Europe Travel Rules and Advice
Europe Travel Rules and Advice
Planning a trip between the UK and Europe? If you're looking for up-to-date Europe travel advice, you've come to the right place. Post-Brexit changes and new border systems like EES mean there's more to think about when traveling abroad. To help you out, we've put together a Europe travel guide covering everything you need to know, so you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey.
Whether you're embarking on a Greek island-hopping adventure or a French road trip, there are a few Europe travel tips to keep in mind before you leave.
If you're a UK citizen traveling to Europe, your passport must be:
Whether you need a visa to travel to Europe from the UK depends on how long you plan on staying. This is one of the most important pieces of Europe travel advice to get right before you book.
You do not need a visa if:
You may need a visa if:
Different requirements may apply depending on the country you're traveling to, so we'd always recommend checking the latest guidance on the official UK government website as well as any State Department travel advisories that may apply to your destination.
Recently, the EU has introduced two new border management systems called EES and ETIAS. EES is currently in place, while ETIAS is expected to come into effect toward the end of 2026.
What is EES?
EES, also known as the Entry/Exit System, is a new digital border control system that came into place on October 12th, 2025 and became fully operational on April 9th, 2026. It's a new way of registering non-EU nationals when they arrive in a European country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Instead of having your passport stamped, it includes checks such as facial imaging and fingerprints. It's designed to strengthen border security and make border checks faster.
Which European countries are using the EES?
There are 29 countries using the EES, including: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
What is ETIAS?
In the last quarter of 2026, ETIAS is also expected to come into effect. ETIAS is a new digital travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals traveling to 30 European countries. If you're traveling from the UK to Europe, you will need to apply for ETIAS authorization in order to enter the EU. ETIAS authorizations are linked to your passport and are valid for up to 3 years or until your passport expires.
How do I apply for ETIAS?
It's easy to apply for ETIAS. You just need to fill out the application form on the official ETIAS website or mobile app. You will need to provide personal details and answer some health and security questions. You will then need to pay a small fee of €7, unless you are under 18 or over 70.
What is the difference between ETIAS and EES?
ETIAS and EES are two separate systems. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization that you will need to apply for before traveling to Europe. EES, on the other hand, is completed at the border upon arrival and replaces manual passport stamping. Although they are different systems, both are designed to improve border security and make travel more efficient.
Traveling to the UK from Europe? Then the rules are slightly different. Here's the essential European Union travel advice you need.
British citizens returning to the UK will need one of the following:
If you're traveling from Ireland to either England, Scotland, or Wales, you may be asked to show proof of your identity and nationality. Valid documents include:
If you do use an expired document, it still needs to be recent and clearly show proof of your identity.
If you're traveling from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, then you will need one of the following documents in order to enter the UK:
Whichever document you choose to use, it must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK. You may also need an ETA to enter the UK — you can read more about this below.
The exact requirements may vary depending on the country you're traveling from, so we'd recommend checking the gov.uk website for the most current travel advice for Europe.
There are also new rules in place for those traveling to the UK from the EU. Eligible travelers from non-EU countries and eligible EU nationals now need to apply for an ETA in order to enter the UK.
What is an ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an entry requirement for visitors, allowing you to travel to the UK for short stays of up to 6 months. It has been introduced to strengthen the security of the UK border. With an ETA, you can make multiple trips to the UK for stays of up to 6 months over a 2-year period or until your passport has expired.
Who needs an ETA?
Most travelers visiting the UK will need an ETA if they do not require a visa. Eligibility depends on your nationality and your reason for traveling to the UK. You can find out if you need one on the gov.uk website. You do not need an ETA if you have a British or Irish passport or have been granted permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
How do I apply for an ETA?
You can easily apply for an ETA online or via the UK ETA app. The application costs £20 and is often processed within just a few business days.
Planning a European road trip? No problem! Here are some essential Europe travel tips to keep in mind when driving on the continent.
