Regarding short trips, travelling to Europe after Brexit hasn’t changed much. You can still travel without a visa for a holiday or to conduct business. The only difference is that now, you can only stay in Europe visa-free for up to three months, whereas before, you could stay anywhere in the EU indefinitely.
Do UK Nationals Need a Passport When Travelling to Europe?
Yes, UK nationals need a valid UK passport to travel to all European countries that are part of the EU/Schengen Area.Your passport must be less than ten years old and valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from the Schengen area.
Children travelling alone, with a legal guardian, or with only one parent from the UK towards the EU, should additionally have a letter of authorization to travel. It has to be signed by either both parents, the legal guardian, or the second parent.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to the EU?
Citizens of the United Kingdom with a valid UK passport can travel to 29 European member countries of the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days without having to apply for or obtain a visa for short-term tourism or a business trip.
For now, you only need your British passport, travel ticket or driving documents (if you are driving), enough money, and travel insurance.
Do UK Citizens Need ETIAS?
Currently, UK citizens do not need to apply for an ETIAS authorization as the system has not been implemented yet. However, starting in May 2025, British passport holders will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization known as ETIAS.
It’s important to understand that ETIAS is not a visa; rather, it’s a simple travel authorization that can be obtained online within minutes and remains valid for three years.
The purpose of ETIAS is to keep better track of who enters and leaves the European Union, not to deny entry to British tourists and business people. So, unless you are on an international watchlist or lie on your application, it is unlikely that your application will be denied.
How Much Will ETIAS Cost for British Nationals?
- The fee for an ETIAS is €7, which is approximately £6.00, and it applies to all applicants, including British nationals.
- This fee applies to applicants aged 18 to 70. Minors and those over 70 years old will not be charged for their ETIAS.
- You’ll pay this fee when you submit your application, and it’s the only payment required.
Beware of private online agencies that may offer to assist you with your ETIAS application for an additional fee.
Remember, you’re not obligated to use these agencies – you can apply directly through the official website. Applying through unofficial channels may result in additional charges.
How Long Can UK Citizens Stay in the EU Without a Visa?
British passport holders can stay in the EU, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. For any trip longer than 90 days, you must apply for the appropriate visa and residence permit.
The 90/180 days rule can be confusing – especially if you never had to abide by it in the past. But, all you have to do is look back at the last 180 days, and count the overall number of days you spent in any EU country (and Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland) during that time. Deduct that from 90, and that’s how long your trip can be.
You can also use our online calculator to determine the remaining time you can stay in Europe.
Note: This does not apply to Ireland. You can visit, work, or study in Ireland in the same way as before Brexit.
Travelling to Non-Schengen EU Countries
It’s important to note that some EU countries: Ireland and Cyprus, are not part of the Schengen area. The good news is you can visit these charming destinations without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Even more convenient is that the time you spend in Schengen area countries won’t count towards the 90-day limit in these non-Schengen nations.
Requirements for British Citizens Travelling to the EU
To enter the EU after Brexit, you must have the following documents when you travel:
- Valid passport.
- Travel health insurance (such as private travel insurance or an EHIC/GHIC).
- Enough money to cover your stay in the EU.
- Return or onward travel ticket.
- ETIAS Authorization (Starting from May 2025).
Lining Up at the Airport
As a UK citizen, after Brexit, you can no longer queue up at the EU/EEA/Swiss line at the airport. You will have to use a separate line for non-EU nationals.
Additionally, while in the past, you may have entered the EU with simply an ID card, now you may be required to present health insurance or proof of finances alongside your passport. You will also receive a stamp on your passport.
Passport Validity
When travelling to the EU, your passport must be valid for at least a few months after your intended departure. The exact period of validity required depends on the specific country you will visit, but it is usually three or six months past the day you leave.
Before you leave the UK, check the passport requirements of the country you will visit. You may need to renew your passport if it expires soon, or you could be denied entry.
Travel Health Insurance Guidance for British Tourists Traveling to the Schengen Area and EU
When travelling to the EU, UK citizens should be aware of their travel health insurance options to ensure adequate coverage in medical emergencies.
- EHIC and GHIC: British citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) at state hospitals for essential medical emergencies. However, please note that these cards are not valid at private hospitals and do not offer coverage in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
- Private Travel Health Insurance: We strongly recommend obtaining private travel health insurance for more comprehensive coverage, including access to private hospitals, reduced waiting times, evacuation services, and additional benefits. Even if you have an EHIC or GHIC, private travel insurance is essential to cover these gaps in coverage.
Considering Brexit, British citizens should secure travel health insurance before their EU trip. Several providers offer European travel health insurance for UK citizens, including Europ Assistance, vti.travel and Mondial Care. Here’s what you can expect:
- Coverage in all EU and Schengen countries.
- Policies with coverage of up to €100,000, encompassing hospitalization, repatriation, and other medical emergencies.
- Optional coverage for baggage and personal belongings, flight delays, trip cancellations, and more.
Don’t leave your health coverage to chance—ensure you’re adequately protected with the right travel health insurance for your EU journey.
Travelling to the EU for Business
You can travel to the EU for business purposes without a visa for up to 90 days. Under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, while in the EU, you are allowed to engage in non-remunerated activities, such as:
- Attend meetings or conferences.
- Sign contracts or negotiate sales.
- Take part in training (as an attendee, not a trainer).
- Conduct independent research.
- Offer translation and interpretation services.
- Act as a tour or travel agent.
- Engage in commercial transactions (if you are a management or financial services personnel).
- Purchase goods and services for a company.
You cannot work in the EU; you are not allowed to receive a salary or any compensation for work done in the EU by an EU company without applying for a visa.
After Brexit, if you want to work somewhere in the EU, you are subject to the same rules and conditions as other third-country nationals: you must apply for a work visa and permit.
Note: This does not apply to Ireland. You can work and conduct business in Ireland in the same way as before Brexit.
Which EU/Schengen Countries Can Britons Visit Without a Visa?
The European countries where British people can travel without having to obtain a short-term Schengen visa are:
- 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
British passport holders can travel without having to obtain a short-term visa to the other European micro-states, which are de facto part of the Schengen Area:
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City
Travelling from the UK to Ireland
The above rules do not apply to travelling and working in Ireland as a UK citizen.
As a UK passport holder, you can live, travel, work, and study in Ireland under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement between the UK and Ireland.
There are no routine passport controls in operation for Irish and UK citizens travelling between the two countries. However, you must show identification to board a ferry or an aeroplane, and some airlines and sea carriers only accept a passport as valid identification.
Non-UK Citizens Residing in the UK
If you are living in the UK on a valid residence permit, you can apply for a Schengen visa from the UK. To apply for a visa, you must set an appointment with the relevant Schengen-country embassy or consulate and submit the required documents. You may also be asked to enter an interview.
>> How to Buy Schengen Insurance from the UK?
If you are only visiting the UK, or your residence permit will expire in less than three months, you cannot apply for a Schengen visa from the UK. You must submit your application at the Schengen embassy in your country of nationality.
