Travel association ABTA has published new information for UK travelers on the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to help people prepare for and understand the changes.
EES is a new electronic system that will replace the physical stamp in passports upon arrival in EU/Schengen countries and is expected to be operational in autumn 2024. ETIAS is the EU's new travel authorization that people must apply for before traveling. , expected to be introduced in mid-20251.
ABTA says these are two major changes impacting the UK's most popular destination, so it is important that everyone is aware of what is happening and what the changes mean for customers. states that it is important.
Graham Buck, communications director at ABTA – The Travel Association, said: “EES and ETIAS are two major changes that members and travelers will need to adapt to.
“While many details about the new system are still unknown, we wanted to share with our members what we know so far to help them consider what this means for their business and customers. Masu.
“ABTA is working closely with the EU departments responsible for implementing these changes and ABTA recognizes us as a key partner in providing vital information to the UK travel industry and consumers. We are also discussing this change with the relevant departments of the UK Government.”
Upcoming changes to travel to Europe
The European Union is introducing two important changes regarding travel to Europe. these are:
The EU Entry and Exit System (EES) is scheduled to come into force in autumn 2024.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), expected in mid-2025.
If you're traveling this summer, these changes haven't taken effect yet, so you don't need to do anything.
However, if you're planning a trip later this year or next year, we'll provide guidance on what you need to know about the upcoming changes.
EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) – scheduled for autumn 2024
The EU Immigration System is a new electronic system that replaces having your passport physically stamped when passing through passport control on arrival. This registers all travel to and from participating European countries. This essentially means registering your movement every time you cross a border within or outside the EU/Schengen area.
When the new system goes live, passengers will not only be required to present their passport, but also have their photo taken and their fingerprints scanned when passing through passport control upon arrival.
EES is expected to be introduced in fall 2024, but the exact date has not yet been confirmed.
Who does it apply to?
This applies to short-term visitors from what the EU calls “third countries.” These are people who are not EU nationals or Schengen Area nationals. So this applies to most people traveling from the UK.
A short-term stay is a visit, vacation, or business trip of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The majority of travel between the UK and Europe is classified as a short stay.
Irish passport holders are exempt from the EES. If you are a British passport holder with EU residency, you are also exempt from the EES.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) – expected mid-2025
ETIAS is the EU's new travel authorization and must be applied for before traveling. This is a similar concept to the US ESTA and UK ETA schemes.
It is expected to be introduced in mid-2025, but no exact date has yet been set as to when it will come into effect. This means that there is no need to obtain an ETIAS to travel to Europe at this time.
Once implemented, travelers will be able to apply for ETIAS through the official website (www.europa.eu/etias).
It is not yet possible to obtain an official ETIAS as the system is not operational, the website itself is not operational, and applications are not accepted. Any website that claims to offer this is false.
Who does it apply to?
Once the system goes live in 2025, visa-exempt travelers from third countries will need to apply for ETIAS. Simply put, if he travels to the EU for a short stay, he will need an ETIAS if he is not a national of the EU or a Schengen Area country.
A short-term stay is a visit, vacation, or business trip of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
If you are traveling on a visa, you do not need an ETIAS.
Irish passport holders are exempt from ETIAS. If you are a British passport holder but have her EU residency, you will not need an ETIAS either.
How much does ETIAS cost?
ETIAS costs just €7 (equivalent to around £6). ETIAS is free if he is under 18 years old and if he is over 70 years old. Once ETIAS is launched, certain travelers may be exempt. A list of exemptions can be found here.
How long is the validity period?
ETIAS is valid for 3 years. During this period, you can travel multiple times using the same ETIAS.
However, if your passport expires during the ETIAS validity period, you will need to apply for a new ETIAS.
It will also become invalid if it expires during your stay. In this case, you will need to apply for a new ETIAS before traveling to cover the length of your stay.
How to apply
There is one official website to apply for ETIAS: www.europa.eu/etias. However, ETIAS is not currently operational and applications are not yet accepted through the website.
One application is required for each traveler, so parents applying for children will need a separate application from their own.
You also have the option of having someone else file the application on your behalf. If you wish to do so, you must submit a form indicating that you have given us permission. For more information, please see – Applying on behalf of someone else – European Union (europa.eu)
What information do I need to provide?
For each application you must provide:
Personal information such as name, date of birth, gender, nationality, address, email address, telephone number, etc.
parents' names;
Passport/travel document details.
education level and current occupation.
Details about your planned travel and stay in countries that require an ETIAS.
Details about any past convictions, past travel to war or conflict areas, and whether you have recently been the subject of extradition.
You must ensure that your ETIAS details match your passport details. If they do not match, your ETIAS will be invalidated and you will not be able to travel. If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you may be required to provide additional information.
Fake website offering ETIAS
More than 60 unofficial websites currently offer ETIAS, although the system is not yet operational. Do not use unofficial websites. You run the risk of being overcharged, not getting your ETIAS, or having your personal information stolen.
