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12-Sep-2024
Important upcoming changes for travel to Europe
The European Union is introducing two important changes for travel to Europe, as follows:
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• EU Entry/Exit System (EES) due to start 10-Nov-2024 (delayed).
• European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) due in mid-2025.
EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES)
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated electronic system that will replace the physical stamping of passports when you go through passport control when arriving in and departing from your destination. The system will register the movements of ‘non-EU nationals’ travelling for a short stay, each time you cross the external borders of any of the European countries using the system.
‘Non-EU national’ means someone not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. So it will apply to most people travelling from the UK. Irish passport holders are exempt from EES. UK passport holders who have EU residency are also exempt.
How will it work?
Once the new system is live, when you go through passport control on your entry to or exit from your destination, as well as providing your passport you will also need to have a photo of your face taken, and your fingerprints scanned (‘biometric data’).
People of all ages will need to go through the EES checks, however children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints but they will need to have a facial scan taken.
Countries using the system
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
Travelling via the Port of Dover or train (London St Pancras and Folkestone)
In most cases, the EES checks will take place when you arrive at your destination airport or port, and when you leave at the end of your trip. However, if you are departing via the Port of Dover or via international train from the UK (London St Pancras and Folkestone), then these checks will happen when going through the passport control in the UK, on your departure. This is because there is a dual border – both British and French borders – at these locations. You won’t need to do these checks again when you arrive on the other side.
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More information about EES can be found here: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
ETIAS is the EU’s new travel authorisation which you will need to apply for before your trip to any of the 30 European countries listed below. It is a similar concept to the USA’s ESTA. It is due to be introduced in mid-2025, but there is no confirmed date for the introduction at the moment.
Countries requiring ETIAS
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
How will it work?
Once the system is operational, when you travel to the EU for a short stay (trip, holiday, etc.) and are not a citizen of an EU or Schengen country, then you will need an ETIAS. So UK passport holders will need to apply for an ETIAS. If you are travelling on a non-UK passport you will need to check whether you require an ETIAS or a visa. Irish passport holders are exempt from ETIAS. If you are a British passport holder but have EU residency you also don’t need an ETIAS.
Applying for ETIAS
Apply for an ETIAS only via the official website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
ETIAS will cost €7 (approx. £6) and will be valid for 3 years. A separate application will be required for each person travelling. Applicants under 18 or above 70 years of age are exempt from the payment but will still need to complete the application. Some exemptions will apply, details of which can be found here.
For the application you will be asked to provide the following information:
• Personal information including your name(s), surname, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address and phone number;
• Passport/travel document details;
• Details about your level of education and current occupation;
• Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS;
• Details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject of a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country.
You will need to declare that the data you submit and the statements you make are correct and also confirm that you understand the entry conditions to the territories of the European countries requiring ETIAS. If someone is submitting the application on your behalf, that person will have to provide additional information.