Passport validity, the 90/180-day rule, the EU Entry/Exit System now in full operation, ETIAS, healthcare, driving, mobile roaming and pets: a checklist for UK travellers.
Since the UK left the EU, British travellers face more rules when visiting Europe, and some new systems have arrived recently. Most are simple once you know them. This checklist covers the main things to check before you book and before you go. Always check the FCDO travel advice for each country, as rules can differ.
1. Passport validity
For most EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, your passport must be:
- less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the issue date, not just the expiry);
- valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave.
Older passports may have had extra months added from a previous renewal, which can mean a passport looks valid but is too old. Ireland has different rules: you only need a passport valid for the length of your stay.
2. The 90/180-day rule
You can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, for tourism and some other purposes. The 180 days are a rolling period, so count back from each day you are there. Time in Ireland, Cyprus and some non-Schengen countries counts separately. Working or studying usually needs a visa or permit.
3. The Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EU's Entry/Exit System replaced passport stamps for non-EU travellers. It began a phased rollout on 12 October 2025 and became fully operational on 10 April 2026 in 29 countries (all EU members except Ireland and Cyprus, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
- On your first entry, your passport is scanned and a facial photo taken; fingerprints are also taken for those aged 12 and over.
- There is nothing to do in advance and no fee.
- At Eurostar St Pancras, Eurotunnel Folkestone and the Port of Dover, registration happens before you leave the UK.
- Registration lasts three years or until your passport expires. Allow extra time at borders, especially at busy periods.
4. ETIAS: not yet in operation
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require UK visitors to get an online travel authorisation before visiting, for a fee. As of October 2026, ETIAS is not operating and applications are not being accepted; its launch has been pushed back beyond 2026 and no start date has been confirmed. The EU says it will announce the start date several months in advance. Be wary of websites offering to "apply" now.
5. Healthcare
Get a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) from the official NHS website for state healthcare in the EU at local rates. It does not replace travel insurance, which you should buy as soon as you book.
6. Driving
- Display a UK sticker (not GB) unless your number plate includes the UK identifier.
- A UK photocard licence is accepted in most EU countries; some non-EU countries need an International Driving Permit.
- Take your logbook (V5C) or hire documents, and check insurance cover abroad.
- Check local rules on low-emission zones, required equipment and tolls.
7. Mobile roaming
Free EU roaming for UK customers ended after Brexit, and most major UK networks now charge for using your allowance in Europe, often as a daily fee. Check your network's terms before you go, or consider a travel eSIM or local SIM.
8. Pets
EU pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to the EU. You need an animal health certificate from a vet, issued no more than 10 days before travel, plus a microchip and rabies vaccination.
9. Food and duty-free
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into the EU, with some exceptions such as baby milk. Duty-free shopping is available on trips between Great Britain and the EU, with personal allowances when you return.
Before you go: a quick checklist
- Check passport issue and expiry dates.
- Read the FCDO travel advice for each country.
- Buy travel insurance and get a GHIC.
- Check roaming charges and driving documents.
- Allow extra time at the border for EES checks.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Foreign travel advice
- GOV.UK: EES border checks for Brits
- European Commission: EES fully operational 10 April 2026
- EU: ETIAS official information
- GOV.UK: Taking your pet abroad
- NHS: Apply for a GHIC
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
Frequently asked questions
What should you know about 1. Passport validity?
Older passports may have had extra months added from a previous renewal, which can mean a passport looks valid but is too old. Ireland has different rules: you only need a passport valid for the length of your stay.
What should you know about 2. The 90/180-day rule?
You can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, for tourism and some other purposes. The 180 days are a rolling period, so count back from each day you are there.
What should you know about 3. The Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EU's Entry/Exit System replaced passport stamps for non-EU travellers. It began a phased rollout on 12 October 2025 and became fully operational on 10 April 2026 in 29 countries (all EU members except Ireland and Cyprus, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
What should you know about 4. ETIAS: not yet in operation?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require UK visitors to get an online travel authorisation before visiting, for a fee.