All new entry requirements for the European Union and the United Kingdom
The entry requirements for the United Kingdom and European Union are changing. This is all the information that you need to know about these new requirements, which are the EES and ETIAS requirements. At the end, there is a section about the new ETA requirements for entry into the UK for all non-UK passport holders.
The EES is the new Entry - Exit System. This will begin on 12th October 2025. This will be rolled out gradually across the external borders of the 29 European countries that make up the E.U over an initial period of 6 months. These European countries will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, incorporating the recording facial image and fingerprints.
This means that travellers’ biometric data might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and travellers personal information may not be registered in the system on their first visit. Passports will continue to be stamped as usual during this time, but the EES system will eventually replace the need for passports to be stamped.
This progressive implementation will last until 9th April 2026. From 10th April 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of the European countries using this system, whereby biometrics will need to be collected upon arrival. This applies to all visitors to the E.U from all non-EU countries, unless the traveller is under 12 years of age.
The EES applies to you if you are a non-EU national travelling for any short stay to a European country using the EES system.
As a traveller, this means that there may be a delay in getting through passport control, especially in the early months while the system is being rolled out. Once completed, the whole entry exit system will be far simpler and quicker. Please allow additional time for this if you have any onward transport connections. Please check your own specific requirements prior to travelling just to ensure compliance with the passport or travel document that you hold.
The ETIAS or European Travel Information and Authorization System is a travel authorization for entry into the E.U. This is separate from the EES system and will commence in the second quarter of 2026, although as this expected date has already been delayed several times, this new date may change. I’ll put any updated information in the description below for EES and ETIAS.
The ETIAS also carries a charge which is expected to be €20 (Equivalent to £17.30 – US$23.24 – Zloty 85.13), although this amount may also change, as the charge was originally set at €7. The ETIAS is valid for three years or until the passport used in the original application expires, whichever comes first. If you attach your ETIAS to your new ten-year passport, then you will have to apply again after three years to enter the EU and keep reapplying until your passport expires. When your ten-year passport expires, and you apply for a new passport, then you will need to apply for an ETIAS for your new passport.
To apply for ETIAS, you will need a valid travel document or passport to which a visa may be attached.
Your travel document should not expire in less than three months and it should not be older than 10 years from the date of issue. A travel document which does not comply with international standards may be rejected during the application process.
If you have any doubt about whether your travel document entitles you to cross the borders of the European countries requiring ETIAS, please check the European Council’s website for further details, as not all travel documents are accepted for ETIAS. If you hold a biometric passport, you can apply for ETIAS travel authorisation, but if you hold any other type of passport, you will need a visa to enter any of the European countries requiring ETIAS. Please check to ensure you are compliant.
The ETA is the new Electronic Travel Authorisation entry requirement into the United Kingdom, which has been in force since 2nd April 2025.
With the exception of Irish citizens, all non-UK passport holders will need an ETA for short visits to the UK of up to six months. This isn’t a tax, but a digital travel authorization to travel to the UK, similar to the ESTA entry system into the USA and ETIAS into the E.U.
The cost is currently £16 (Equivalent to €18.50 – US$21.50 – Zloty 78.77) and it’s valid for two years or until the passport used in the original application expires, whichever comes first. If your passport has more than two years validity remaining when you apply for your ETA, then you will have to apply again after two years to enter the UK and keep reapplying until your passport expires. When your passport expires, and you apply for a new passport, then you will need to apply for an ETA for your new passport in order to enter the UK again.
Please note, that You may still need a visa depending on your nationality and purpose of visit, or if you are here to work, study or for longer stays over six months.