ETIAS vs UK ETA
Comparing Europe and UK travel systems
ETIAS covers 30 Schengen countries while the UK ETA covers only the United Kingdom. Both are online travel authorizations for visa-exempt nationals.
Separate Systems Since Brexit
Since the UK left the European Union, travelers now need separate authorizations for visiting Europe (ETIAS) and the United Kingdom (UK ETA). They are completely independent systems.
If you're planning to visit both destinations on the same trip, you'll need both authorizations.
Full Comparison
| Feature | ETIAS (Europe) | UK ETA |
|---|---|---|
| Region | 30 Schengen countries | United Kingdom only |
| Cost | €20 | £16 |
| Validity | 3 years | 2 years |
| Max Stay | 90 days / 180 days | 6 months per visit |
| Age Exemptions | Under 18/over 70 free | No exemptions |
| Launch Date | Q4 2026 | February 2025 |
| Processing | Minutes to 30 days | Minutes to 72 hours |
| Application | Online only | Online/app |
Key Differences at a Glance
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) covers travel to 30 Schengen Area countries. It costs €20 (free for under 18/over 70), is valid for 3 years, and allows stays of 90 days within any 180-day period.
ETIAS launches Q4 2026. The UK is not included in ETIAS.
What is UK ETA?
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required for visa-exempt visitors to the United Kingdom only. It costs £16, is valid for 2 years, and allows stays of up to 6 months per visit.
UK ETA is already operational, having launched in February 2025 for many nationalities.
UK Is Not Part of ETIAS
What They Have in Common
- Electronic travel authorization (not a visa)
- Online application process
- Pre-travel requirement
- Security screening
- Multiple entries allowed
- Linked to passport
Key Differences
- Stay calculation: ETIAS uses rolling 90/180 days; UK ETA allows 6 months per visit
- Age exemptions: ETIAS is free for under 18/over 70; UK ETA has no exemptions
- Validity: ETIAS lasts 3 years; UK ETA lasts 2 years
- Coverage: ETIAS covers 30 countries; UK ETA covers UK only
- Launch: UK ETA is operational; ETIAS launches Q4 2026
Planning a Trip to Both?
If you're visiting both the UK and Europe on the same trip, you'll need:
- UK ETA for the United Kingdom
- ETIAS for Schengen countries (from Q4 2026)
Apply for both before you travel. They're completely separate systems, so approval for one doesn't affect the other.
Comparison FAQs
Do I need both ETIAS and UK ETA?
Is Ireland covered by ETIAS or UK ETA?
What about the Channel Islands and Isle of Man?
Can I transit through the UK to reach Europe?
Which one can I apply for now?
Related Information
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