New travel rules for UK citizens

The European Union (EU) confirmed that the Entry/Exit System (EES) will come into effect on October 12th. System integration will be complete by 9 April 2026.

By TPN, in News · 22 Jul 2025, 11:48 · 8 Comments

The EU also announced that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will come into operation between October and December 2026. The ETIAS, required for visa-exempt travellers, will see its cost increase significantly, from the initially proposed seven euros to 20 euros.

The EES, in turn, applies to all non-Schengen citizens, who will be required to collect fingerprints and other biometric data, such as facial data. The information will be stored for three years, and fingerprinting does not apply to children under 12 years of age.

According to the EES, the system will be implemented progressively over six months, when it will be available at all EU external borders. The SES states that it intends to "modernize the management of the EU external borders, increase the efficiency of controls, and strengthen security," with the aim of combating identity fraud, terrorism, and organized crime. The SES will enable authorities to better monitor the stay of foreign citizens, strengthening oversight if their stay exceeds the permitted time.

ETIAS will begin operating in the last quarter of 2026 and will be similar to the British ETA system. The e-visa will be mandatory for citizens exempt from visa requirements for short stays, including UK citizens.

Based on information released by the EU's Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, the ETIAS will cost 20 euros. The increase in operating costs is due to the need to align operating costs with other countries' programs. However, those under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from payment. The ETIA must be applied for online before travel.

This does not help Portugal residents How do we travel in and out of Portugal Without being considered British residents ?!

By Linda from Algarve on 23 Jul 2025, 13:24

The entire UK voted unanimously for Brexit to stop the evil dictatorship in Brussels and should be treated with dignity and respect, not subject to this nonsense.

By Mark Barber from UK on 24 Jul 2025, 08:12

@Mark Barber. Ah the wild fact-free assertions of the right wing. The Brexit vote was 52-48, not unanimous, an absurd thing to say. And currently a clear majority - 55-33 last time I saw a poll - would vote to rejoin the EU. The UK last 6% of GDP as a result of Brexit. Sad that there are still Brexiter hold-outs like you spouting nonsense.

By Nick from Algarve on 26 Jul 2025, 09:34

Whatever side anyone was on the debate on Brexit it is true that respecting the result is a sign of democratic respect so the language used in some posts need to be toned-down. There is no evidence that Brexit has harmed UK growth vis a vis the EU and using outdated models (made before Covid, US trade restrictions, etc) of growth analysis is now absurd. Only time, not futile argument, will say if it was a good idea, that is if anyone is open minded enough to read the final data.

By Paul from Alentejo on 26 Jul 2025, 18:54

What the British again don't realize just like the Americans, is that the UK voted in favor of having this evisa system in place. The UK introduced ETA, the EU intoduced the EES system. The UK voted for this when they were still part of the EU.

Not only do EU residents have to apply for an ETA online when they want to visit the UK. The UK nationals now have to apply for an EES online. Tit for tat.

If you don't like it, stay home!

By João from Lisbon on 27 Jul 2025, 12:23

Mark - Welcome to the world of non-preferential treatment that, apparently, you voted for. Ask and receive. Votes matter.

By Nicola from Other on 27 Jul 2025, 18:05

Mark Barber, I am assuming you live in Portuagal , if so you live in an EU country so I suggest you leave go back the the sun lit uplands and feed the unicorns, if not remain in the sun lit uplands and feed the unicorns, and please don’t grace us with your presence in Portugal again.

By Paul Docherty from Algarve on 30 Jul 2025, 16:05

Paul from Alentejo, the impact has been let
known for a longtime, there will be no final days as rules and regulations change, and every change to legislation will have an impact. For Mark if he does not like what he thinks he is entitled to free movement way doe he not seek out the sun lit uplands and go feed the unicorns, and remain there.

By Paul Docherty from Algarve on 30 Jul 2025, 16:26