Tourist / visitor for British citizens travelling to Schengen area
No Schengen visa for tourism on a British citizen passport: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Register in EES at the border. ETIAS is not taking applications yet.
For a full British citizen passport. Other British passport types can follow a different rule.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | British citizen passport holders visiting for tourism or a holiday. · EU: who should apply for ETIAS (opens in a new tab) |
| Maximum stay | 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. · EU: who should apply for ETIAS (opens in a new tab) |
| Cost | No visa fee. EES registration has no charge. · EU: who should apply for ETIAS (opens in a new tab) |
| Processing time | No advance application. EES is completed at the border. · EU: who should apply for ETIAS (opens in a new tab) |
| How to apply | Travel with a qualifying passport. Do not buy an ETIAS authorisation while the EU says applications are not being collected. · EU: who should apply for ETIAS (opens in a new tab) |
Each fact above is linked to the authority that sets the rule. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications.
Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.
How to apply
- Check passport issue date is within 10 years of arrival and expiry is at least 3 months after you plan to leave Schengen.
- Count Schengen days used in the previous 180 days. The limit is 90 days in total.
- At the border, complete EES registration if asked. There is no fee.
FAQ
Do I need ETIAS for a holiday today?
No. On 16 October 2026 the EU site says ETIAS is not in operation.
Does the 90-day limit reset in each country?
No. GOV.UK counts all Schengen days in the same 180-day window.
Sources
- GOV.UK: France entry requirements, including Schengen passport rules, the 90-day stay, and EES (opens in a new tab)
- European Union: countries using the Entry/Exit System (opens in a new tab)
- European Union: who should apply for ETIAS, including the note that it is not in operation (opens in a new tab)
- European Union: ETIAS questions, including the EUR 20 fee and three-year validity (opens in a new tab)
- European Union: UK nationals and ETIAS, news item dated 15 April 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.