Travelling to Europe has changed for UK passport holders since Brexit. After that big change, one of more biggest upcoming changes is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is up to roll. This is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers ( UK citizens who do not require a visa to enter Schengen countries). As a visa is also an entry permit, and ETIAS will be used for entry purposes so due to confusion, many UK travellers are asking a simple question: Do UK citizens need ETIAS or a Schengen visa to visit the EU?
So, to clear this confusion, we made this guide, which explains the differences clearly so you can prepare before booking your Schengen trip from the UK.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a digital travel authorisation designed for visitors (UK citizens) from visa-exempt countries who want to enter the Schengen Area for short stays (3 months within 6 months). Remember, it is not a visa, and it does not replace the Schengen visa system.
This is how ETIAS will work after its launch:
Once ETIAS becomes operational (in April 2026), all British passport holders will need ETIAS from the UK to enter the Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days within any 180 days.
Yes, UK citizens need an ETIAS to travel to the EU Zone. Below is a proper explanation to understand the answer to this question more clearly.
Once ETIAS begins, it will be required for:
If you are still confused about the question Do You Need ETIAS or a Schengen Visa? Here is the simplest way to decide:
| When you hold a British passport | You will need ETIAS once it launches |
| When you are a UK resident – A national from a country that is not on the visa-exempt list. – National from a visa-exempt country. | – Must apply for a Schengen visa. – Only need to apply for ETIAS. |
| When you plan to stay longer than three months in the Schengen area ( UK citizen) | Need a national long-stay visa, not an ETIAS |
British citizens can continue travelling visa-free in all 29 Schengen countries, but ETIAS will become a mandatory pre-screening requirement once it is.
Once introduced, ETIAS will apply to all Schengen Area countries (29 Schengen countries), including both EU and non-EU Schengen members.
List of Countries which require ETIAS from the UK:
| Austria | Belgium | Croatia | Czech Republic | Denmark |
| Estonia | Finland | France | Germany | Greece |
| Hungary | Iceland | Italy | Latvia | Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | Malta | Netherlands | Norway | Poland |
| Portugal | Slovakia | Slovenia | Spain | Sweden |
| Switzerland | Liechtenstein |
Although both documents allow UK travellers entry into the Schengen Zone, they serve very different purposes.
Here are the key Differences Between ETIAS and a Schengen Visa
| Feature | ETIAS | Schengen Visa |
| Eligibility | British Passport Holders | Non-visa-exempt nationals |
| Purpose | Pre-entry security screening | Regulating immigration & national security |
| Validity | Up to 3 years (passive until passport expires) | Varies according to the type of visa |
| Cost | Not fixed until launch | Varies according to types & country |
| Processing Time | Online process & quick approvals | Takes days or even longer due to a lengthy application and appointment process. |
| Required Documents | Only Passport | Extensive documentation |
| Allowed to stay in a Schengen country | Up to 90 days per 180 days | Depending on the type of visa (short-stay or long-stay) |
Yes. ETIAS is expected to be much cheaper than a Schengen visa.
For most UK travellers, ETIAS will be the more affordable option.
ETIAS authorization will typically be:
Once the system is active, the application process will be very simple. Below is the ETIAS Application Steps-by-step process.
Documents Needed
So, in the conclusion, British passport holders will need ETIAS, not a Schengen visa, for short stays once ETIAS launches. And the UK residents with non-UK passports should check whether their nationality requires a visa. And always check entry rules before travelling, especially if your stay might exceed 90 days in the Schengen zone. And finally, make sure your passport has enough validity, as ETIAS links directly to your passport number. Also, SCHENGEN VISA HELP, a reputable and trusted visa agency in the UK, books express visa appointments with round-the-clock visa assistance.
Yes. ETIAS allows multiple short stays totalling up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day window in a Schengen country for UK travelers. But must check the rules and after its launch in 2026.
It depends on the traveller’s nationality:
No. ETIAS authorisation allows you to travel in the Schengen area from UK, but border officers can still ask for evidence of your travel plans. So, as a UK citizen, you have to must apply for a visa when you plan a long stay in any Schengen country.
7300-463-745
02084-323-472
