Passports and visas
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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You'll need your passport and boarding pass to board the plane. Most airlines offer the option for an online boarding pass you can show on your phone, or you can print it out.
If you're flying with Ryanair, keep in mind that they only accept digital boarding passes, so you'll need yours on your phone or device.
Depending on where you're travelling, you might also need a visa or other documents. The best place to check your destination's entry requirements is the FCDO 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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If your passport is damaged, it might not be accepted for travel.
The best next step is to check the UK government's guidance on damaged passports. They'll help you work out whether yours is still valid or if it needs replacing before you go.
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Entry requirements vary by destination and can change, so make sure to check before you travel.
The best place to start is the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice page, where you'll find up-to-date information on passport validity, visa rules and any health requirements for your destination.
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Passport rules vary depending on where you're travelling to, so it's worth checking early.
Travelling to EU countries:
Your passport needs to meet two requirements:
It must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive in destination (check the issue date)
It must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the expiry date)
Travelling to non-EU countries:
Requirements differ by destination. Some countries ask for up to 6 months' validity remaining on your passport.
The best place to check the specific rules for your destination is the UK FCDO travel advice website, where you'll find up-to-date entry requirements.
Not travelling on a UK passport?
Contact your destination's embassy and your own passport authority to confirm what's needed.
Need to renew your passport?
Head to HM Passport Office to get started. The sooner you check, the more time you'll have if you need to renew your passport before you travel.
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It depends on where you're travelling to and the type of passport you're travelling with.
Some destinations require a visa, while others don't. The rules vary by country, so it's worth checking early to give yourself time if you need to apply.
The best place to start is the FCDO travel advice page for your destination. You'll find up-to-date visa requirements, passport validity rules and any other entry conditions you need to know about.
If you're travelling with children or have questions about your specific situation, the FCDO site covers these scenarios, too.
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