What is ETIAS and how will it affect your European travel in 2025?

Living in the UK and thinking of travelling to Europe this year? Though you’ve never needed a visa or any other entry requirements to visit before, that’s all set to change with the introduction of the ETIAS visa. Yep, that means you’ll need more than just your passport! So if you don’t want your holiday to end at the departure lounge, here’s everything you need to know.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a new entry requirement for nationals of visa-exempt countries that will travel to Europe. This means that countries — including the UK — that used to be able to enter Europe with just a valid passport and no other requirements now have to apply for authorisation for short-term stays. Oh, and in case you’re wondering… What does ETIAS stand for? European Travel Information and Authorisation System.

If you’ve travelled to the US any time since 2008, you’ll have had to get an ESTA to enter. ETIAS application will work in a similar way. It’s an electronic authorisation that will be automatically linked to your passport so there’s nothing extra to print or show. Once you’ve been approved, the ETIAS lasts for 3 years and can be used as many times as you like until it expires (or until your passport expires). You’ll be able to enter 30 European countries multiple times for visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Do I need ETIAS?

Yes, if you’re from the UK or any of the 60 visa-exempt countries, you need to apply for an ETIAS visa. Otherwise, you’ll be barred from travelling!

But there are a few special cases where you’re exempt from applying. For example, diplomats don’t need one.

When does ETIAS start for the UK?

ETIAS is due to be implemented sometime in mid-2025. Once it comes in, you’ll probably hear about it on the news and on the official website. Airlines are also likely to drop you a reminder if you book a flight to Europe.

Be sure to keep an eye on this space, as we’ll update it as soon as we have an exact ETIAS start date!

How to apply for ETIAS

Though the exact process is yet to be finalised, applying for ETIAS should be as simple and straightforward as applying for an ESTA when travelling to the US.

All you’ll have to do is to fill out the application form on the official website or the planned mobile application. The ETIAS visa cost will be €7, or around £5.82, and the application will normally be processed within minutes.

But, don’t wait until the last minute! In some cases, you might have to submit additional documents, which could add up to 14 days to the processing time, or even up to 30 days if you’re invited for an interview. So make sure that you apply for your ETIAS visa in the UK as soon as possible before your trip

Luckily, ETIAS will be valid up to 3 years after it’s approved or until your passport expires. If you get a new passport, you’ll have to apply for it again as it’s linked to the passport you use for the application.

If you have multiple passports that you plan on using for travel, be sure to get an ETIAS for all of them, or only use the one that it’s linked to.

How do I use ETIAS once I have it?

The good news is you don’t really have to do anything once you’ve been approved. You don’t even need to print the authorisation out as it’s stored digitally. You just present your passport as normal and the officials will check if you have it. As ETIAS is linked to your passport, be sure to carry the same travel document you used to apply for it.

The headache only starts if you don’t have a valid EU ETIAS. In that nightmare scenario, you’ll be doing a Tom Hanks, unable to enter Europe and forced to live in the airport. Well, not quite, as you’ll be able to go back home at least. But, still, your trip will be over before it’s begun as you won’t be allowed to board any bus, train, ship, or flight that's bound for any European destination.

What are the chances of being denied ETIAS?

There are several reasons that you could be refused an ETIAS travel authorisation. Here are just some examples:

• If you have a lost, stolen, invalid, or expired passport.

• If you’re considered a risk for security, illegal immigration, or the spread of infectious diseases.

• If you don’t submit all documents or fail to attend an interview.

• If you’ve previously been refused entry. When it comes to ETIAS, a criminal record is a major factor in being denied.

If you’re refused an ETIAS application in the UK you can appeal the decision by contacting the ETIAS authorities.

ETIAS application is easy!

Though ETIAS is a new requirement, the application process is quick and easy so don’t let it put you off grabbing a pain au chocolat in Paris, joining in the flamenco in Sevilla, or climbing the steps of the Acropolis in Athens.

There’s still some time before it goes live so you don’t have to do anything now. But once it does, make sure to apply for the ETIAS visa in enough time to travel in the second half of 2025.