Need to know
New scheme will be a requirement for British passport holders travelling to around 30 European nations, including Spain, France and Italy
(Image: Erlon Silva – TRI Digital via Getty Images)
British travellers to face new entry fees for European holidays from 2026 – what you need to know:
- British holidaymakers face being turned away at European borders from 2026 unless they pay for a new digital travel document.
- UK passport holders will need to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to enter 30 countries including Spain, France and Italy.
- The fee has nearly tripled from the original estimate, now costing 20 euros per person instead of 7. A family of four with two children would pay 40 euros in total, with under-18s and over-70s exempt.
- The scheme covers popular destinations across Europe, with travellers able to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period once approved.
- While most applications are expected to be approved “almost immediately”, rejections can occur for invalid passports, security risks, or incomplete applications.
- The long-delayed system is now expected to launch within months, with the authorisation stored electronically against passports.
- Should your application be denied, you have the right to appeal this decision.
- READ THE FULL STORY: New rule could see Brits refused entry to Spain, France and Italy