Entry Requirements for Europe: Schengen, ETIAS, and UK
The 90/180 rule, the new ETIAS scheme, and the UK's own ETA. What visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia need in 2025.
Europe's entry rules changed in 2024 and 2025. The old approach of showing up with a passport still mostly works, but there are new online authorisations to file and new biometrics at the border.
The 90/180 Schengen rule
US, Canadian, Australian, and many other visa exempt passport holders can spend up to 90 days in any rolling 180 day period within the Schengen area. This applies across all 27 Schengen countries combined, not per country.
Overstaying by even a day can result in fines and a multi-year ban. Border officers do check.
ETIAS - Europe's new travel authorisation
ETIAS launches in 2025 and applies to visa exempt travellers entering the Schengen area. It's a quick online form, 7 euros, valid three years. Similar in concept to the US ESTA.
ETIAS is not a visa - approval is fast, usually within minutes. But entering without one when it's required will result in denied boarding.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation
The UK ETA rolled out through 2024 and 2025. All visa exempt travellers - Americans, Canadians, Australians, Europeans from 2025 - need one to enter the UK, including transit through Heathrow.
It costs 10 pounds, valid two years, apply through the UK ETA app.
Passport validity
Schengen requires your passport to be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure and issued within the last 10 years. The UK requires validity for the length of stay only.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 90/180 rule reset when I leave Europe?
No. It's a rolling 180 day window - always look back from any given day.
Is Ireland part of Schengen?
No. Ireland is EU but not Schengen. Time in Ireland doesn't count against your Schengen 90 days.
In summary
If you take one thing from this guide, it's this: the more prepared you are before you travel, the fewer decisions you have to make when you're tired and jet-lagged. Bookmark this page and check the update date before your next trip.
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