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Do I need a visa to holiday in EU countries now?

 

You might have heard about some new EU entry rules coming soon. Don’t worry, we’re here to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know...

Here’s everything you need to know about the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES)...

Soon, The European Union (EU) will be introducing a new border immigration system, the ‘Entry/Exit System’ (EES), that will affect UK and all other non-EU passport holders when travelling to the following EU countries:

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

What is EES?

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a system that registers all UK and other non-EU travellers each time they enter or exit the EU bloc. Although the EU is yet to confirm a specific date, the system is expected to be activated at some point in 2025.

The system will replace the current manual stamping of passports on arrival, as your entry and exit dates will instead be logged electronically. Don’t forget – unless you have European residency or a suitable visa, you can only spend 90 days in any six-month period in the EU.

How will EES work?

Don't worry, you don't need to do anything before you travel and there's no cost involved. The first time you enter the EU, you’ll need to register for EES at a self-service kiosk in the arrivals area of your destination airport, where you’ll also be asked to provide your biometric data (fingerprint and facial image), as well as other basic information. Once you’ve completed this step, you’ll be able to cross the border as normal via an electronic gate or manned booth. Please note – children under 12 won’t need to provide fingerprints!

On subsequent trips to any participating EU countries, you’ll be able to enter as normal without having to re-register every time you arrive, providing you enter at least once every three years and that you’re using the same passport you initially registered with. If your travel document expires, or you don’t visit the EU for three years or more, you’ll need to re-register for EES on your next visit.

When will EES be introduced?

EES is currently scheduled to be introduced at some point in 2025, although a specific date is yet to be formally announced by the EU.

Who does this apply to?

EES applies to all British passport holders, and any non-EU national entering the European Union, regardless of age.

How will this affect my trip?

The full details of EES haven’t been laid out yet and it’s likely this will vary by airport, but you’ll need to register for EES on arrival during your first visit to any of the listed countries following its introduction. You’ll also need to provide your passport details and biometric date before being allowed to cross the border.

More information about the EES can be found on the following websites:

UK Gov info

EU info

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an upcoming change affecting travel to EU countries. This means that UK and other non-EU passport holders will need to apply online for authorisation to enter before travelling to any of the following countries:

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

It’s sometimes referred to as an Electronic Travel Authorisation and is similar to the ESTA that’s required for travel to the USA.

When will the ETIAS be introduced?

The EU has indicated that the ETIAS is likely to be operational by mid-2025, so at the moment, you don't need to contact us or take any action.

Who does this apply to?

When the ETIAS is put in place, all UK and other non-EU passport holders will need to apply online for an ETIAS authorisation before travel, which will allow entry as often as you want for short stays, up to a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. There are exceptions for those who are resident in the EU or who hold visas.

How to apply

When the ETIAS is introduced, you’ll need to complete an online application form before you travel. More information around applying can be found here- https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-you-need-apply_en

How long will my ETIAS authorisation last?

Your ETIAS authorisation will last for three years or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner).

How much will it cost to get an ETIAS authorisation?

It will cost €7 per application for people aged 18-70. However, it will be free for under 18s and over 70s.

More information about the ETIAS can be found here. https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

As the situation is evolving, this blog only covers everything we know right now. We’ll continue to review things regularly – and things may change. If we receive any further information, we’ll update this page. Correct as of (14 October 2024).

Posted: 23rd Aug 2024. Updated: 14th Oct 2024.

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