The UK and European Union have introduced – or are in the process of introducing – a series of new digital border systems designed to improve security and modernise immigration checks.
While most holidaymakers will only need to complete a simple online application, failing to do so could mean being refused boarding or turned away at the border.
It’s important to understand that if this happens, your travel insurance will not cover any consequential costs
Here’s what you need to know before your next trip.
What is an ETA?
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is now fully in force. It applies to visitors from countries whose citizens don’t normally need a visa to enter the UK, including those travelling from EU countries, the US, Canada and Australia. From February 2026, airlines are required to refuse boarding to passengers who need an ETA but don’t have one.
Click here to view our Sponsored Content Hub
An ETA costs £20, is linked digitally to your passport and is valid for multiple trips over two years, or until your passport expires. Most applications are approved within minutes, although the Home Office recommends applying up to three working days before travelling in case further checks are needed.
One important point for dual nationals is that British citizens cannot apply for an ETA. If you hold British nationality, you should travel using proof of that nationality – usually a valid UK passport. Trying to enter the UK on another passport and relying on an ETA could lead to delays or boarding problems.
Although most EU passport holders need an ETA, Irish passport holders are exempt from the requirement to have an ETA due to the Common Travel Area (CTA) and the special status of Ireland within the EU.
The EU Entry/Exit System
British holidaymakers visiting most European destinations will also notice changes at the border.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has replaced manual passport stamping for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area. Instead of border officials stamping your passport, your entry and exit are recorded electronically.
On your first trip after registering, you’ll need to have your passport scanned, provide fingerprints and have a facial photograph taken. This biometric information is stored securely and used to verify your identity on future visits. There is no fee and you do not need to apply before travelling – registration takes place at the border when you arrive in Europe.
The new system is also designed to monitor the existing rule allowing UK visitors to spend up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. That rule has not changed, but it is now enforced digitally rather than relying on passport stamps.
The new rule has led to longer queues at European borders this summer, so make sure you plan your travel accordingly.
ETIAS is coming next
The next major change is ETIAS – the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. ETIAS is due to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, although an exact date has not been announced yet.
Although often described as a “European visa”, ETIAS is actually a visa waiver similar to the US ESTA. It will be required for travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, before entering 29 European countries for short stays.
Applications will be made online before travel and, for most people, approval is expected within minutes. The authorisation will usually be valid for three years, or until your passport expires. The fee will be €20 for travellers aged 18 to 70, while children and older travellers will be exempt from paying.
If you hold an EU passport and travel using it, you will not normally need an ETIAS authorisation, making this another area where dual nationals should carefully choose which passport they use.
Don’t get caught out
The new systems are designed to make border crossings more secure and, eventually, quicker. But they also mean travellers have more responsibility to check entry requirements before they leave home. Dual nationals, especially, should check the rules.
Airlines are responsible for checking passengers have the correct documentation before departure. If you arrive at the airport without the required travel authorisation, you may not even be allowed to board your flight.
It’s also worth remembering that these systems are all separate. An ETA allows eligible foreign nationals to travel to the UK, while EES records arrivals into the Schengen Area. ETIAS will become a pre-travel authorisation for visiting much of Europe.
Travel insurance won’t cover paperwork mistakes
Travel insurance remains one of the most important things to arrange before a holiday, protecting against medical emergencies, cancellations, lost baggage and travel disruption.
The Post Office won the best travel insurance provider in the YourMoney Personal Finance Awards 2026.
Unfortunately, travel insurance won’t usually bail you out if you’re refused entry because you haven’t met a country’s immigration requirements.
If you’re denied boarding because you failed to obtain an ETA or ETIAS, or you arrive at the border without the correct passport or travel documents, insurers are not obliged to reimburse the cost of missed flights, accommodation or other holiday expenses.
So, before you travel, check the latest entry rules for your destination, make sure your passport is valid, and apply for any required travel authorisations well in advance. Spending a few minutes checking the paperwork before you leave could save a ruined holiday – and a very expensive mistake.
