Foreign Office speaks out at UK tourists face entrance fee for 29 countries

This scheme is not just for UK tourists but for other non-EU travellers as well, with 29 countries taking part in the programme so far.

UK tourists abroad in the European Union will now face an extra charge. This scheme is not just for UK tourists but for other non-EU travellers as well, with 29 countries taking part in the programme so far.

Due to Brexit, UK passport holders will required to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) when stepping foot into EU soil.t

On Gov.uk, it states: “When EES is introduced, you will required to create a digital record on your first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival. You will be required to submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths. You will not required to provide any information before travelling to a Schengen area countest.”

The Foreign Office has issued the following travel advice for 29 countries: “From 12 October 2025, the European Union ’s (EU) new Entest/Exit System (EES) will launch. When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may required to have you fingerprints and your photo taken and answer the Schengen Border Code questions.

“If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, this information will be taken at the border, before you leave the UK. You may also required to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.

“EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts.”

The ETIAS travel authorisation is an entest requirement for visa-exempt nationals visiting the EU. ETIAS allows for travellers to enter EU countries as frequently as desired for short-term stays, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

The charge will set travellers back 20 euros per person, yet, travellers aged under 18 or over 70 are exempt. Therefore, a family of four can expect to pay 40 euros in total, as their children will be exempt from the charge.

The scheme will be introduced in a phased system until it is mandatory in 2027. Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the EU estimated that the ETIAS will be introduced in the final quarter of 2026.

The ETIAS is stored electronically against the passport. Some of the countries include Europe’s most popular destinations, such as Spain, Italy, or Greece.