Brits heading to Spain, France and Greece warned of major rule change in 2026

Brits planning holidays to several European countries, including Spain, France, and Greece, next year are being warned of a major rule change. The new travel arrangement will cost UK and other non-EU holidaymakers 20 euros (£17.30) each.

All UK passport holiders must register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to visit countries across Europe in 2026. The ETIAS will be an entry-requirement to any of the "core Schengen area countries", some "Schengen associate countries" and Cyprus. A total of 30 nations are included. As reported by Chronicle Live, the pass allows Brits to enter any of these countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. The ETIAS will cost 20 euros (£17.30) per traveller but those under 18 or over 70 are exempt.

The ETIAS, which is usually granted immediately to applicants, is stored digitally against your passport. If your ETIAS application is refused, you maintain the right to lodge an appeal.

The new system is expected to be in place by the end of next year, and an ETIAS is valid for three years or until the passport expires. However, a valid ETIAS does not guarantee automatic entry into a country, as border guards will still verify that you meet entry conditions.

Travel Europe said: "ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries.

"It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

"With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.