New Rules for Travelling to Europe from UK

Important Travel Update for UK Passengers Travelling to Europe 

Later this year, significant changes will be introduced for travellers journeying from the United Kingdom to European destinations. The European Union is implementing two new border control systems—EES and ETIAS—that will affect how non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, enter and move within the Schengen Area. If you have a trip booked or are planning to travel next year, please review the following essential information. 

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)? 

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated IT system designed to register non-EU travellers each time they cross an external border of the European Union. It will replace the manual stamping of passports and track: 

• The date and place of entry and exit 
• Refusals of entry 
• Compliance with the 90-day stay limit within any 180-day period 

Travellers will be required to obtain a short-stay visa, and biometric data—including facial images and fingerprints—will be collected upon arrival. This aims to strengthen security and ensure adherence to visa rules. 

Note: Ferry passengers travelling from the UK to Europe may experience longer disembarkation times due to the additional processing requirements under EES. 

Which Countries Will Use the EES? 

The EES will be implemented across 29 European countries:

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, and Switzerland.

EES Implementation Timeline 

The Entry/Exit System (EES) was initially scheduled to go live on 10th November 2024. However, on 5th March 2025, EU Home Affairs Ministers announced a revised rollout timeline. The system is now expected to be implemented from October 2025, with a six-month phased introduction across the 29 participating European countries. This staged approach is intended to provide border authorities and the transport sector sufficient time to adapt to the new procedures. 

Upon the system’s launch, travellers will be required to create a digital entry record on their first arrival at a European port or airport. This includes submitting fingerprints and a facial image, which will be captured at designated kiosks or booths.

For official guidance and further updates, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system. 

ETIAS – Travel Authorisation for UK Nationals 

UK citizens and other visa-exempt non-EU nationals will be required to obtain ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation for short stays in 30 European countries. This applies once the ETIAS system becomes operational. 

• Applications will be made online via europa.eu/etias 
• A fee of €7 will apply to travellers aged 18 to 70 
• Free of charge for those under 18 or over 70 

Once approved, ETIAS authorisation will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Note: ETIAS is not required for travel to Ireland, as it is not part of the Schengen Area.

Exemptions from EES 

Certain individuals are exempt from EES requirements. These include: 

• Residents of the EU or Schengen countries who hold valid residence cards or permits, especially when travelling with an immediate non-EU family member entitled to free movement
• Nationals of EES-participating countries, as well as Cyprus and Ireland Non-EU nationals entering Europe under: 
• Intra-corporate transfers 
• Educational exchanges (including research, training, pupil exchange, voluntary service, or EU education programmes)
• Nationals of special states: Citizens of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and holders of a Vatican City State passport
• Long-stay visa holders and those with valid residence permits. 

Understanding the Difference: ETIAS vs. EES 

While both ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) and EES (Entry/Exit System) are part of the EU’s enhanced border security strategy, they serve distinct purposes: 

EES is a border control system that replaces the manual stamping of passports. It automatically records entries and exits of visa-exempt travellers entering the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). Registration occurs at the border upon arrival, including the collection of biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images. 

ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation required for visa-exempt nationals, including UK citizens, who wish to visit participating European countries. It must be applied for online prior to travel. Once granted, travellers are permitted to enter and move freely within the Schengen Area. 

How to Apply for ETIAS 

The ETIAS application process is designed to be quick and straightforward. Once the system is operational, applications can be submitted via the official ETIAS website at europa.eu/etias or the official ETIAS mobile application. 

You will be required to provide the following information:

• Personal details, including current address and passport information 
• Occupation and background, including travel history and any prior criminal convictions 
• Health and security questions 

After submitting this information, you will proceed to the payment stage, where the fee is €7 (applicable to travellers aged 18 to 70). Applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from this fee. 

When Will ETIAS Start? 

On 5th March 2025, EU Home Affairs Ministers confirmed that the ETIAS system is expected to launch in the final quarter of 2026. 

Is ETIAS Required for Travel to Ireland? 

No. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, and as such, ETIAS will not be required for travellers entering or departing Ireland. For further guidance on driving from the UK to Ireland and preparing for your journey, consult the relevant travel resources. 

Travelling to the UK from the EU – New ETA Requirements 

As of 8th January 2024, the UK has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for eligible non-visa nationals. Starting from 2nd April 2025, this requirement will extend to eligible travellers from EU countries. 

What is an ETA? 

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permit introduced by the UK government to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures for short-stay visitors. 

Who Needs an ETA? 

You must apply for an ETA if you: 

• Do not currently require a visa for short stays in the UK 
• Do not hold UK immigration status 

The ETA allows multiple visits to the UK, each for up to 6 months, within a 2-year period (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first). 

How to Apply for a UK ETA 

Applying for an ETA is simple: Visit the official website: GOV.UK – ETA or use the UK ETA mobile app. 

The application fee is £10. Please ensure you check your eligibility and apply for the appropriate authorisation ahead of your travel date. For official updates and more details, refer to the relevant government portals.