You must carry the following with you when driving your vehicle in Europe:
Required documents may differ depending on your destination country, so make sure you check specific requirements in advance. For US travelers, the State Department's new travel advisory system is also a helpful resource for up-to-date Europe travel advice before you set off.
You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have a paper driver's license, or a license issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
You can check whether you need an IDP on the official UK government website.
To qualify for an IDP, you must:
An IDP costs £5.50 and can be obtained from stores with a PayPoint.
Your vehicle must be insured for driving in Europe. The good news is that all UK motor insurance policies provide at least the minimum third-party coverage for driving in EU countries. Travel Europe money advice worth noting: always check whether your policy requires a green card or any additional documentation before you travel, as requirements can vary by country.
You must make sure you carry the necessary documents with you, such as:
If you're driving a UK-registered vehicle in Europe, then you'll need a UK identifier. Some license plates now include a UK identifier with a Union Jack flag, in which case you don't need a UK sticker.
You will need a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle if your license plate shows:
Traveling to Spain, Cyprus, or Malta? Regardless of what your license plate shows, you must display a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle.
Want to bring your furry friend along? The good news is that you can still travel with your pet between the UK and Europe. However, requirements have changed since Brexit. As part of your overall Europe travel guide planning, it's worth setting aside extra time to get your pet's paperwork in order.
The exact rules for traveling with your pet depend on the country you're traveling to, so make sure you check the specific entry requirements before you travel.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when traveling with your dog, cat, or ferret to the UK:
You must ensure your route is approved for pet travel by checking the official UK government website. If you're traveling with a guide or assistance dog, you'll find that there are many more pet-friendly routes available.
Your pet must be microchipped before they are vaccinated against rabies. All pets must be vaccinated against rabies, and you'll need to wait at least 21 days after the first vaccination before traveling. Dogs may also require tapeworm treatment, which must be administered by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before arriving in the UK.
If you're traveling from the EU to the UK, your pet must have one of the following:
You'll also need to complete a declaration confirming that you are not selling or transferring ownership of your pet.
Banned breeds will not be allowed into the UK unless they have a Certificate of Exemption.
Make sure to follow these rules carefully — if you don't, your pet may need to be quarantined for up to 4 months or be refused entry.
If you're traveling to Europe with your pet, many of the rules are similar, but there are a few important differences to be aware of.
Your pet must be microchipped before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination. All pets must be vaccinated against rabies and be at least 12 weeks old before receiving the vaccine. Depending on the type of vaccine used, you must wait at least 21 days after the first vaccination before entering the EU. You should also check whether your destination country requires dogs to have tapeworm treatment.
You will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), which must be issued by a vet.
The AHC is valid from the date of issue for:
You may be able to use a valid pet passport if it is accepted by your destination country.
Once you arrive in an EU country, you must pass through a designated travelers' point of entry, where your pet and documents will be checked.
You cannot take more than 5 pets into an EU country unless you are attending or training for a competition or event. In this case, you'll need written proof of registration.
The rules for healthcare and travel insurance have also changed since Brexit. Here's the essential travel advice for Europe when it comes to staying covered on your trip:
If you're a UK citizen traveling to Europe, then you'll need to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before you travel. Your GHIC will cover you for necessary medical healthcare while you're in Europe. This is a key piece of travel Europe money advice — without it, you could face significant out-of-pocket costs in an emergency.
If you already have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), then you can use this instead until it expires, at which point you'll need to apply for a GHIC.
As well as your GHIC or EHIC, we'd still recommend taking out travel insurance, as these cards do not cover everything.
You will need the following when traveling to the UK from the EU:
You may also need to apply for an S2 Healthcare Visitor Visa, depending on your circumstances.
Once in the UK, you can use a valid EHIC to access necessary state healthcare, which can include treatment for pre-existing medical conditions.
Whether you're sailing to the UK or Europe, always check the latest travel advice for Europe before you go — including any State Department travel advisories, updated lists of countries on travel restriction lists, and the most recent US travel ban updates — to avoid any delays or issues at the border. You can also check out our help pages for more information or contact our customer service team.
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