Changes to border control in the EU
If you are looking to book a holiday in Europe this Autumn you may want to think again or be sure to build in plenty of allowance for delays.
The biometric border check EU Entry/Exit system and EU travel authorisation system (EES) is scheduled for introduction some time during October 2024. The related ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) – a US ESTA-style visa waiver programme – is also planned for mid 2025.
In a bid to protect the bloc from external threats, such as terrorism and irregular migration, the European Commission introduced the concept of strengthening its external borders and screening third-country nationals, in April 2016.
What is the ETIAS?
When the system is up and running in 2025, visa-exempt travellers from third countries will need to apply for an ETIAS. If you are travelling to the EU for a short stay and are not a citizen of an EU or Schengen country, then you will need an ETIAS.
After negotiations with the EU Parliament and EU Council, the Entry-Exit Scheme (EES) regulation was adopted in November 2017 and the ETIAS regulation came into force in October 2018.
It is due in mid-2025. If you are travelling this summer, these changes won’t yet be in place, so there is nothing you need to do. When implemented, travellers will be able to apply for an ETIAS by the official website – www.europa.eu/etias.
What is the EES?
Each time travellers from the 27-nation bloc make a journey to non-EU countries (including the UK) prior to crossing a border into or out of the EU they will need to scan their passports or other travel documents at an automated self-service kiosk.
The EES system will replace the current manual stamping for visitors to the Schengen area who are not nationals of the EU or Schengen countries. It will register the person’s name, type of travel document, biometric data (i.e. fingerprints and captured facial images), as well as the date and place of entry and exit.
After the first date of travel using this system it is unlikely that travellers will need to do it again, as the data will be stored. However, it will be erased after three years for reasons of data protection.
Countries affected by the EES
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 and Switzerland.
Travel times
I think we can safely say there will be long delays. Many people will not know about the new rules and will be getting to grips with the system, as well as the inevitable equipment teething problems.
James Bore, founder of bores.com, is a chartered security professional and has worked in IT and security for over two decades. He says:
While these systems are well-proven now, I would recommend avoiding any travel in the months straight after implementation. That’s when problems with the changeover will first come to light, and you’re most likely to end up stuck in security queues. We’ve seen what can happen in the UK, when hundreds of people (including me) were delayed at Luton Airport for hours when the automated gates failed.”
It is unlikely that insurance would cover you missing your flight or ferry due to EES delays. The EU regulations for delayed and cancelled flights will not cover you because it has to be within the airline’s control and this won’t be. It is very important to have travel insurance.
So, if you are looking to go on holiday in the EU from October 2024 you may want to think again! Certainly check what your insurance covers. It is always tempting to go for the cheapest but a more expensive policy may cover delays caused by EES at airports and ferry terminals.
Travel advice
Personal Travel Agent Linda Reynolds believes there will be a settling period and patience will be required at European airports. She says that your Personal Travel Agent or advisor should keep you informed when this is introduced, The date has been postponed a number of times, therefore as soon as your travel professional is aware hey will advise your of the necessary procedures.
Graeme Buck, ABTA communications director, said:
EES and Etias are two big changes coming down the line which members and travellers will need to adapt to.
While many details are still not available about the new systems, we’re keen to share what we know so far with members to help them consider about what they may mean for their businesses and their customers.”
Abta is working closely with the EU departments responsible for implementing these changes – who recognise us as a crucial partner in getting important information to the UK travel trade and consumers. We’re also speaking to relevant UK government departments about the changes.”
Passports
Passport problems – Another “Brexit benefit”? check that you won’t get caught out with not enough time on your passport.
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