UK to Europe: New Travel Rules Ahead — ETIAS, EES and ETA Explained

GirlWellTravelled
Oct 5
5 min read

If you’re planning a European getaway in 2025 or 2026, there are a few travel updates on the horizon that you’ll want to know about. Words like EES, ETIAS and ETA are about to become part of the travel vocabulary. Especially for UK passport holders heading to the EU and Schengen Area.

Let’s clear any confusion and keep you travel-ready.

Why are Things Changing

Since the UK left the EU, British travellers are classed as 'third-country nationals' when visiting the Schengen Area. That means entry is still visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180 days) but the process at border control is changing.

These systems EES and ETIAS are being introduced by the EU to modernise border management and improve security. Think of them as digital systems that make travel smoother in the long run, even if there’s a bit more admin upfront.

The UK’s ETA (Already rolling out (for others))

Let’s start with the one you might have already heard about. The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). This is Britain’s own system, already being phased in for visitors coming into the UK, not for UK citizens travelling abroad. It’s useful to know because the EU’s ETIAS works similarly.

For official UK ETA details, visit the GOV.UK ETA guidance. So, while you won’t need a UK ETA to travel to Europe, the concept is similar to what the EU is introducing for travellers like us heading their way.

The Entry/Exit System - EES

(from October 2025)

From 12 October 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will start replacing the current process of stamping passports at Schengen borders.

What happens under EES:

Your passport will be scanned and you’ll register biometrics (a facial image and fingerprints) the first time you cross into the Schengen Area.
This data is stored for up to three years, speeding up future entries and exits.
No more manual passport stamps as everything will be recorded digitally.

If you regularly drive, fly or take the train from the UK into EU countries like France or Spain, this will affect you. Expect slightly longer waits at borders while the system beds in.

For full details, check GOV.UK’s official EES guidance and ABTA’s travel advice. A complete rollout of EES across all Schengen border points is planned by April 2026.

ETIAS - The Big One for UK Passport Holders

(coming late 2026)

After EES, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will follow. Currently expected to launch late 2026.

This is the EU’s version of a digital pre-travel authorisation. Similar to the US ESTA or UK ETA. Designed for citizens from countries that enjoy visa-free access, including the UK.

Here’s how ETIAS will work:

You’ll apply online or through an official EU app before travel.
It will cost around €20 for travellers aged 18 to 70 (children and over-70s are expected to be exempt from the fee).
Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
You must hold an approved ETIAS before boarding your flight, train or ferry to the Schengen Area.
The authorisation covers short stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days.

Official updates are published by the European Commission and summarised by the UK Parliament Library. A few countries aren't affected by ETIAS, notably Ireland, which remains part of the Common Travel Area with the UK. So no ETIAS will be required for trips to Dublin, Cork or Galway.

How EES and ETIAS Work Together

Think of it this way:

EES = border process (biometric entry and exit tracking)
ETIAS = pre-travel approval (digital authorisation before you leave the UK)

When both are running, you’ll need to:

Hold an approved ETIAS, and
Register through EES the first time you enter.

After that, your details are stored, making future trips faster.

Real-Life Examples: What This Looks Like for UK Travellers

Sometimes it’s easier to understand these new systems through real trips, so let’s imagine two common travel scenarios after the changes take effect.

Example 1: A Weekend in Luxembourg After October 2025

Let’s say you’re planning a quick weekend away in Luxembourg in November 2025. You’ll be among the first wave of travellers using the new EES (Entry/Exit System).

When you arrive at the Schengen border, whether that’s by air, train or road you’ll need to:

Scan your passport at an automated gate or kiosk.
Register your photo and fingerprints (the first time only).
Have your entry recorded digitally, instead of receiving a passport stamp.

That’s it. The process will likely take a few extra minutes, especially while everyone’s getting used to it. On future trips, your details will already be stored, making the border experience faster.

No ETIAS is required at this stage, just your UK passport and the new biometric registration at the border.

Example 2: A 7-Night European Cruise After ETIAS Launches in Late 2026

Now imagine it’s spring 2027, and you’re setting sail from Southampton on a 7-night cruise calling at France, Spain, and Italy.

Before departure, you’ll need to:

Apply for ETIAS online (through the official EU site).
Pay the €20 or £17 fee if you’re aged between 18 and 70.
Wait for approval confirmation. This should come through in minutes but can take longer in some cases.

Once you’ve got your ETIAS, it’s electronically linked to your passport. One ETIAS application covers all countries that require it. You can then board your cruise and enjoy your European ports of call without extra paperwork.

When your ship docks in the Schengen Area for the first time, your EES registration (biometrics and entry data) will also be logged automatically.

If you cruise again the next year using the same passport, you won’t need to redo that EES step — your record will already exist for three years.

What You’ll Need to Do

For now? Nothing! But when ETIAS goes live:

Apply early – ideally a few days before travel (applications can take up to 30 days if extra checks are required).
Use only the official EU website – be wary of imitation sites charging inflated fees.
Check your passport validity – ETIAS links directly to your passport, so renew early if it’s close to expiring.
Keep an eye on updates – systems are still being tested and rollout dates may change.

Watch Out for Scams

Because ETIAS isn’t yet active, scammers are already setting up fake “registration” websites. Bookmark the official EU portal: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en.

If a site claims you can “apply now” for ETIAS, it’s not legitimate. The real system will only open once the European Commission officially announces it.

Finally

Travel between the UK and Europe isn’t getting harder simply digital. These systems are designed to make borders more efficient but for now, they’ll mean an adjustment for UK travellers accustomed to a quick passport stamp routine.

So, in short:

EES arrives in October 2025
ETIAS launches late 2026
UK ETA is for visitors to the UK, not for us heading out

As a travel agent and frequent flyer myself, I’ll keep sharing updates here and on my social channels as the rollout approaches. Got questions about how this might affect your next European trip? Drop them in the comments or message me. I’m happy to help you stay travel-ready.