A clear guide to the EU’s new EES and ETIAS travel systems, explaining how border checks will change from 2025–2027 and what cruise and holiday travellers need to know.
Tag Archives: europe
ETIAS for Cruise Passengers: What You Need to Know
This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Planning a cruise that stops or begins in Europe? You need to be aware of an important travel update regarding ETIAS for cruise passengers. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is currently expected to launch in late 2026, introducing a new pre-travel requirement for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including those from the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This is not a visa. ETIAS is an entry authorization that must be obtained before travel. If your cruise itinerary includes ports in France, Spain, Italy, Norway, or any other Schengen country, you will need to secure ETIAS approval before you set sail. As of now, this is what we know and what we expect will happen. What is ETIAS and Why Do Cruise Passengers Need It? ETIAS is a digital travel authorisation, which is similar to the US ESTA or UK ETA. It applies to visitors from visa-exempt countries and is designed to enhance border security while maintaining smooth entry into the Schengen Area. If your cruise stops in any Schengen and most EU countries, you must obtain ETIAS approval before arrival. This includes: Cruise passengers disembarking in Schengen ports, even if it is only for a short visit. Travelers flying into a Schengen country before or after their cruise. Tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers planning a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. ETIAS will be valid for three years (or until your passport expires) and allows for multiple entries, but it does not replace a visa. Travelers who require a Schengen visa must still apply for one separately. ETIAS Launch: When Will It Take Effect? The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting six months after EES, travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories are required to have a travel authorization to enter most European countries. Late 2026 is the current projected launch date, the introduction of ETIAS has already faced multiple delays. The system was originally planned for 2021, then postponed several times. The latest timeline suggests ETIAS will be implemented after the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational, which is expected in late 2025. Given these delays, further postponements remain a possibility. As of now, we expect ETIAS to launch sometime in 2026, but travelers should monitor official EU sources for the most up-to-date information. You can sign up for updates on the official ETIAS website here: ETIAS ETIAS vs. UK ETA – Do You Need Both for Your Cruise? For cruise passengers sailing the British Isles, it is important to understand the different entry requirements based on where your cruise stops: ETIAS covers Schengen and most EU countries (e.g., France, Spain, Norway, Netherlands). The UK ETA is required for non-visa nationals visiting England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is NOT part of either ETIAS or the UK ETA. What Do You Need for Ireland? The Republic of Ireland has its own immigration rules, separate from both the UK and the Schengen Area: US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders do NOT need a visa to visit Ireland for tourism. UK ETA does NOT apply to Ireland—it only applies to the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). ETIAS does NOT apply to Ireland, as Ireland is not in the Schengen Area. If your cruise includes stops in Ireland, the UK, and Schengen countries, you may need: ETIAS (for Schengen stops like France, Spain, or the Netherlands). UK ETA (for UK stops like Scotland, Northern Ireland, or England). No additional authorization for the Republic of Ireland (for visa-exempt travelers). To learn more about the UK ETA and its impact on cruise travel, check out the guide: UK ETA: Essential Guide for Cruise Travelers How to Apply for ETIAS Applying for ETIAS for Schengen travel is expected to be simple and fully online.: Visit the official ETIAS website – ETIAS Official Site Complete the application – Enter passport details, travel plans, and answer security questions. Pay the €20 application fee – (applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from the fee but will still need to apply). This has recently increased from the original expected cost of €7. (updated July 21, 2025) Receive approval – Most applications are expected to be processed within minutes, though some may take up to 30 days. Cruise Passengers – What You Need to Know Cruise lines will begin to check for ETIAS approval before boarding when it becomes active– much like airlines verify visas. Apply in advance to avoid issues. While most approvals are expected to be instant, some may take longer. ETIAS is not a visa, but failure to obtain one will result in denied boarding or entry refusal. Avoid ETIAS Scams Scams have already begun to show up online. Fraudulent websites may charge excessive fees, collect personal information, or even issue fake approvals that will not be valid for travel. To avoid falling victim: Only apply through the official ETIAS website. It must end in .eu and have the logo shown above. Be cautious of third-party services claiming to expedite approval. Most applications are expected to be processed quickly, so fast-track services are unnecessary. Our approvals took less than one hour. Never pay more than €20 – If a website charges more, it is probably a scam. Check for official EU branding and website domains. The correct website will always end in .eu ETIAS vs EES The EES is an automated system that replaces physical passport stamps for non-EU visitors to the Schengen Area. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization for travelers from visa-exempt countries who plan short stays in the Schengen Area. You can learn more about the differences and how they will affect travel here. ETIAS vs EES: Essential Updates for Traveling to Europe Plan Ahead for Smooth Sailing ETIAS for cruise passengers isContinueContinue reading “ETIAS for Cruise Passengers: What You Need to Know”
