European Visa System - What Should You Know?

Travel in Europe will soon change, so make sure you're up to date with the latest news!

Incoming: ETIAS

The UK’s exit from the EU has already seem implications when travelling – currently we must join the non-EU lines at airports and have our passports stamped. It has meant it takes longer to enter the EU and had led to particularly long delays at ports and airports in the months after we formally left the EU.

The UK has introduced a visa system for EU residents, and in turn, the EU plans to bring in a Visa scheme that all UK passport holders will need to sign up to otherwise entry will be refused. So what does it mean and when will it be introduced?

ETIAS

Please note that currently (March 2025), the ETIAS scheme is not in operation and it is not expected to be introduced until the second half of 2026.

It does mean however, that anyone travelling in the second half of 2026 onwards should be prepared to organize a Visa and should also budget approx. €7 per person (approx. £6.00)

Full information about the scheme can be found by visiting https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

A quick Q&A is below

Who needs it? Any passport holder not from one of the 30 European counties that are exempt. Any UK resident will have to apply for the Visa.

Who can do it? Adults should complete this form for themselves. Any parent or guardian can apply on behalf of a minor. Travel agencies can complete the application but please note that this is not a standard inclusion and unless otherwise stated, Energy Travel does not include the ETIAS Visa within the package.

When do I need to organize it? The Visa system will be introduced in the second half of 2026

How much will it cost? Approx. €7 per person (approx. £6.00)

What information is needed? You will need the following:

Personal information including your name(s), surname, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address and phone number;
Travel document details;
Details about your level of education and current occupation;
Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS;
Details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject of a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country.

Further FAQs can be found by visiting - https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/faqs-etias_en

Published: Friday 11 April 2025