EES, ETIAS, API and common travel terms
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It works similarly to the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) used for travel to the USA.
ETIAS isn't a visa. If you're visiting an EU or Schengen Zone country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you'll need to register online before you travel.
What you need to know:
There will be a cost to register
It's valid for three years once approved
The online form isn't available yet
If it's not completed, you may be denied boarding or incur extra costs
What happens next:
If you're travelling after September 2026, check the ETIAS registration website closer to your departure date to complete your application.
For more information about ETIAS requirements, visit the official EU ETIAS information page.
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The Entry Exit System (EES) is a new way of recording when you enter and leave European Union (EU) or Schengen Zone countries. Instead of stamping your passport, border controls register your movements electronically.
What you need to do:
Nothing changes before you travel. You'll still complete the Advanced Passenger Information form as usual, and your airline will share your details with the border control.
What happens at the airport:
If you're travelling to a Schengen Zone country for a short stay with a United Kingdom (UK) passport, you'll register your biometric details when you arrive. This means providing fingerprints and having your photo taken.
Your first time through border control will take a bit longer, but future trips should be quicker once you're registered. You don't need to do anything before you arrive at the border, and there's no cost for EES registration.
Children under 12 don't need to provide fingerprints.
What's coming next:
EES is part of some wider work the EU is doing to strengthen border security. From autumn 2026, the EU expects to start the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This is a travel authorisation system similar to those used by other countries. You don't need to take any action right now.
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Air Passenger Duty (APD) is a tax charged by the UK government when you fly from a UK airport. The amount depends on your destination and cabin class.
You can check the current Air Passenger Duty rates on the UK Government website.
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Advance Passenger Information refers to your passport details. Airlines share these with your destination's government before you travel as a standard security requirement.
When you need to provide it:
You'll add your passport details when you check in online with your airline. The process only takes a moment, with clear prompts showing what information you need.
How to do it:
Find your airline's name and booking reference in your booking confirmation
Visit our airline partner page to find your airline's website
Add your passport details
Complete your online check-in (your airline will guide you through each step)
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The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Regulations 2018 protect you when you book a holiday package (flights and hotel together.)
These regulations mean:
You get clear information at every step of your booking
The holiday company is responsible if something goes wrong with your trip
Your money is protected
We'll let you know if your holiday is covered by these regulations before you pay.
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All of our package holidays are ATOL protected. If you’re not familiar with ATOL, it’s the government-backed holiday protection scheme.
When you buy an ATOL-protected, flight-inclusive holiday from us, you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get further information, what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
For more information, please read through our booking terms and conditions or visit the CAA website.
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