Changes are taking place in the EU which will have an impact on UK nationals wanting to visit the Schengen area. Two acronyms that you will need to familiarise yourselves with over the coming months are ETIAS and EES.

Both will work in conjunction with each other and in the words of the EU are designed to “streamline travel” and “enhance border security”.

Whilst implementation dates have yet to be finalised, they could both be operational before your next winter holiday so it’s important that you familiarise yourselves now with the changes.

It is highly likely that the Entry/Exit System (EES) is implemented first with some suggesting it could be brought in as soon as October. ETIAS is likely to follow sometime in the first half of 2025.

When both are operational entry to the Schengen zone will be denied if you do not have the ETIAS or refuse to comply with EES.

Entry/Exit System (EES)

The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new electronic border management system designed to enhance the security and efficiency of the Schengen Area’s external borders. Expected to be fully operational towards the end of 2024, the EES will replace traditional passport stamping with a digital system that records biometric information about non-EU nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Zone.

This new system will operate at the Port of Dover, Eurostar London St Pancras and Eurotunnel terminals in the UK and will consist of fingerprint and facial scanning. If you arrive by air then the new checks will take place at your arrival airport.

On the first registration, travellers will be required to submit fingerprint checks and provide a facial scan. On subsequent visits within three years, a facial biometric scan at automated gates will be required. It is important that you still carry a valid passport with you which complies with the EU validation requirements.

Key Features of EES:

Digital Record of Entries and Exits:
The EES will create an electronic record of the time, date, and place of entry and exit for non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area. This replaces the current system of manually stamping passports.

Biometric Data Collection:
To ensure accuracy and security, the EES will collect biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, along with the standard personal information from travellers’ passports.

Automated Calculations of Stay:
The system will automatically calculate the length of stay for each visitor, ensuring compliance with the 90/180 rule, which limits stays to 90 days within any 180-day period. This helps prevent overstays and manage visa-free travel more effectively.

Interoperability with Other Systems:
EES will work in conjunction with other EU information systems, such as the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Visa Information System (VIS), and the forthcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This interoperability enhances the overall effectiveness of EU border security measures.

More information can be found on the EES website.

ETIAS

ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation. You are required to have a valid ETIAS prior to travel. 

With a valid ETIAS you are allowed to enter the 30 EU countries as many times as you like as long as you adhere to the 90 days in every 180 days rule.

Key Features of ETIAS:

Pre-Travel Authorisation:
Travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the United Kingdom, will need to obtain ETIAS approval before entering the EU. This authorisation is not a visa but a mandatory security check.

Application Process:
The ETIAS application is an online process that will typically take around 10 minutes to complete. Applicants must provide personal information, passport details, travel plans, and answer security-related questions. The fee for applying will be approximately €7 for adults over 18, while minors are exempt.

Approval and Validity:
Most applications will be processed within minutes, although some may take longer if additional checks are required. Once approved, ETIAS authorisation is valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries into the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Security Screening:
ETIAS conducts a thorough screening of each applicant against various EU security databases, including Europol and Interpol, to prevent individuals who may pose security risks, engage in irregular migration, or have public health concerns from entering the EU.

Summary:
You cannot currently apply for an ETIAS and it maybe that it doesn’t come into operation until mid 2025 however it’s important that we make ourselves aware of it now. More information can be found on the ETIAS website.