS.
Want it on one page? ETIAS & EES Europe travel checklist ($7, optional). ETIAS itself is EUR 20 only on the official EU site.
Sources
More guides
- ETIAS fee: why it is EUR 20 and who does not pay
- Do Americans need ETIAS? ETIAS for US citizens
- Is ETIAS live yet? ETIAS launch date tracker
- ETIAS requirements: documents and information checklist
- ETIAS scam sites: how to spot a fake ETIAS website
- How long does ETIAS take and how long is it valid?
- ETIAS vs EES: what is the difference?
- Official ETIAS website vs third-party agencies
- Who needs ETIAS? Countries, travellers and exemptions