UK Europe Travel Rules and Advice (Brexit, EES)
UK Europe Travel Rules and Advice (Brexit, EES)
Planning a trip between the UK and Europe? Post-Brexit changes and new border systems like EES mean there’s more to think about when travelling abroad. To help you out, we’ve put together a guide covering everything you need to know, so you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey.
Whether you’re embarking on a Greek Island-hopping adventure or a French road trip, there are a few things to bear in mind before you leave.
If you’re a UK citizen travelling to Europe, your passport must be:
Whether you need a visa to travel to Europe from the UK depends on how long you plan on staying in Europe.
You do not need a visit if:
You may need a visit if:
Different requirements may apply depending on the country you’re travelling to, so we’d always recommend checking out the latest guidance on the official UK government website.
Recently, the EU has introduced two new border management systems called EES and ETIAS. EES are currently in place, whilst ETIAs are expected to come into place towards the end of 2026.
What is EES?
EES, also known as the Entry/Exit System is a new digital border control system which came into place on 12th October 2025 and became fully operational on 9th April 2026. It’s a new way of registering non-EU nationals when they arrive in a European country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Instead of having your passport stamped, it includes checks such as facial imaging and fingerprints. It’s designed to strengthen border security and make border checks faster.
Which European countries are using the EES?
There are 29 countries which will use the EES including: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
What is ETIAS?
In the last quarter of 2026, ETIAS are also meant to be coming into effect. ETIAS is a new digital travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries. If you’re travelling from the UK to Europe, you will have to apply for ETIAS authorisation in order to enter the EU. They are linked to your passport and are valid for up to 3 years or until your passport expires.
How do I apply for ETIAS?
It’s easy to apply for ETIAS. You just need to fill out the application form on the official ETIAS website or mobile app. You will have to fill out personal details and answer some health and security questions. You will then have to pay a small fee of €7 unless you are under 18 or over 70.
What is the difference between ETIAS and EES?
ETIAS and EES are two separate systems. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation that you will need to apply for before travelling to Europe. EES, on the other hand, is completed at the border upon arrival and will replace manual passport stamping. Although they are different systems, both are designed to improve border security and make travel more efficient.
Head to our blog to find out more about the new rules for travelling to Europe from the UK.
Travelling to the UK from Europe? Then the rules are slightly different.
British citizens returning to the UK will either need:
If you’re travelling from Ireland to either England, Scotland or Wales, you may be asked to show proof of your identity and nationality. Valid documents include:
If you do use an expired document, then it still needs to be recent and clearly show proof of your identity.
If you’re travelling from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, then you will need one of the following documents in order to enter the UK:
Whichever document you choose to use, it must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK. You may also need an ETA to enter the UK – you can read more about this below.
The exact requirements may vary depending on the destination you’re travelling from, so we’d recommend checking the gov.uk website.
There are also new rules in place for those travelling to the UK from the EU too. Eligible travellers from non-EU countries and eligible EU nationals now have to apply for an ETA in order to enter the UK.
What is an ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an entry requirement for visitors, letting you travel to the UK for short stays up to 6 months. It has been introduced in order to strengthen the security of the UK border. With an ETA, you can make multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months over a 2 year period or until your passport has expired.
Who needs an ETA?
Most travellers visiting the UK will need an ETA if they do not need a visa. It depends on your nationality and your reason for travelling to the UK. You can find out if you need one on the gov.uk website. You do not need an ETA if you have a British or Irish passport or have been granted permission to live, work or study in the UK.
How to apply for an ETA?
You can easily apply for an ETA online or via the UK ETA app. The application costs £20 and is often processed in just a few working days.
Planning a European road trip? No problem! There are just a few things you need to bear in mind when driving in Europe.
You must carry the following things with you when driving your vehicle in Europe:
Documents may differ depending on your destination country, so make sure you check specific requirements in advance.
You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have a paper driving licence, or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
You can check whether you need an IDP on the official UK government website.
To qualify for an IDP, you must:
An IDP costs £5.50 and can be obtained from shops with a PayPoint.
Your vehicle must be insured for driving in Europe. The good news is that all UK motor insurance policies provide at least the minimum third-party cover for driving in EU countries.
However, you must make sure you carry the necessary documents with you, such as:
If you’re driving a UK-registered vehicle in Europe, then you’ll need a UK identifier. Some number plates now include a UK identifier with a Union Jack flag, in which case you don’t need a UK sticker.
You will need a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate shows
Travelling to Spain, Cyprus or Malta? Regardless of what your number plate shows, you must display a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle.
Fancy bringing your furry friend along? The good news is that you can still travel with your pet between the UK and Europe. However, requirements have changed since Brexit.
The exact rules for travelling with your pet depend on the country you’re travelling to, so make sure you check the country’s specific entry requirements before you travel.
There are a few things you need to bear in mind when travelling with your dog, cat or ferret to the UK:
You must ensure your route is approved for pet travel by checking the official UK government website. If you’re travelling with a guide or assistance dog, you’ll find that there are a lot more pet-friendly routes available.
Your pet must be microchipped before they are vaccinated against rabies. All pets must be vaccinated against rabies, and you’ll need to wait at least 21 days after the first vaccination before travelling. Dogs may also require tapeworm treatment, which must be administered by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before arriving in the UK.
If you’re travelling from the EU to the UK, your pet must have one of the following:
You’ll also need to complete a declaration confirming that you are not selling or transferring ownership of your pet.
Banned breeds will not be allowed into the UK unless they have a Certificate of Exemption.
Make sure to follow these rules as if not, your pet may need to be quarantined for up to 4 months or be refused entry.
If you’re travelling to Europe with your pet, many of the rules are similar, but there are a few important differences to be aware of. If you’re heading to a warmer destination, it’s also worth reading our guide to travelling with pets in summer for tips on keeping them safe and comfortable.
Your pet must be microchipped before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination. All pets must be vaccinated against rabies and be at least 12 weeks old before receiving the vaccine. Depending on the type of vaccine used, you must wait at least 21 days after the first vaccination before entering the EU. You should also check whether your destination country requires dogs to have tapeworm treatment.
You will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), which must be issued by a vet.
The AHC is valid from the date of issue for:
You may be able to use a valid pet passport if it is accepted by your destination country.
Once you arrive in an EU country, you must pass through a designated travellers’ point of entry, where your pet and documents will be checked.
You cannot take more than 5 pets into an EU country unless you are attending or training for an event. In this case, you’ll need written proof of registration.
The rules for healthcare and travel insurance have also changed slightly since Brexit. Here’s everything you need to know when travelling between the UK and Europe:
If you’re a UK citizen travelling to Europe, then you’ll need to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before you travel. Your GHIC will cover you for any necessary medical healthcare whilst you’re in Europe.
If you already have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), then you can use this instead until it expires from which you will then need to apply for a GHIC.
As well as your GHIC or EHIC, we’d still recommend taking out travel insurance as these cards do not cover everything.
You will need the following things when travelling to the UK from the EU:
You may also need to apply for an S2 Healthcare Visitor Visa, depending on your circumstances.
Once in the UK, you can use a valid EHIC to access necessary state healthcare. This can include treatment for pre-existing medical conditions.
Whether you’re sailing to the UK or Europe, always check the latest travel requirements before you travel to avoid any delays or issues at the border. You can always check out our help pages for more information or contact our customer service team.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
