Europe for UK travellers: the 90-day post-Brexit rule, ETIAS, and which card to bring
UK passport holders enter Europe visa-free for 90 days post-Brexit — ETIAS (€7) required. The 90-day Schengen limit is the key new reality for UK residents who previously had unlimited stays. Budget airlines from £20 and Eurostar keep Europe very accessible. Starling Bank or Chase UK eliminate the 2.99% forex fee standard UK banks charge on every euro.
Visa requirements
Post-Brexit, UK passport holders enter the Schengen area visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS is required — €7, apply at travel-europe.europa.eu, valid 3 years. The 90-day limit is critical for UK residents who previously had unlimited stays — the counter resets only after 90 days outside Schengen. UK residents who spend extended time in Spain, France, or Portugal must carefully track their Schengen days.
Documents required
- ✓Valid UK passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓ETIAS authorisation
Flights from United Kingdom to Europe (Schengen)
Money, cards & forex fees
Best UK card for Europe — zero forex, free ATMs, FSCS-protected current account
Zero forex with cashback on every EUR purchase
Multi-currency for Schengen countries that use non-EUR (CHF, DKK, SEK, NOK)
ATMs in Europe (Schengen)
Best ATMs: Use ATMs attached to local banks: BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, ING, Crédit Agricole, Rabobank. Avoid Euronet ATMs (the standalone machines in tourist areas, airports, train stations) — they add 3–5% markup and poor exchange rates on top of their own fees.
Typical surcharge: €2–5 at local bank ATMs; €5–10 at Euronet standalone ATMs — avoid Euronet
Withdrawal tip: Most of Europe (especially cities) is card-friendly — Visa/Mastercard contactless accepted almost everywhere. Keep €50–100 cash for markets, smaller restaurants, and rural areas. Some restaurants in Italy and Greece still prefer cash.
Top cities in Europe (Schengen)
Paris
The world's most visited city — the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral (now restored), Montmartre, and some of the world's finest restaurants. Paris demands at least 4–5 days and rewards slow exploration. The RER and Métro connect every arrondissement. Museum queues are long; pre-book everything.
Amsterdam
A city of canals, world-class museums, and cycling culture. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are among Europe's finest. The Anne Frank House requires timed tickets booked weeks ahead. Amsterdam's compact size makes it ideal for walking or cycling. Vibrant nightlife and exceptional food scene.
Rome
Two thousand years of history in a single walkable city. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon are all within reasonable distance. Rome rewards those who get lost in its neighbourhoods — Trastevere and Pigneto offer the most authentic dining. Book Vatican tickets at least 2 weeks ahead.
Barcelona
Gaudí's architectural masterpieces define Barcelona — Sagrada Família (still being completed after 140+ years), Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera make it unlike any other European city. The Gothic Quarter, La Boqueria market, and Barceloneta beach complete the picture. Famously late dining culture — restaurants don't fill until 9–10pm.
Berlin
Europe's most fascinating city for 20th-century history — the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, Holocaust Memorial, and Checkpoint Charlie tell the story no textbook can. Berlin is also Europe's club capital and has a thriving contemporary art and tech scene. Comparatively affordable by Western European standards. Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The 90-day Schengen rule: what UK residents need to understand
Since Brexit, UK passport holders are treated as third-country nationals in the Schengen area — limited to 90 days in any 180-day rolling period across all 27 Schengen countries combined. This affects UK residents with European holiday homes particularly. The 180-day window rolls forward each day — it is not a calendar year reset. UK border control check Schengen stamps on exit; overstaying can result in bans and difficulties on future applications. UK residents who spend extended time in France, Spain, Italy, or Portugal must track their Schengen days carefully. The FCDO has a Schengen calculator for tracking days.
On-arrival tips
- 1Post-Brexit you'll now queue in the 'non-EU' passport lane — can be longer at Paris CDG and Amsterdam AMS
- 2ETIAS must be obtained before boarding — airlines check at check-in
- 3EasyJet and Ryanair fares from £20-50 one way make weekend breaks very affordable
- 4Eurostar to Paris is often faster than flying once airport time is included
- 5The 90-day Schengen rule is the most important change for UK residents — track your days carefully if spending extended time in Spain or France
Key takeaways
- ✓UK passport: visa-free Schengen for 90 days in 180 — ETIAS (€7) required, apply before travel
- ✓Post-Brexit the 90-day Schengen limit is the key new constraint — the counter covers all 27 countries combined
- ✓Starling Bank or Chase UK: zero forex — standard UK cards (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds) charge 2.99%
- ✓EU roaming no longer included on UK SIMs — use Airalo Europe eSIM from £5/week
- ✓EasyJet and Ryanair: weekend breaks from £20-50 one way
Related visa guides
Visa information is based on publicly available government sources and official embassy data. Entry requirements, fees, and procedures change frequently — always verify with the official embassy or consulate of Europe (Schengen) before travelling. ForexFee is not a legal adviser.