British citizens planning trips to popular European destinations such as Spain, France, Greece, and Portugal will soon be required to obtain a visa as part of new regulations.
Significant changes have been introduced for British travelers visiting certain European countries, with the full implementation of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and a requirement for UK passports to have been issued within the past 10 years. Additionally, British tourists will need to secure a visa to enter specific European regions commonly chosen for vacations.
The new system, known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), is expected to be in place by late 2026. Similar to the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) program, this system will be mandatory for visa-exempt travelers visiting 30 European countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Michelle Cooper, the Director of Travel Insurance at Saga, highlighted the upcoming requirement: “Travelers should be aware that visiting Europe will soon involve an additional step of obtaining pre-travel authorization. Starting from late 2026, British holidaymakers will need to seek ETIAS approval before heading to many favored European destinations.
“This authorization will be directly linked to the traveler’s passport, potentially resulting in denied boarding if discrepancies exist between the ETIAS information and the travel document, or if the authorization has expired.”
“While most ETIAS applications are expected to be processed rapidly, delays may occur if additional verifications are necessary. Travelers are advised to apply well in advance of their departure to prevent last-minute disruptions.
“Similar systems are already in place elsewhere; for instance, UK citizens traveling to the United States must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before flying. As these systems become more prevalent worldwide, it is crucial to review the requirements for each destination well ahead of travel.”
“As with passport validity regulations, individuals are responsible for ensuring they possess the appropriate travel authorization before leaving the country. Failure to obtain valid ETIAS or ESTA approval may lead to denied boarding or canceled trips, with travel insurance unlikely to cover associated expenses.”
According to research by Saga Travel Insurance, half of holidaymakers express uncertainty regarding the new visa and travel prerequisites for trips to Europe post-Brexit. Following a survey of 500 British citizens, the study also revealed that 16% were unsure of their passport’s expiration date, 10% had less than a year remaining on their passport, and 8% were holding expired passports.
Although the full implementation date of ETIAS for travel to the EU is yet to be confirmed, it is projected to be enforced by the year’s end. Currently, British citizens can visit Europe without a visa for stays up to 90 days, beyond which a visa will be required. The ETIAS will be mandatory for all EU travel.
Michelle elaborated on the implications for British travelers: “Those planning extended stays in Europe may need to apply for a new visa type. Visitors can spend up to 90 days in the Schengen area within any 180
