British holidaymakers and business travellers heading to Europe could be granted a temporary reprieve from new entry requirements, as discussions emerge about a potential delay to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The system, which will require British passport holders to obtain a travel permit for short stays in 30 European countries, was originally scheduled to commence operations in the final quarter of 2026. However, reports suggest this timeline may now be pushed back, possibly into 2027.
According to a Financial Times report published on 7 July 2026, the European Union may be compelled to delay ETIAS implementation. This consideration reportedly stems from recent challenges encountered with the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), which began a phased rollout in October 2025 and became fully operational across all participating Schengen Area countries in April 2026. The EES has reportedly faced issues including border queues and technical glitches, prompting concerns about the smooth introduction of another new system.
Once implemented, ETIAS will serve as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals, including those from the UK, travelling to a list of European countries that largely mirror the Schengen Area. These include popular destinations such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Greece. The authorisation will be linked to a traveller's passport for up to three years and will permit stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The application fee for an ETIAS is set at €20.
Currently, British passport holders do not require a visa or travel authorisation for short stays in the European Union or the Schengen area, provided they do not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. This arrangement has been in place since the UK's departure from the EU single market and customs union following the transition period that ended in December 2020. However, the ETIAS system is designed to enhance security and manage visitor flows, bringing the EU's border controls more in line with those of other major international blocs.
While the prospect of a delay offers a temporary pause, the ETIAS system remains a future requirement for British travellers. Its eventual implementation marks a significant shift in post-Brexit travel arrangements, necessitating pre-trip planning for those accustomed to visa-free entry. The full list of countries requiring ETIAS includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.