Since the UK left the EU in January 2021 , the rules on travel have changed – but do British travellers need to have a visa to enter EU countries now? Here’s what you need to know about the current rules and what to expect in future. At the time of writing (August 2024), if you’re travelling from the UK, you will not need a special visa to enter any country within the European Union or Schengen area. UK travellers are able to spend a maximum of 90 days in every 180 within the European Union without a visa – for longer stays; you will be required to apply for a separate visa for the country you intend to be in.
However, the rules are set to change, and UK travellers will be required to have a visa waiver to enter the EU in the future. Sort of. At the time of writing, a much-delayed ETIAS system is set to be enforced as of mid-2025; causing many forward-planning Brits to fret about their summer 2025 plans.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an entry requirement set to be enforced as of mid-2025. It is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to one of 30 European countries, including France, Spain, Greece and Italy . Once granted, the authorisation is linked to passports and grants access to involved European territories for up to three years – or until the connected passport expires, whichever happens first.
If you get a new placement, for instance, if the original is lost or stolen, a new application must be made. Tr.