UK ETA: Essential Guide for Cruise Travelers
Union jack flagon pole and Big Ben This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. UPDATE FEBRUARY 24, 2026 .Key 2026 Updates: Exemptions: People with valid UK visas or residency, or those traveling from the Common Travel Area (Ireland, Channel Islands). Mandatory Enforcement (Feb 25, 2026): The grace period ends; all eligible visitors must have an approved ETA. Who Needs One: Citizens from 85 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and all EU nations. Cost & Validity: £16 per application, valid for two years, multiple entries (or until your passport expires). You can check your expiration date on the website if you have already applied. Process: Apply via the “UK ETA” app. Dual Citizens: British/Irish citizens do not need an ETA, but must use a valid British/Irish passport to travel. The UK government has introduced electronic travel authorization (ETA) for visitors who pass through the UK border This includes passengers from the USA, Canada, and Australia. All eligible non-European visitors must apply for an ETA and will need one to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025. You can apply for their ETA through the UK ETA app, which is quick and simple to use and enables most applicants to receive a decision in hours. Visitors can also apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone. What Is the UK ETA? It is a digital travel authorization designed for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the United States and Canada. It ensures smooth and secure entry to the UK while aligning with similar systems like the USA’s ESTA and Australia’s eVisitor. You do not need to show proof of approval, it is directly linked to your passport. Who Needs an ETA? Travelers from visa-exempt countries must apply for an ETA before arriving in the UK. This includes cruise passengers, children, and anyone entering for tourism, business, or transit. Exceptions include: UK and Irish citizens (including those with dual citizenship using a UK or Irish passport). Travelers with a valid UK visa. you have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode) you are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport you live in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man How to Apply Applying for an ETA is simple: 1. Visit the official UK government website or download the UK ETA app. 2. Provide your passport details, contact information, and biometric data. If using the app, you will scan your face following the directions in the app and scan your passport. 3. You will pay the £16 application fee, directly in the app. Remember…the fee is in £UK, so there will be a currency conversion. Most applications are processed within three working days, but it can take longer, so it wise to apply well in advance of your cruise. We had approval within an hour. Avoid Scams! Only apply via the official government website (Apply for an ETA). Beware of unofficial sites charging inflated fees. Avoid ETA Scams Scams have already begun appearing online. Fraudulent websites may charge excessive fees, collect personal information, or even issue fake approvals that will not be valid for travel. To avoid falling victim: Only apply through the official ETA website. It must end in gov.uk and have the crown on it, as shown below. Be cautious of third-party services claiming to expedite approval. Most applications are expected to be processed quickly, so fast-track services are unnecessary. Our approvals took less than one hour. Never pay more than £16 – If a website charges more, it is probably a scam. Check for official UK branding and website domains. The correct website will always end in gov.uk Be sure the app you are using looks like the image below. If the app/page does not have the crown on it, it is not the official site. How Long Is the ETA Valid? Your ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows for multiple entries, with each stay capped at six months. Once either the passport or the ETA expires, you will need to reapply. You can check your expiration date on the same website. Why Has the UK Introduced the ETA? The ETA enhances border security by pre-screening travelers and tracking arrivals. It helps prevent immigration misuse and ensures compliance with UK laws. What Cruise Passengers Need to Know Cruise passengers need to show proof of your ETA when providing passport details during booking or check-in. Cruise lines may require this information well ahead of departure, so plan accordingly. Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Journey The UK ETA is part of a global shift toward enhanced travel security. While it is an additional step, this will ensure smoother travel experiences. Prepare now and don’t get caught without the necessary documentation. Traveling to Europe? Be sure to check if you need a similar visa to enter any country you plan to visit. EU and Schengen countries will be requiring an ETIAS in late 2026. Do you have travel insurance for your next cruise? The best day to buy it is the day you book so get it now. Insubuy has policies for all travelers. Have you booked your excursions yet? Check out my recommended provider. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest boardContinueContinue reading “UK ETA: Essential Guide for Cruise Travelers”