In October 2026, Frontex (the EU border agency) and European travel-trade bodies warned of more than 150 unofficial websites offering ETIAS, some using EU symbols. Because no application is processed before launch, any fee paid today buys nothing. When ETIAS opens, apply only on the official EU website or app.
The UK: its own ETA
The UK is not in the EU or Schengen. Americans, Canadians, Australians, Europeans and others usually need a UK ETA, £20 on gov.uk, for visits of up to 6 months. British and Irish passport holders don't. Every traveller needs one, babies included.
Gibraltar since 15 July 2026
The UK-EU agreement on Gibraltar applies provisionally since 15 July 2026. Gibraltar's short-stay entry rules now align with Schengen, and the land-border booths with Spain are gone.
Arriving at Gibraltar airport
Expect two checks: Gibraltar's own immigration control, then Schengen entry control by Spanish officers, including EES registration. ETIAS will apply there once it is operational. After that you can cross freely into Spain.
Days in Gibraltar now count
Time in Gibraltar counts towards the 90 days in any 180, together with your time in the Schengen area.
Eurostar and ferries
Leaving the UK for France via St Pancras, Folkestone or Dover, the French border check and your EES registration take place in the UK before departure.
The basics, in short
- Passport issued under 10 years ago, valid 3 months after you leave.
- 90 days in any 180, all Schengen countries together.
- ETIAS at launch: €20, valid 3 years or until the passport expires.
Rollout, decision times and the 30 countries: full ETIAS guide.
FAQ
Do I need ETIAS to visit the UK?
No. The UK uses its own electronic travel authorisation (ETA), £20 on gov.uk. Avoid sites that charge more.
Do I need ETIAS for Gibraltar?
Once ETIAS is operational, yes, if you fly into Gibraltar as a visa-exempt traveller: Spain carries out Schengen entry checks at the airport since 15 July 2026.
Does time in Gibraltar count towards my 90 Schengen days?
Yes, since 15 July 2026 it counts together with your days in the Schengen area.
Can I walk from Gibraltar into Spain?
Yes. There are no entry and exit booths at the land border any more.
Checked: 21 October 2026, against gov.uk, gov.uk, gov.uk, home-affairs.ec.europa.eu. Rules can change: official sites prevail. No ETIAS start date has been announced; we will not guess one.