January 2025
Later this year, UK travellers will have to pay to enter Europe – and wave goodbye to passport stamps, too
You know how, as a UK visitor, you have to pay a small fee for an ESTA before travelling to the USA? And how that ESTA is valid for two years from the date you get it? Get ready – as a similar system is now coming for Europe.
Citizens of 60 nations – including the UK – will no longer enjoy free, visa-exempt access to Europe from this year, as two major border changes come into force. The EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) schemes will change how we travel to, from and within EU and Schengen countries. And if you’re not yet familiar with them, you’re not alone. According to travel insurer Staysure, 55% of UK adults aren’t aware of the new rules, nor how they will drastically impact travel. Read on to learn how your plans might be affected.
What are ETIAS and EES, and how will they change travel to the EU?
The ESS is the new automated border checks process. It will consist of a digital system and e-gates at the borders of all EU and Schengen nations, except Cyprus and Ireland. It will replace the current manual passport checks and stamps for citizens of 60 nations – UK included – and will instead capture fingerprints and facial scans.
Six months afterwards, ETIAS will come into effect. It is essentially a visa-waiver scheme, allowing citizens of selected non-Schengen/EU nations plus the UK to enter the bloc. As they are now, UK citizens will be entitled to visit the EU for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but entry will no longer be free – an ETIAS pass will require pre-authorisation and will cost €7 (£5.80), valid for three years.
Which countries will I need an ETIAS pass to visit?
If your nationality is not exempt, you will need an ETIAS pass to visit the 30 countries that are part of the EU/Schengen area. UK citizens will not need an ETIAS to visit Ireland, as it is part of the Common Travel Area.
Dublin, Ireland: just one city that UK citizens will not need an ETIAS to visit
How can I get an ETIAS pass?
Once ETIAS commences, you need to apply via the official website. You should be cautious of unauthorised and scam websites. According to the EU, processing will take place within minutes. You will need to show the pass to your airline, train or ferry company before you travel. Each pass will be valid for three years, or until your passport expires – whichever is sooner. ETIAS will apply to all ages and trip durations and will be tied to individual passports. You’ll need to reapply when you get a new passport, incurring another €7 (£5.80) fee.
What details will I need to give for ETIAS?
As well as your personal information, the application form will entail a few security questions, such as declaring whether you have a criminal record.
Could my ETIAS application be declined?
Yes, but it is highly unlikely. The EU says that even declaring criminal convictions will not necessarily affect an application, depending on the type of offence. If declined, you will be entitled to appeal the decision.
When will ETIAS and EES start?
The EES roll-out was originally intended to take place in 2022, but it has been delayed several times. It is expected to start this year, and ETIAS to begin six months later.
Both schemes will be mandatory. Nationalities requiring an ETIAS pass will still also need a passport to travel. Entry/exit border checks will likely take longer than usual, especially in the first few months of the schemes.
Why are these schemes happening?
They will modernise the EU’s borders, helping to identify overstayers, improve security and combat fraud. Information will be shared by EU border authorities in real time.
What about travellers coming to the UK?
The UK’s rules are changing, too. As of 8 January 2025, citizens of selected non-EU nations will be required to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before travelling. From 2 April, the list will expand to EU/Schengen nations.
For further information visit Travel Europe (EES/ETIAS) and GOV.uk (ETA).
This information is correct at the time of publication and does not constitute legal advice.
This article has been tagged Technology, Travel Tips
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