UK Passport & Travel Rules 2026: What Property Owners Need to Know

Several significant changes to UK passport and travel rules have come into effect in 2026. Whether you are a UK citizen travelling to your overseas property in Spain, France, or Portugal, or you are hosting visitors at your UK home, these changes affect you directly. All information below is drawn from official GOV.UK publications.

1. UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — Enforced from 25 February 2026

From 25 February 2026, the UK government began enforcing its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement. Visitors from 85 visa-exempt nationalities — including the United States, Canada, Australia, and EU member states — must now hold a valid ETA before travelling to the UK.

Airlines and carriers are legally required to check passengers have an ETA or an eVisa before they board. Passengers without one will be denied boarding.

Who Needs a UK ETA?

You need a UK ETA if you are a non-British, non-Irish national who previously could visit the UK without a visa. This includes citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and all EU countries.

Who is Exempt?

• British citizens
• Irish citizens
• Dual citizens who hold a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode

The UK government has issued a specific advisory for dual British citizens: those who do not travel on their British passport may face problems, including being denied boarding. If you are a dual national, travel on your British passport to avoid complications.

ETA Key Facts

• Cost: £16 per application
• Valid for: 2 years or until your passport expires — whichever is sooner
• Allows: Multiple journeys to the UK
• Apply via: The official UK ETA app (ukvisas.gov.uk)
• Processing: Most applications approved automatically within minutes; allow 3 working days for complex cases

Over 13.3 million ETAs have been issued since the scheme launched in October 2023. The ETA is separate from a visa and does not guarantee entry — a Border Force officer retains the right to refuse entry at the border.

2. New British Passport Design — Issued from December 2025

HM Passport Office began issuing a redesigned British passport from December 2025. The new passport features His Majesty King Charles III's Coat of Arms — the first completely new passport design since 2020.

What Has Changed?

• Design: Features King Charles III's Coat of Arms instead of the late Queen Elizabeth II's arms
• Security: Described by the government as the most secure British passport ever produced, incorporating cutting-edge holographic and translucent features
• Landscapes: Interior pages feature UNESCO-protected natural landscapes representing the four UK nations — Ben Nevis (Scotland), the Lake District (England), Three Cliffs Bay (Wales), and the Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland)

What Has NOT Changed?

Existing passports bearing Queen Elizabeth II's Coat of Arms remain fully valid until their expiry date. There is no requirement to renew your passport early because of the design change.

In the first half of 2025, HM Passport Office issued over 3.8 million passports, with 99.7% of straightforward applications processed within 3 weeks.

3. Digital Certificates of Entitlement — from 26 February 2026

From 26 February 2026, Certificates of Entitlement to the right of abode in the UK are issued in digital format only. This means a certificate now only needs to be applied for once and does not expire with your passport — a significant practical change for dual nationals who previously needed to transfer their certificate to each new passport.

4. EU Entry/Exit System (EES) — Active from October 2025

The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) launched on 12 October 2025 and is phasing into full operation by April 2026. This is a new digital border management system that replaces manual passport stamping at Schengen area borders.

What UK Travellers Must Do

If you are a UK citizen travelling to a Schengen country — including Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, and Italy — for a short stay, you will now need to register biometric data at the border on your first visit. This includes fingerprints and a photograph.

• First visit: Fingerprints and photograph captured at the border. No pre-travel registration required. Free of charge.
• Subsequent visits within 3 years: Fingerprint or photo confirmation only — significantly faster than the initial registration
• Air travel: Registration at the destination airport on arrival
• Eurostar and Eurotunnel (Dover): Pre-registration using self-service kiosks before departure from the UK
• Ferry crossings to France: Registration at the destination port in France

Which Countries Use EES?

EES applies to all 29 Schengen area countries. This includes Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Greece, Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria. It does not apply to Ireland or Cyprus.

Does This Change the 90/180 Day Rule?

No. UK citizens can still visit Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa. EES simply provides a digital record of entry and exit — it does not create new visit limits, but it does enforce the existing 90-day rule more precisely.

5. ETIAS — EU Travel Authorisation Coming Autumn 2026

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in Autumn 2026. When it comes into effect, UK passport holders will need to obtain ETIAS authorisation before travelling to any Schengen country without a visa or residence permit.

• Cost: €20 per application
• Validity: 3 years or until passport expiry
• Exemptions: UK citizens who hold a valid Schengen visa or European residence permit will not need ETIAS

ETIAS has not yet launched as of February 2026. The European Commission has not confirmed a final launch date. When it does launch, you will apply online via the official ETIAS application website.

6. Passport Validity Rules for Travelling to Europe

When travelling to most European countries as a UK citizen, your passport must meet specific validity requirements. According to official GOV.UK travel guidance:

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay
• Many European countries require your passport to be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date
• Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years

Note: The 10-year issue rule is a bilateral requirement that applies to travel to most European countries. The rules can vary by destination — check the GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice page for the specific country you are visiting before you travel.

What This Means for UK Property Owners in Europe

If you own property in Spain, France, Portugal, or another European country, these changes affect your regular trips:

• EES registration: On your next visit after 12 October 2025, border agents will take your fingerprints and photograph. Subsequent visits will be quicker with biometric confirmation only.
• ETIAS (from Autumn 2026): You will need to obtain authorisation before each trip once ETIAS launches. At €20 for 3 years, this is a minor administrative step.
• Passport validity: Check your passport is valid for the duration of your stay plus 3 months, and was issued within the last 10 years before each trip.
• ETA for visitors: If you have family or friends visiting you from abroad (non-British/Irish), they will need to obtain a UK ETA before flying back with you to the UK.

Where to Find Official Information

All UK travel and passport guidance is published on GOV.UK. Key official sources:

• UK ETA applications: ukvisas.gov.uk
• British passport applications and renewals: gov.uk/browse/abroad
• EU Entry/Exit System: gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system
• Foreign travel advice by country: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

OMF does not provide travel or immigration advice. For immigration matters, consult a qualified immigration solicitor or the official GOV.UK guidance.