What is a Visa Application and how do UK travellers apply?
A visa application is how UK citizens request permission to enter another country. This might be:
- A tourist visa (for holidays or visiting family/friends)
- A business or work visa
- An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), used by countries like the USA and soon the EU
Do I need a Travel Visa to visit Europe from the UK?
If you’re a UK passport holder, you do not currently need a travel visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in most European countries - including those in the Schengen Area.
British citizens can travel to the Schengen Zone - which includes France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Germany and 20+ other countries without needing a travel visa for:
- Tourism
- Business meetings
- Short-term study (less than 90 days)
- Family visits
You can stay up to 90 days in any 180 day period without submitting a visa application.
What are the passport requirements for Visa-free travel to Europe?
To travel to Europe without a visa, your British passport must:
- Have been issued less than 10 years ago when you enter the EU
- Be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the EU
If your passport doesn’t meet these requirements, it’s a good idea to look into passport renewals early to avoid any issues while travelling.
What are EES and ETIAS, and how will they affect my travel?
Expected to start in October 2025, the EU is introducing two new systems that will affect the way UK passport holders travel.
EES - Entry/Exit System
The EES is a new automated border control system replacing the passport stamps for non-EU citizens (including Brits) entering or leaving the Schengen area. Expected to start in October 2025, it will:
- Capture your biometric data - a photo and fingerprints at passport control
- Record each entry and exit, including dates, times and locations
- Automatically calculate your 90-day limit within any 180-day period
EES EXPLAINED
ETIAS - Who should apply?
ETIAS - European Travel Information and Authorisation System
The ETIAS is an online travel authorisation, expected to go live in late 2026. It will be mandatory for UK travellers visiting most EU countries, even for holidays or short stays. ETIAS is not a visa, but you must apply online before your trip.
How it works:
- Simple online application - apply before your trip via the official ETIAS website or the app
- Pay €20 as part of the authorisation process
- Valid for 3 years, you can travel multiple times during this period unless your passport expires sooner
ETIAS EXPLAINED
FAQs
How long does the visa application take?
For most holiday destinations, travel visa applications from the UK take between 1 to 4 weeks to process. Some countries offer e-visas or visas on arrival, which are faster. Others require a full embassy application which takes longer. Priority or express options may be available for last-minute holidays (at an extra cost).
What documents do I need for the visa application?
Every country has its own rules, but here’s what documents you’ll usually need:
- • A valid UK passport (often with 6+ months left)
- • A visa application form (online or paper)
- • Recent passport photos
- • Travel details (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
- • Proof of funds
- • Travel insurance
Some countries may also ask for:
- • Travel itinerary
- • Invitation letter (if staying with family/friends)
- • Vaccination certificates
Where do I apply - embassy, online, or visa centre?
If you’re in the UK and need a visa to visit another country, you can apply through that country’s embassy, or official visa provider. Most countries now offer online visa applications (e-visas) or require you to book an appointment at their visa application centre.
What are the visa fees and can I get a refund if denied?
Visa fees vary depending on the country you’re visiting, the type of visa you apply for, and how quickly you want it processed. Visa applications fees are generally non-refundable once a decision has been made - even if your application is refused.
How does an ETA work?
An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital entry permit for visa-free travellers. You apply online, pay a small fee, and it’s linked to your passport. It’s usually approved quickly and checked electronically at the border - no paper needed.
What is the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement?
The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an open border travel arrangement between the UK, Ireland and the Crown dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man). It allows citizens of these areas to move freely without routine immigration checks or visa requirements. However, travellers still need to carry valid identification, such as a passport for boarding and security checks.
Do I need EES?
Yes, once it is introduced in October 2025. If you are a non-EU citizen travelling to the Schengen Area, EES applies to you. There’s nothing you need to do in advance - it’s handled automatically at the border.
Do I need ETIAS?
You’ll need ETIAS once it becomes active (expected late 2026) if:
- • You’re from a visa-exempt country
- • You’re travelling to a Schengen country for tourism, business, or transit (up to 90 days a 180-day period)
> More details on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System