ETIAS vs Schengen Visa: What’s the Difference for UK Travellers? (2025 Guide)
By Aviva Visas • Monday, October 20, 2025
🧭 Introduction
Travelling to Europe from the UK is still mostly visa-free for short stays — but that’s set to change soon with the upcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). Many UK citizens are unsure whether they’ll need an ETIAS or a Schengen Visa once the system begins.
This article clears the confusion — explaining the difference, who needs which, and what UK travellers should prepare for future European travel.
🌍 What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is not a visa but an electronic travel authorisation designed to screen travellers before they enter the Schengen Area.
Key Facts (As of 2025):
- Expected launch: Late 2026 (official EU sources)
- Applies to: Citizens of visa-exempt countries, including the United Kingdom
- Validity: Up to 3 years or until passport expiry
- Cost: Around €7 – €20 (subject to confirmation)
- Application: Online, takes minutes in most cases, but can take up to 30 days if manual review is needed
- Purpose: To enhance border security while keeping short-term travel easy for trusted travellers
Until ETIAS officially launches, UK citizens continue to enjoy visa-free access for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
🛂 What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a physical visa sticker placed in your passport. It allows travel within 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Key Facts:
- Required for: Citizens of countries not visa-exempt (e.g., India, Pakistan, Nigeria)
- Application: In person at an embassy, consulate, or official visa centre
- Processing time: Usually 15 days (can vary)
- Fee: €80 (with possible reductions for children and students)
- Biometrics: Required at submission (fingerprints + photo)
👉 UK passport holders do not need a Schengen Visa for short visits — unless they plan to stay over 90 days, work, or study.
⚖️ ETIAS vs Schengen Visa — The Key Differences
🚦 WHO NEEDS IT
ETIAS: Visa-exempt nationals (e.g., UK citizens)
Schengen Visa: Non-exempt nationals (e.g., India, Nigeria)
📝 TYPE
ETIAS: Digital travel authorisation (not a visa)
Schengen Visa: Official visa sticker in passport
💻 APPLICATION METHOD
ETIAS: Fully online
Schengen Visa: In-person appointment at embassy/visa centre
🛂 BIOMETRICS
ETIAS: Not required
Schengen Visa: Required (fingerprints & photo)
⏱ PROCESSING TIME
ETIAS: Usually minutes; up to 30 days if flagged
Schengen Visa: Typically ~15 days (can vary)
💰 FEE
ETIAS: Approx. €7–20 (subject to confirmation)
Schengen Visa: €80 (standard; reductions may apply)
📅 VALIDITY
ETIAS: Up to 3 years or until passport expiry
Schengen Visa: Up to 90 days per visit (within 180-day period)
🎯 PURPOSE
ETIAS: Short visits — tourism, business, transit
Schengen Visa: Short visits; for work/study/longer stays, apply for the appropriate permit
🚀 LAUNCH / AVAILABILITY
ETIAS: Expected late 2026 (mandatory after launch)
Schengen Visa: Active now
🕒 When Will ETIAS Start?
The European Union has confirmed that ETIAS will launch in late 2026. It will become a mandatory pre-travel authorisation for all visa-exempt travellers entering the Schengen Zone.
Travellers will apply online before departure and must receive approval before boarding flights, trains, or ferries bound for Schengen countries.
💡 Until ETIAS begins, UK travellers remain visa-free under the same 90/180-day rule.
🔐 The EES System — What Comes First
Before ETIAS starts, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will launch (expected October 2025).
This system will record non-EU travellers’ biometric data (photo + fingerprints) each time they enter or exit the Schengen Area.
- UK travellers will use automated e-gates or manual kiosks for this.
- The EES replaces passport stamps and helps monitor 90-day limits.
So, from late 2025, you’ll start using EES, followed by ETIAS in 2026.
✈️ How to Know If You Need ETIAS or a Visa
You will need ETIAS (once launched) if:
- You hold a British passport (UK citizen)
- You’re visiting for tourism, family, business, or transit
- Your trip lasts under 90 days
You need a Schengen Visa if:
- You hold a non-EU passport that isn’t visa-exempt (e.g., Indian, Nigerian, Bangladeshi)
- You live in the UK but your nationality requires a visa
- You plan to work, study, or stay over 90 days
🧳 Travel Checklist for UK Visitors
- Check passport validity — must be valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
- Wait for official ETIAS launch before applying (don’t fall for fake sites).
- Apply at least 72 hours before travel once ETIAS opens.
- Confirm your travel insurance covers all Schengen countries.
- Keep copies of bookings and return tickets — sometimes checked on arrival.
💡 Final Thoughts
For now, UK citizens continue to travel visa-free across the Schengen Zone — but ETIAS is coming soon. Understanding the difference between ETIAS and the Schengen Visa ensures smooth, compliant travel and avoids confusion once the new rules begin.
When ETIAS officially launches, Aviva Visas will help UK travellers register, understand eligibility, and ensure all trips meet new entry requirements.