Travel to Europe from UK: everything you need to know

Europe’s Schengen Area is bringing in two major changes that will affect UK travellers:

• A new electronic entry/exit system (EES) will be implemented from October 2025 to ensure compliance with the 90-day visa-free limit
• UK travellers will need to obtain ETIAS authorisation before entering the Schengen Area to continue enjoying visa-free travel from the fourth quarter of 2026

Travel from the UK to Europe is changing, with new rules and regulations being brought in for UK travellers heading to the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that allow for passport-free travel between them. While the UK is not part of Schengen, citizens can visit the area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

However, UK travellers must meet certain entry requirements in order to gain entry to the Schengen Area. Here’s everything you need to know about travelling from the UK to Europe, from required documents and GHICs to visas and ETIAS.

Important documents for travelling to Europe from UK

Ready to travel to Europe from the UK? UK citizens need to pack several documents in order to gain entry to Europe. It’s important to bring some of these documents with you, even if you’re not asked to present them. Others are required by certain countries but not others.

1. Valid passport

UK citizens need a valid passport to travel anywhere in Europe, apart from Ireland. However, it’s important to check the issue and expiry date before booking your flights.

When travelling to most European countries, your passport must have been issued less than ten years before your entry date. And you’ll need at least three months validity left on your passport on the date you plan to leave.

2. Visa (if applicable)

So, do I need a visa to travel to Europe from the UK? If you’re a UK citizen, it simply depends on the length of your trip.

If you’re planning a short trip to Europe (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), you will not need a visa. However, from the fourth quarter of 2026, you will need an ETIAS – a visa waiver.

When you’re travelling in the Schengen zone, it does not matter where you spend your 90 days. For instance, you could see out your full 90 day allocation in Spain, or spend 30 days in France, 30 days in Germany, and 30 days in Italy. It also doesn’t matter if these 90 days are consecutive or not. As long as you don’t spend more than 90 days in Europe in total within a 180-day period, you won’t need a visa.

If you travel to Europe a lot, this can get a little confusing so it’s worth using a Schengen calculator to ensure you don’t exceed the 90-day limit.

However, if you’re planning to stay longer than the allocated 90 days, you will need to secure a long-stay visa ahead of your arrival. Generally, these can be obtained from the consulate of the country you plan to spend your time in.

You may also need a visa if you’re in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for work – in this case you need to check the rules of the individual country.

It’s also worth noting that while they are in the EU, Cyprus and Ireland are not in the Schengen Area, and so have different rules for UK citizens from their fellow member nations.

3. Proof of return or onward travel

Border officials do sometimes ask for proof of return or onward travel. As long as you’ve already booked onward transport this isn’t a problem – showing a return plane ticket, or a train ticket to your next destination should suffice. However, it is worth printing out all your tickets or ensuring they are accessible on your phone just in case.

4. Proof of accommodation

You may be asked for proof of accommodation if you’re flying into Europe for a long stay, but it’s worth keeping this handy no matter the length of your visit. Proof of accommodation could include booking confirmation for a hotel, an apartment rental agreement or an invitation letter from a resident who will be hosting you.

5. GHIC and travel insurance

While a global health insurance card (GHIC) and travel insurance policy are not compulsory for UK citizens travelling to Europe, they both come highly recommended.

A GHIC is a free card issued by the UK government that enables UK residents to access state-funded healthcare in the European Economic Area and Switzerland at the same cost as a local resident. You can apply for a GHIC on the NHS website, and once you have one, it should cover you for five years.

The GHIC was brought in to replace the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you still have a valid EHIC, you can continue to use it until the expiry date passes.

While the GHIC provides access to state healthcare services (for example, emergency treatment and assistance with pre-existing conditions) at the same rates locals pay, it’s no replacement for a travel insurance policy, which will cover many more eventualities.

6. Proof of sufficient funds

Customs officers are entitled to ask travellers for proof of sufficient funds for their trip at European borders. The amount of money you are required to bring varies by country, and is often tied to a daily minimum. The easiest way to prove you have enough money to support yourself during your trip is to present an electronic bank statement or credit card statement.

7. ETIAS authorisation

From the fourth quarter of 2026, UK travellers heading to Europe will need an ETIAS. This essentially acts as a visa waiver for short trips (under 90 days in every 180) to 30 European countries.

