Documents for a London + Rome Trip in 2026
Combining London and Rome in one trip means two separate travel authorisations: a UK ETA for the United Kingdom and ETIAS for Italy and the rest of Schengen. Here's exactly what each member of your family needs and when to apply.
The two authorisations you'll need
UK ETA covers the United Kingdom only (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). ETIAS covers Italy as part of the Schengen Area. You need both separately — there is no combined authorisation.
Costs and timing
UK ETA: £16 per person, apply 1–4 weeks before travel. ETIAS: €20 per adult (free for under-18s and over-70s), apply 1–4 weeks before travel from October 2026 onwards.
The order to apply
Apply for the UK ETA first — it's already live and almost always approved within minutes. Apply for ETIAS once it's available for your travel dates (October 2026+).
Flying between London and Rome
On the flight from London to Rome, you'll clear Italian (Schengen) border control on arrival. Your ETIAS will be checked against your passport. First-time entries trigger EES biometric capture (fingerprints + photo) — allow extra time at the border.
Find out what your family needs
Four quick questions. Personalised per family member. Tells you exactly what to apply for and when — UK ETA, ETIAS, EES, or nothing.
Take the quizCommon questions
Do I need different documents for Rome vs London?
Yes. London (UK) requires UK ETA. Rome (Italy, Schengen) requires ETIAS from October 2026. They're separate systems with separate applications.
Is ETIAS the same as a Schengen visa?
No. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals — quick and online. A Schengen visa is a full visa for visa-required nationals — applied for in person at a consulate.