EU Travel Alert 2025:  New ETIAS and Entry/ Exit System (EES) Rules for UK Travelers

I want to personally update all our clients on an important development that will affect all travel to the European Union in the coming months. It’s important to us that we educate expats living abroad and keep you updated to make your travel stress free.

UK Home Office issues EU travel alert for 2025. Discover what the new ETIAS cost means, how the Entry/Exit System (EES) affects travel, and get British passport renewal tips to prepare for stress-free trips to Europe

What Are the New EU Systems?

The EU is rolling out two major digital systems designed to strengthen border security and modernise how travellers are processed at European borders. These systems will apply across all 27 EU countries, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

• Entry/Exit System (EES): The new entry exit system replaces traditional passport stamps with a digital record. It will register biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition, for non-EU passport holders. This helps border officials track entry and exit more accurately and reduces the risk of overstays.
• European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS): Travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, will need to apply online for authorization before their journey. ETIAS approval is inexpensive, with the ETIAS cost set at €7, and aims to improve migration monitoring and enhance border safety.

Together, these initiatives form a biometric entry exit visa tracking system, ensuring that movements in and out of the EES Schengen zone are securely recorded.

Travelers planning trips to the European Union in the coming months are advised to prepare for:

• Stricter entry rules
• Longer processing times
• The rollout of new digital systems designed to bolster border security

Here’s what you need to know:

Cost:

• The official ETIAS cost is €7 per application for travellers aged 18 to 70.
• Applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from this fee.
• Payment is made online via credit or debit card during the application process.

Processing Time:

• Most ETIAS applications are processed within minutes.
• However, in some cases, additional security checks may cause processing times to extend up to 4 to 30 days.
• It is recommended to apply well in advance, ideally weeks before travel, to allow extra time for processing.

Requirements:

• A valid machine-readable passport with at least three months’ validity beyond the planned trip.
• An active email address (for receipt of ETIAS authorization).
• A credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fee (if applicable).
• Completion of the online application form including personal, travel history, health, and security questions.

Application Process:

• Complete the ETIAS application online via the official EU portal.
• Enter all required personal and travel details accurately. Incomplete or false information may cause delays or denial.
• Pay the ETIAS fee online.
• Submit the application and await confirmation by email.

Timeline:

• ETIAS authorization will be linked electronically to the passport and valid for up to 3 years or until passport expiry.
• Once approved, travellers can enter and exit through the EES Schengen borders more efficiently via the biometric entry exit visa tracking system.
• ETIAS is expected to fully launch in 2025, with phased implementation alongside the EU entry exit system.

What does the New Travel Alert Mean for our Clients?

The travel alert highlights upcoming changes as the EU introduces its Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). These initiatives form part of the EU’s effort to strengthen border security, improve migration monitoring, and streamline entry processes across member states.

• Entry/Exit System (EES): This new biometric entry exit system will replace manual passport stamps with a digital record. It will store biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition scans of non-EU travellers.
• ETIAS: Travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, will be required to apply for pre-travel authorization online before entering the EU.

By combining biometric checks with digital systems, the biometric entry exit visa tracking system is designed to enhance both security and efficiency.

Expected Impact on Travelers

The Home Office cautions that these changes may lead to delays at airports, Eurostar train stations, and European ferry terminals. Travelers are strongly advised to:

• Allow extra time for border checks
• Keep travel documents up to date
• Apply for ETIAS well in advance of travel

Key challenges include:

• Longer waiting times at border control during peak seasons
• Possible confusion for first-time users of the entry and exit system
• Risk of boarding denial without approved ETIAS authorization

Preparing for the New Rules

To minimize disruption, UK travellers should prepare now ahead of the upcoming transition:

• Check EU and airline websites regularly for updates on ETIAS and the EES Schengen rollout
• Allow additional time at passport control when traveling to countries within the Schengen area
• Apply for ETIAS authorization early to avoid delays
• Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining

If your passport is close to expiry, we strongly recommend renewing early. The British passport online renewal service can save time and help you avoid last-minute complications.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

At Global British Passports, we want to keep travel simple for our clients. The EU is introducing these new measures to make travel safer and more efficient. By collecting biometric data and requiring pre-travel checks, officials will be able to better track who is entering and leaving while improving border efficiency over time.

What UK Travelers Should Do Next

For now, British citizens can still travel to the EU visa-free for up to 90 days. However, once ETIAS is live, they will need to pay a small fee and secure authorization before departure. Failing to comply could result in being denied boarding or denied entry.

We recommend:

• Renewing your British passport well in advance if it’s near expiry
• Applying for ETIAS once the system officially launches
• Preparing for extra processing time at border checks

UK Home Office issues EU travel alert for 2025. Discover what the new ETIAS cost means, how the Entry/Exit System (EES) affects travel, and get British passport renewal tips to prepare for stress-free trips to Europe

FAQ

• What is ETIAS and when does it start?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new pre-travel digital authorization system for visa-exempt travellers visiting the Schengen Area and associated countries. It improves border security by screening travellers before arrival. ETIAS is not a visa, but a mandatory travel authorization linked electronically to the traveller’s passport. The system is scheduled to start operations in the last quarter of 2026, with a transitional period allowing travellers some flexibility initially. After full implementation, ETIAS approval will be mandatory to enter the EU

• How much does ETIAS cost for UK citizens?

The official ETIAS application fee is €20 per applicant aged 18 to 70. Applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from paying this fee. Payment is made online during the application process. It’s important for UK travellers to factor this cost into their travel preparations to the EU

• Do I need to renew my British passport before the EU changes?

Yes, renewing your British passport well in advance is strongly recommended if your passport is due to expire soon. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS require a valid, machine-readable passport with at least three to six months’ validity remaining. Using the Global British Passports can save time and help avoid last-minute issues at EU borders

Last updated: September 2025 | Source: UK Home Office Travel Alerts