In a matter of days the new the European Union (EU) will begin introducing new border checks, with changes highlighted by the FCDO for anyone travelling to the Schengen Area. And, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an alert about travel to France, Spain and other parts of Europe. In a recent post on X, previously known as Twitter, the FCDO announced that a rule change will be implemented from October 12.
The FCDO has made it clear that from 12 October 2025, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin. This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area. And then, once British travellers have navigated this hurdle, a new one will be thrown in their way next year.
ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions. Your ETIAS travel authorisation is valid for three years or until the travel document you used in your application expires - whichever comes first.
It is for short-term stays: a valid ETIAS travel authorisation entitles you to stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorisation during your entire stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS. You can leave and come back at any time, as long as you respect the time limits mentioned above.
On arrival at the border
As your ETIAS travel authorisation is linked to your travel document, make sure to carry the same document which you used in your ETIAS application. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to board your flight, bus or ship, or to enter any of the European country requiring ETIAS.
Having a valid ETIAS travel authorisation does not guarantee an automatic right of entry. When you arrive at the border, border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions. Those travellers who do not meet the entry conditions will be refused entry. The ETIAS travel authorization will cost €20 for the application fee, though those under 18 or over 70 are exempt. This fee is for adults aged 18-70, and you’ll need a credit or debit card to pay it online or via the official mobile app once ETIAS becomes operational.