Anyone travelling on business between the UK and Poland now deals with three systems: the British ETA for EU citizens, the EU’s EES at the Schengen border and the long-announced EU ETIAS, which has been delayed again. We set out what applies.
Entering the UK: ETA for £20
- EU citizens, including Poles, need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Since 8 April 2026 it has cost £20 (previously £16) and is valid for two years or until the passport is replaced.
- The grace period ended in February 2026. Without an ETA you may be refused boarding or turned back at the border.
- Every traveller needs their own ETA – children included. People with a long-term UK visa or residence status (e.g. from the EU Settlement Scheme) show that status at the border instead of an ETA.
- Apply only through the official UK ETA app or on GOV.UK. There are intermediary websites online that charge higher fees.
Entering the Schengen area: EES fully operational
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has operated across the Schengen area since 10 April 2026. Non-EU travellers – including UK citizens – register biometric data (fingerprints and a facial image) the first time they cross the border. The system automatically counts days of stay within the limit of 90 days in any 180-day period.
ETIAS: another delay
The EU’s ETIAS authorisation for visa-exempt travellers, including UK citizens, has been pushed back to 2027. The eu-LISA agency, which runs the system, cited unresolved technical problems, and ETIAS currently has no binding launch date. The fee is to be €20. Until the system launches, UK citizens travel to the EU under the existing rules.
Checklist for businesses
- Staff with an EU passport and no UK residence status: check they have a valid ETA before you buy tickets.
- Staff with a UK passport: allow time for EES registration on their first entry to the Schengen area.
- Watch the 90/180-day limit for staff with British passports – EES counts it automatically, and overstays are recorded.
- ETIAS: follow EU announcements and budget €20 per person for travel.
Sources
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