So who needs an ETIAS, how do you get one, and how will you use it? Read on for everything you need to know.

What is ETIAS and who needs it?

Travelling to Europe from the UK looks a little different now to how it did a couple of years ago, and towards the end of 2026, it’s going to change again when the EU brings in the ETIAS for UK travellers.

• What is ETIAS?: ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a visa waiver system that pre-screens travellers who are currently exempt from needing a visa to visit 30 European countries.
• When is ETIAS necessary?:Currently, UK citizens can spend 90 of every 180 days in Europe, visa free. And this isn’t going to change – but from the fourth quarter of 2026, you will need to obtain an ETIAS to continue travelling in Europe for these 90 days, visa-free.

Which European countries does ETIAS cover?

The ETIAS covers 30 European countries, including all countries in the Schengen Area:

ETIAS also covers Cyprus – an EU member state that is not part of Schengen. UK travellers will not need an ETIAS to visit Ireland (another non-Schengen EU member state) thanks to the Common Travel Area agreement.

It’s also worth highlighting that the Schengen Area includes a number of countries that are not part of the EU, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

How do I get ETIAS?

You will be able to apply for ETIAS using the official ETIAS website or mobile app. In order to obtain ETIAS you will need:

• A valid passport that is machine-readable and valid for at least three months after your trip ends
• An active email address
• A credit or debit card

During the application process, you will need to share:

• Your personal details, including your full name, DOB and nationality
• Your passport number, issue date and expiration date
• Your email address (for receiving ETIAS approval) and phone number
• Your travel plans

You will also be asked a few security questions surrounding your past travel to Europe or other regions, health conditions that could be relevant to public safety and any criminal record pertaining to serious offences.

While most ETIAS applications will be processed within minutes, approval could take up to 30 days if extra checks are needed. This is why it’s a good idea to secure ETIAS well in advance of your trip.

Once your ETIAS has been approved, you will receive an email confirmation. If it’s pending you may be asked to supply additional documents, and if it’s denied, you’ll be given an explanation and have the chance to appeal.

Schengen visa: When is it necessary?

A Schengen visa entitles non-EU citizens to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. So, do UK citizens need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe from the UK?

No, UK travellers do not need a Schengen visa to visit countries within this area as they are entitled to visa-free travel for 90 days in 180. However, as outlined above, they will need a visa-waiver in the form of an ETIAS from late 2026.

If you do need to apply for a Schengen visa from the UK (perhaps you’re not a UK citizen and need one to enter Europe), you’ll need to book an appointment at the relevant embassy or consulate.

New EU rules for UK travellers: The EES

The EU is introducing a new entry/exit system (EES) from October 2025 to ensure compliance with the 90-day visa-free limit.

This system will register movement into and around Europe electronically. It means that UK travellers will no longer have their passports stamped at most European borders. You’ll also have your fingerprints and photo taken when first entering or leaving the Schengen Area. However, neither Ireland nor Cyprus are taking part in the new EES scheme.

Visa-free entry for UK residents

Ireland and Cyprus are both EU member states, but sit outside of the Schengen Area. This means they have slightly different rules around entry for UK citizens. Here’s what you need to know.

Cyprus

Cyprus is not taking part in the EU’s new entry/exit system, which means UK travellers should still get their passport manually stamped at the border.

While it is planning to bring in the ETIAS visa-waiver system along with Schengen countries, the days you spend in Cyprus do not count towards your 90 day limit, or vice versa.

In other words, you can spend up to 90 days out of 180 in Cyprus without a visa, and spend another 90 days out of the same 180 days in the Schengen Area, also visa-free.

Ireland

Ireland and the UK are part of the Common Travel Area, which also encompasses the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Citizens have freedom of movement and residence between these countries and territories. This means there’s no limit on the amount of time UK travellers can spend in Ireland, and they don’t need a visa or ETIAS to visit.

In fact, UK travellers don’t need a passport to enter Ireland. However, most airlines and ferry companies will ask you to present an official ID document, such as a driving licence. Furthermore, some airlines require you to present a passport in order to board flights to and from Ireland, regardless of the law. With this in mind, it’s important to check which travel documents you’ll need with your airline ahead of time – and it’s often easiest to simply bring your passport along.