New travel regulations for British citizens heading to Europe are on the way, with key changes involving two systems: the European Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). While these systems aim to enhance security and improve border controls, there will be a six-month grace period between the implementation of EES and the full enforcement of ETIAS, giving travelers extra time to comply with the new requirements.

Brits traveling abroad won’t face penalties for not obtaining the new European visa-waiver immediately.

First introduced in 2016, the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a mandatory visa-waiver for all UK travelers visiting Europe.

The three-year, about €7 visa waiver is part of the new European entry regulations, which also include the Entry/Exit System (ESS).

This is comparable to the ESTA that British citizens require when visiting the United States.

It has been repeatedly postponed and is now anticipated to begin in early 2026.

When it does begin, vacationers will get a six-month grace period, officials have said.

Travellers will not be prevented from travelling without one, but they will still need to apply for one and adhere to the entrance requirements.

"There will be a transitional period of at least six months following the launch of ETIAS," they told Schengen News.

"This means that, for travel during this time, travellers should already apply for their ETIAS travel authorisation, but those without one will not be refused entry as long as they fulfil all remaining entry conditions."

The ETIAS rules have not yet been officially implemented.

However, they added that it will "take place a few months after the introduction of the Entry-Exit System (the EES)."

The EES has also been constantly delayed, with the latest start date suggested to be the end of the year.

Anyone under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from ETIAS fees and can obtain it for free.

A new app is currently being tested and will soon be introduced for UK travelers heading to Europe. This app aims to streamline the entry process by facilitating the new biometric checks required under the Entry/Exit System (EES).

Frontex Deputy Executive Director Uku Särekanno stated, "Frontex is developing a prototype app to accelerate the process, allowing travelers to submit some information in advance."

The required details include full name, date of birth, passport number, length of stay, and purpose of travel.

Biometric checks will only need to be completed once but must be repeated if travelers obtain a new passport. The process is expected to take 90 seconds to two minutes per person.

While the app won’t be mandatory, it will be recommended to help speed up airport procedures.