ETIAS Explained: The Complete Family Guide for UK Travellers

If you’re planning a family holiday to Europe, you’ve probably started hearing about ETIAS. With new European travel rules being introduced, it’s understandable that parents are wondering whether they need a visa, how much it will cost, and whether they’ll need to apply for their children too.

The good news? It isn’t a visa, the application is expected to be quick, and once you’ve got it, you’ll be able to use it for multiple trips.

Here’s everything families need to know about ETIAS before travelling to Europe.

Who Needs ETIAS?

Once it launches, most UK passport holders travelling to participating European countries for holidays, city breaks, cruises or family trips will need an ETIAS before travelling.

This includes:

• Adults
• Teenagers
• Babies
• Children

Every traveller will need their own ETIAS linked to their passport, even young children.

If you’re travelling as a family, it’s worth checking everyone’s passports are valid well before your holiday, as it’s connected directly to the passport you apply with.

Which Countries Will Require ETIAS?

ETIAS will apply when travelling to 30 European countries, including many of the UK’s most popular family holiday destinations.

These include:

• Spain
• France
• Portugal
• Italy
• Greece
• Croatia
• Austria
• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Malta
• Iceland
• Norway
• Switzerland

It won’t apply when travelling to Ireland.

How Do You Apply for ETIAS?

When ETIAS officially opens, applications will be completed online.

You’ll typically need:

• A valid UK passport
• Personal information
• Contact details
• Answers to a few security questions
• A payment card (if the fee applies)

Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes, although some could take longer if additional checks are required. Because of this, it’s sensible not to leave your application until the night before you travel.

ETIAS and Family Holidays

For families, this change shouldn’t add much stress once it’s in place.

Our top tips include:

• Apply for everyone’s ETIAS well before your holiday.
• Double-check passport expiry dates before booking.
• Save a copy of everyone’s confirmation.
• If anyone renews their passport, they’ll need a new ETIAS linked to the new passport.

If you’re travelling with grandparents or other relatives, remember they’ll also need their own if required.

In simple terms:

• ETIAS happens before your trip.
• EES happens when you arrive at the border.

Families should be prepared for slightly longer queues the first time they use the new Entry/Exit System while biometric details are recorded. Children under 12 won’t normally provide fingerprints, although they’ll still be registered.

Does ETIAS Change the 90-Day Rule?

No.

ETIAS doesn’t change how long UK travellers can stay in Europe.

You’ll still be able to spend up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the Schengen Area unless you have the appropriate visa or residency rights.

It simply gives permission to travel – it doesn’t increase the amount of time you’re allowed to stay.

Do You Need to Apply for ETIAS Yet?

No.

Although ETIAS is expected to launch later in 2026, applications are not currently open. The EU will announce the official launch date before applications begin, and you’ll only be able to apply through the official EU system once it goes live.

Be cautious of any website claiming you can buy an ETIAS today, as the UK Government has warned these are fraudulent.

ETIAS Family Checklist

Before your next European holiday, make sure you:

• Check every family member’s passport expiry date.
• Keep an eye on the official ETIAS launch announcement.
• Apply for everyone’s ETIAS before travelling once applications open.
• Allow extra time at the airport or border as the new Entry/Exit System becomes established.
• Keep digital copies of your travel documents.

Final Thoughts on ETIAS

ETIAS is simply another step to complete before travelling to Europe, and for most families it should be a straightforward part of holiday planning. Once it’s introduced, applying should only take a few minutes, and because it’ll be valid for several years, most families won’t need to think about it again before every trip.

The key thing to remember is that it isn’t live yet. There’s nothing you need to do today other than keep an eye on official announcements and avoid any unofficial websites claiming to offer ETIAS applications before the system launches.

Read our guide on the EU Entry Exit System.