David Park
David Park
International Travel Editor
David covers eVisa programmes, ETA systems, and global travel policy for VisaWise.
✈️ eVisas & ETAs

Europe Entry Requirements 2026: UK ETA, Schengen, and More

Entering Europe is becoming more complex. The UK launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in 2024. The EU is rolling out EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) for Schengen Area visitors. Understanding what you need — and what's changing — is essential before booking European travel in 2026.

Our methodology for this guide

eVisa and ETA information in this guide is drawn from official government sources, immigration authority websites, and IATA travel information systems. We cross-reference multiple sources for each destination and note the date of last verification. Visa requirements can change without notice — always confirm with official sources before travelling.

🌍 Every destination in this region
1
Armenia eVisa Ancient Caucasus
Armenia's eVisa is one of the most affordable in the world — as low as $6 — and is approved within 2 business days. Explore Yerevan's vibrant cafe scene, ancient monasteries, and dramatic mountain landscapes.
★★★★☆
Pros
  • Armenia eVisa: electronic processing removes embassy queue — apply online from home.
  • One of the world's cheapest eVisas — from just $6.
  • Fast processing with an urgent 3-hour option available.
Cons
  • Armenia eVisa processing time varies — apply well in advance for busy travel seasons.
  • 21-day stay limit on standard visa — shorter than some prefer.
Processing2 business days
Valid for60 days from issue
Visa typee-Visa
Gov. fee$6
8.7 /10
Apply for Armenia eVisa
Full destination guide
2
Azerbaijan eVisa Land of Fire
Azerbaijan's ASAN eVisa system is modern, reliable, and fast. Explore Baku's Old City UNESCO site, mud volcanoes, and the dramatic Caucasus mountains on a straightforward online tourist visa.
★★★★☆
Pros
  • Azerbaijan eVisa: electronic processing removes embassy queue — apply online from home.
  • Government's ASAN platform is clean and easy to use.
  • Reliable 3-day processing with clear status updates.
Cons
  • Azerbaijan eVisa processing time varies — apply well in advance for busy travel seasons.
  • 30-day stay limit — shorter than some travellers prefer.
Processing3 business days
Valid for90 days from issue
Visa typeASAN
Gov. fee$20
8.6 /10
Apply for Azerbaijan eVisa
Full destination guide
3
Georgia eVisa Caucasus Explorer
Georgia's eVisa system serves nationalities that aren't already visa-free. Explore Tbilisi's Old Town, wine regions of Kakheti, and the Greater Caucasus mountains with an online tourist visa.
★★★★☆
Pros
  • Georgia eVisa: electronic processing removes embassy queue — apply online from home.
  • 120-day validity is very generous — great for planning flexibility.
  • Affordable $20 fee for a highly popular destination.
Cons
  • Georgia eVisa processing time varies — apply well in advance for busy travel seasons.
  • Many nationalities don't need a visa at all — check before applying.
Processing5 business days
Valid for120 days from issue
Visa typee-Visa
Gov. fee$20
8.5 /10
Apply for Georgia eVisa
Full destination guide
4
Turkey eVisa Fast & Easy
Turkey's e-Visa system is one of the smoothest in the world. Apply in minutes, pay online, and receive your visa by email — often within seconds. Valid for Istanbul, Ankara, and the entire country.
★★★★½
Pros
  • Turkey eVisa: electronic processing removes embassy queue — apply online from home.
  • Near-instant approval — most visas issued within seconds.
  • Simple, user-friendly application portal.
Cons
  • Turkey eVisa processing time varies — apply well in advance for busy travel seasons.
  • Government fee of $50–$60 (varies by nationality).
ProcessingMinutes to 24 hours
Valid for180 days from issue
Visa typee-Visa
Gov. fee$50
9.4 /10
Apply for Turkey eVisa
Full destination guide
5
UK ETA Top Pick
The UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation replaces the old entry stamp system for eligible nationalities. It allows multiple trips to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland over 2 years.
★★★★½
Pros
  • UK ETA: electronic processing removes embassy queue — apply online from home.
  • Generous 6-month stay per visit — longest of any comparable ETA.
  • 2-year, multiple-entry validity.
Cons
  • UK ETA processing time varies — apply well in advance for busy travel seasons.
  • Processing can take up to 3 working days — apply well in advance.
ProcessingUp to 3 working days
Valid for2 years
Visa typeElectronic
Gov. fee$10
9.5 /10
Apply for UK ETA
Full destination guide

Quick Comparison Table

#DestinationScore ProcessingGov. feeVisa Type Valid forApply
1 Armenia eVisa 8.7 2 business days $6 e-Visa 60 days from issue Apply
2 Azerbaijan eVisa 8.6 3 business days $20 ASAN 90 days from issue Apply
3 Georgia eVisa 8.5 5 business days $20 e-Visa 120 days from issue Apply
4 Turkey eVisa 9.4 Minutes to 24 hours $50 e-Visa 180 days from issue Apply
5 UK ETA 9.5 Up to 3 working days $10 Electronic 2 years / multiple entries Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK ETA?+
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a pre-travel permission requirement for nationals of non-visa-required countries visiting the UK. It costs £10, is valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires), and allows multiple short stays of up to 6 months each. It launched for non-European nationalities in November 2023 and for European nationals in 2024.
What is ETIAS and when does it start?+
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is the EU's equivalent of the US ESTA. It will require nationals of visa-free countries to obtain a €7 travel authorisation before visiting the Schengen Area. ETIAS has been repeatedly delayed and is now expected in 2025–2026. Check the official EU website for the latest launch date.
Do I need a Schengen visa for Europe?+
Citizens of approximately 62 countries can visit the Schengen Area (27 EU countries plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein) without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Citizens of other countries need a Schengen visa from the embassy of their main destination country.

Related Guides

eVisas & ETAs

What is an eVisa? Complete Guide 2026

Read guide →
eVisas & ETAs

eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: Key Differences Explained

Read guide →
eVisas & ETAs

Best Digital Nomad Visas 2026

Read guide →
eVisas & ETAs

Schengen Visa: Complete Guide 2026

Read guide →