Gone are the days when Brits could simply jump on a plane and head to Europe for some sun and Sangria. This month a new timeline has been announced for the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES). The post-Brexit system was supposed to launch in 2022, but was rescheduled for May 2023 and then pushed back again.
The EES is set to launch this autumn and will affect the majority of British holidaymakers heading into Europe and the four Schengen countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Cyprus and Ireland will not be implementing the new system and passports will be checked and stamped manually.
Following the introduction of the EES, all entries and exits to and from Europe will be recorded. On arrival at the country’s airport, you will be expected to have a photograph of your face taken and your fingerprints scanned. Passports will also be checked, as normal. If you are travelling via boat or train, your information will be taken during your departure from the UK.
The EES will apply to people who are travelling for a total duration up to 90 days in a 180 day period. Those who are already citizens of the EU or Schengen countries and Brits who have EU residency will be exempt from the EES.
It is likely people will be worried about delays caused by the new system, however, according to the BBC, “Eurotunnel Chief Executive, Yann Leriche has said journeys will take five-to-seven minutes longer, but extra lanes and technology means the process will go smoothly”.
This isn’t the only change to travel that people need to be aware of. The European Travel Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be introduced in mid-2025. The ETIAS will work similarly to the USA’s ESTA and will need to be applied for ahead of travel.
Anyone travelling to Europe, excluding Ireland, after the travel scheme is introduced will need to apply for an ETIAS.
While those who are under 18 and aged 70 or over will be able to apply for an ETIAS free of charge, everyone else will need to pay the €7 fee. The ETIAS will then be valid for 3 years and will cover you for multiple trips during this time. Having said that, if your passport expires during the three years, or your ETIAS is due to expire while you’re on holiday you will need to apply for a new one before you travel.
It is believed the processing time will be between 30 minutes and 96 hours. With this in mind, you will need to ensure you allow enough time for your ETIAS to be processed before you are due to travel. The costs associated with being denied entry to a country for not having the correct documentation is not covered by travel insurance.
In addition, missed departures from the UK to Europe caused by delays due to the EES will also not be covered by your travel insurance. It is recommended you allow plenty of time to pass through the new security measures.