Traveling to Europe or the UK? What You Need to Know About ETA, ETIAS & EES

If you're planning a trip to Europe or the United Kingdom, you've likely heard about a few new travel requirements: ETA, ETIAS, and EES.

Here's what you need to know before you travel.

UK ETA: Required for Travel to the United Kingdom

If you're traveling to Scotland, England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you'll likely need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you depart.

The ETA is required for travelers from many visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

How it works:

  • Costs £20

  • Linked electronically to your passport

  • Valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)

  • Can be used for multiple visits to the UK

  • Beware of unofficial websites. Apply only through the official UK government website, as third-party sites may charge unnecessary fees or attempt to collect your personal information.

Most applications are approved quickly, but the UK government recommends applying at least three working days before departure.

Connecting through London? If you remain in the international transit area and do not pass through UK immigration, you generally won't need an ETA. If your connection requires you to clear immigration, you'll need one before you travel.

Europe's Entry/Exit System (EES): What to Expect

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new electronic border system for travelers entering the Schengen Area from outside Europe. The EES applies in all Schengen countries (including Bold Spirit Travel destinations in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Iceland).

The first time you enter a participating country, you'll be asked to:

  • Scan your passport

  • Have your photo taken

  • Scan your fingerprints

Your biometric information is generally stored for three years, making future entries during that time quicker.

Good to Know

  • Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.

  • The 90 days within any 180-day period rule for visa-free travel has not changed. The EES simply records your entries and exits electronically instead of using passport stamps.

  • During the rollout of the EES, some airports are experiencing longer processing times (in other words, long lines and/or delays). Plan to arrive at the airport early enough to allow extra time for this.

  • Some airports support the official Travel to Europe app, which allows travelers to pre-register certain information before arrival. Availability varies as the system continues to roll out.

ETIAS: Coming Later

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has not launched yet.

Once it begins, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need an approved ETIAS before visiting 30 European countries, including most of the Schengen Area.

When it launches, ETIAS will:

  • Be linked to your passport

  • Be valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires

  • Be required before you travel

You will not need ETIAS for:

  • The United Kingdom (which uses the ETA instead)

  • The Republic of Ireland

The European Union currently expects ETIAS to launch in the last quarter of 2026, but no official start date has been announced. Travelers cannot apply yet, and the EU has said it will provide several months' notice before applications open.

ETA, EES & ETIAS: What's the Difference?

Here's a breakdown:

Traveling to the UK?
Apply for a UK ETA before you fly.

Traveling to Europe today?
Your entry and exit will be recorded through the EES when you arrive.

Traveling to Europe after ETIAS launches?
You'll need an approved ETIAS before departure, and your arrival will still be processed through the EES at the border.

These new systems are designed to strengthen border security while streamlining the entry process for travelers. For most visitors, they simply add a few steps before departure or upon arrival.

If you're traveling with Bold Spirit Travel, we'll let you know about any entry requirements that apply to your trip and keep you updated as new systems are introduced.

Regina Winkle-Bryan