Travelling to the EU after UK exit

Entry Visas (ETIAS)

Big changes are coming for UK travellers heading to Europe. The EU is introducing two new systems - the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), affecting how people enter and leave EU countries. These new rules aim to improve border security and track who is coming and going, but they may also mean longer waits and extra steps for UK citizens planning trips to Europe.

EES: Entry/Exit System

A new electronic system that automatically records when non-EU travellers enter and leave the Schengen Zone has been implemented.

Key features:

• Replaces passport stamping with digital checks
• Stores biometric data (fingerprints + facial image)
• Tracks how long you’ve stayed to help enforce the 90-day rule (within any 180-day period)

Who it affects: Non-EU nationals who don’t need a visa to enter Schengen countries (e.g., UK, US, Australia)
Launched: 12th October 2025 (Schengen airports have until April 2026 to implement this system) 
We strongly recommend allowing for extra time at ports and airports on entering/departing Schengen countries. As the system is rolled out there may be delays at border checks for UK and non-EU travellers.

 ETIAS – European Travel Authorisation

  What is it? A pre-travel authorisation (not a visa) for non-EU citizens visiting the Schengen Area.

Key features:

• Required before travel
• Applied for online
• Costs €20 (raised from €7) for most adults (free for under 18s & over 70s)
• Valid for 3 years or until your passport expires

Who it affects: some group travellers from visa-free countries (like the UK)
Expected launch: last quarter of 2026.

If you’re travelling to Europe in Autumn 2025 or beyond:

• You’ll need to register with EES at the border (most likely causing some initial delays)
• You’ll eventually need ETIAS authorisation before your trip.

To check your passport validity, visit: https://www.gov.uk/check-a-passport-travel-europe

For more detailed and up-to-date information on EES and ETIAS, please check UK government advice here.

Driving in the EU

Concerned about whether your UK driving licence will be valid now that the UK has left the EU?

We are assured that you do not currently need to apply for an International Driving Permit through the post office if you are travelling across Spain, Portugal or France. However you may need to apply for a permit if any of the following apply to you:

• You only have a paper driving licence
• Your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

If you are looking for more detailed information about driving in the EU, the Department for Transport website has the most up-to-date information available:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu

Taking your own car: You are required to obtain a green card from your car insurance provider if taking your own car with you, which is usually free and which provides you with evidence that you have the minimum required level of insurance cover for the EU countries in which you are driving. You are also required to have a UK sticker.

If you do need to apply for an International Driving Permit, you can do so here: 

https://www.postoffice.co.uk/international-driving-permit

Low Emission Zones

Please note that many large cities and urban areas have now implemented congestion charges and restrictions for Low Emission Zones. Requirements can vary between region and country and we recommend you consult our LEZs information page for the most up-to-date information here.

Travel Insurance

We always recommend buying travel insurance for travel abroad to insure against any number of issues that may arise before or during your trip. It is particularly recommended to ensure that the policy you take out covers you for any potential medical costs you may incur whilst you are away.

The GHIC/EHIC card will only give UK citizens access to free medical assistance in the EU during its validity period but the UK has a reciprocal agreement with Spain to enable tourists from each others' countries to use the national medical facilities freely in each territory. However your travel insurance policy usually includes cover for medical and logistical support if you fall ill or require repatriation. We recommend reviewing this prior to departure to ensure you have adequate cover for your needs. More information can be found here:  https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/ 

Travelling with pets

Please note that a Pet Passport issued in Great Britain is no longer valid for travel with pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland and there are a number of requirements you must meet to ensure your pet can travel with you.

You will need to contact your vet at least one month prior to travel to make sure your pet or assistance dog can travel with you to the EU. 

Information on travelling with pets in Europe can be found on the UK government's website:

https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eu-country-or-northern-ireland