€20 Charge for Britons Travelling to the EU from 2026: What You Need to Know
As travel between the UK and Europe continues to evolve post-Brexit, new rules are on the horizon that will impact Britons heading to the continent. Starting from late 2026, UK travellers will face a new charge of €20 (£17.30) to obtain travel authorisation for entry into the Schengen Area. Alongside this, wider changes to border control procedures are expected, potentially increasing wait times at European airports, ports, and international train stations.
Introduction of the ETIAS Travel Authorisation and Increased Fee
Britons have enjoyed visa-free travel to the Schengen zone, which comprises most EU countries, for short trips. However, this is set to change with the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The ETIAS is a mandatory digital authorisation containing security and background checks that visa-exempt travellers — including UK citizens — must complete before entering the Schengen Area.
Originally, the cost for obtaining ETIAS was proposed at just €7 (£6). However, the European Commission recently approved a higher fee of €20, aligning the cost with other similar travel authorisation systems globally, such as the United States’ ESTA and Canada’s eTA. This decision was made to standardize fees and reflect the administrative costs involved in processing applications.
Travellers will need to apply for the ETIAS online in advance of their trip. The authorisation is expected to be valid for multiple entries over a period, similar to other systems, but the exact duration has not been detailed yet. Without the ETIAS, Britons will be denied entry to the Schengen countries, making it essential to plan ahead for this new requirement.
Entry-Exit System (EES) to Improve Border Security, But May Cause Delays
In addition to the ETIAS, Europe is implementing a new biometric Entry-Exit System (EES), designed to modernize how travellers are processed at external EU borders. Unlike the old method of stamping passports, the EES will require travellers, including Britons, to register biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints upon arrival.
The UK government has stated that the EES is scheduled to roll out gradually from October 12, 2025. This new system aims to better monitor who is entering and leaving Europe, enhancing security and migration management.
However, the introduction of biometric checks means that travellers can expect potentially longer queues and increased wait times at airports, ports, and train terminals across the continent. The government has cautioned travellers to anticipate delays and to arrive earlier than usual to avoid missing connections.
What Britons Should Do to Prepare
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Apply for ETIAS Early: Once available, travellers should plan to apply for ETIAS before any trip to Europe. Processing times and fees should be considered when booking travel.
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Allow Extra Time at Borders: Due to the biometric checks introduced by the EES, additional time should be factored in when planning travel itineraries, especially for connections.
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Stay Updated on Changes: As these systems and fees continue to develop, checking official government and EU sources for the latest information will help travellers avoid surprises.
Ongoing Impact on UK-EU Travel
These changes highlight ongoing adaptations in UK-EU relations affecting everyday travel. While they add some complexity and cost, officials emphasize that these measures enhance security for all and align the UK with international entry requirements increasingly common worldwide.
For more detailed advice and updates on personal finance and travel, keep following Smart Money Mindset as we continue to cover these important developments affecting British travellers and consumers.