Following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, travel rules have changed permanently. As of today, a European passport is no longer sufficient on its own: the UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) must now be obtained before arrival. This digital permit, which replaces the former freedom of movement, is an essential requirement for both tourist visits and airport stopovers, and it must be approved before the trip begins.
Do European citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
As a general rule, citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland do not need a traditional visa for short stays for tourism or business (up to 6 months). However, as of 2025, a passport is no longer sufficient: holding a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is now mandatory.
However, there are exceptions: citizens of the Republic of Ireland and those with resident status are the only ones exempt from obtaining an ETA.
UK border requirements
Upon arrival at border control, a valid passport linked to an approved UK ETA must be presented. As of February 25, 2026, the “no permission, no travel” policy requires airlines to verify this digital authorization before boarding.
In addition, the authorities may require:
- Travel documentation: Return ticket and accommodation confirmation.
- Financial solvency: Proof of sufficient funds for the stay.
Travel with minors under 18: If a minor travels alone or without legal guardians, it is essential to provide:
- Official authorization: Permission signed by both parents (issued by the police in the country of origin).
- Letter of consent: A document in English detailing the reason for travel and the contact details of the person responsible for the minor in the United Kingdom.
- Hosting notification: If accommodation is not with an immediate family member, the relevant local authority must be informed in advance.
Key changes after Brexit
The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union has transformed mobility, replacing freedom of movement with digital border control. The main points affecting travelers today are:
- Documentation: A national ID card is no longer valid. Travel with a valid passport is mandatory, and an approved ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) must be held before boarding.
- Stays and visas: Europeans may stay for up to 6 months for tourism. For longer periods, or to carry out work or academic activities, a specific visa must be applied for, as the United Kingdom is no longer part of the Erasmus program.
- Customs and pets: Limits on the importation of goods have been reinstated, and the EU pet passport is no longer valid, now requiring an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
- Biometric checks: In 2026, entry is managed through fingerprint and facial scanning, linking the information directly to the traveler’s digital permission.
Is travel insurance mandatory for the United Kingdom?
It is not mandatory to purchase travel insurance to enter the United Kingdom as a tourist for a period of less than 6 months. However, from Visagov it is recommended to take out travel and/or medical insurance for all trips.
Although the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) remains valid for receiving emergency medical care in the UK public system (NHS), its scope is limited. As the United Kingdom is not part of the European Union, the Withdrawal Agreement guarantees basic care, but it does not cover critical services such as:
- Medical repatriation: Transfer by medically equipped aircraft to the country of origin in the event of a serious accident.
- Private centers: Access to private clinics to avoid waiting times in the public system.
- Travel incidents: Additional protections against cancellations, lost luggage, or issues arising from ETA processing.
In conclusion, although entry into the country is possible without a private policy, travel insurance acts as proof of financial capacity at the border and ensures comprehensive protection against costs not covered by public healthcare.
Will the United Kingdom join the ETIAS/SEIAV system?
It is essential to clarify that, due to its exit from the European Union, the United Kingdom is not part of the ETIAS system (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) and is not expected to integrate into it. Although both systems share the aim of digitizing borders, they operate entirely independently.
Whereas ETIAS is the authorization that the European Union will require from third-country travelers to enter the Schengen Area (with a launch expected in the last quarter of 2026), the United Kingdom already has its own UK ETA fully operational. This means:
- A third-country national (such as an American or a Canadian) planning a combined trip to Paris and London will be required to obtain both authorizations: ETIAS for France and the UK ETA for the United Kingdom.
- Requirement for Europeans: Citizens of the European Union do not require ETIAS to travel within Europe, but a UK ETA must be obtained to cross the UK border.
- The UK case: Conversely, UK citizens wishing to travel to Spain or any Schengen country from late 2026 will also be required to apply for the European ETIAS.
Requirements to apply for the European ETIAS travel authorization
Any citizen from a visa-exempt third country wishing to travel to one of the Member States of the Schengen Area must mandatorily apply online for a Travel Authorisation (ETIAS/SEIAV).
To begin the registration process, the following conditions must be met:
- Eligible nationality: Belonging to one of the more than 60 countries that do not require a traditional visa to enter the Schengen Area.
- Biometric passport: Holding a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months at the time of entry into European territory.
- Contact and payment details: Having an active email address to receive the authorization and a credit or debit card to pay the corresponding administrative fees.
- Accuracy of data: Completing the digital form without omissions or discrepancies, as any error in basic information may result in denial of the authorization.
The ETIAS system requires the entry of detailed information that will be automatically verified against security databases (such as Interpol and Europol). Mandatory data include:
- Personal identification: Full passport details (first name, surname, nationality, date and place of birth).
- Contact information: Usual residential address, telephone number, and email address.
- Security and background: Answers to questions about criminal records, visits to conflict zones, or previous refusals of entry into the European Union.
It is important to note that ETIAS approval does not guarantee automatic entry, as the final decision rests with border authorities, who will verify that entry conditions continue to be met when crossing the border of the first Schengen country on the itinerary.
