Attention all travellers. New rules are being introduced later this year which will affect anyone travelling from UK to Europe. The EU have announced two new border management systems called EES and ETIAS. If you have a trip booked or you are planning a holiday for next year, here is everything that you need to know.

What does EES mean?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the new way of registering non-EU nationals when they cross into a European country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This will require you to get a short-stay visa to enter the European countries using EES. It will also include biometric checks such as facial imaging and fingerprints upon arrival.

Please be aware that ferry passengers travelling on any route from UK to Europe might experience longer disembarking times as a result of EES.

Which European countries are using the EES?

There are 29 countries which will use the EES including: 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.

When does EES start?

EES was originally meant to launch on 10th November 2024. However, on the 5th March, EU Home Affairs Ministers announced a revised timeline for the implementation of the EES. It is now expected to come into place in October 2025. After this date, the 29 countries will gradually introduce the EES over a period of 6 months in order to give border authorities and the transport industry more time to adjust to the new procedures.

Once it has launched, you will need to create a digital record on your first visit at the port or airport on arrival. You must submit your fingerprints and have your photo taken at dedicated booths. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system.
 

Visa to travel to Europe from UK

If you are from a visa-exempt non-EU country such as the UK, you must apply for ETIAS authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. These are listed above. You can easily apply online at europa.eu/etias once the scheme begins. This will cost a small fee for those between the ages of 18 and 70. ETIAS authorisation will last for 3 years or until your passport expires. However, please note that passengers do not need ETIAS authorisation to enter Ireland as it is not in the Schengen Area.

How much is the ETIAS?

When you apply for ETIAS authorisation, you will be charged a fee of €7. Those under 18 or over 70 will get it free.

Who is exempt from EES?

There are certain people who are exempt from these requirements. For example:

• Non-EU nationals who have a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel across Europe like an EU citizen.
• Nationals of the European countries using the EES, including Cyprus and Ireland.
• Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or the purposes of study, research, training, pupil exchange schemes, voluntary service or educational projects.
• Those with residence permits and long-stay visa-Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State.

What is the difference between ETIAS and EES?

While both systems aim to strengthen border security throughout Europe, they are somewhat different. The EES will log visa-free travellers who are entering Europe for a short stay and will replace the manual stamping of passports. Registration for EES will be completed at the border upon your arrival. However, ETIAS must be applied for online by visa-free travellers before embarking on their trip. Once you have been granted authorisation then you are free to travel in Europe.  

How do I apply for ETIAS

You will be glad to know that the application process for ETIAS is very simple. When made available, you can fill out the application form via the official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile app. You will be asked to provide personal information, such as:

• Address
• Passport Details
• Current Occupation
• Information regarding past travel and criminal convictions.

Following this, you will need to answer a series of health and security questions before proceeding to payment details.

When does ETIAS start?

On 5th March, EU Home Affairs Ministers also announced a new timeline for the implementation of the ETIAS. It is now expected to come into place in the last quarter of 2026. 

Do I need ETIAS to travel to Ireland?

As Ireland is not a part of the Schengen Area, the proposed ETIAS system will not apply for passengers travelling to and from Ireland. Read more about driving from the UK to Ireland here and everything you might need for your journey.

Travelling to the UK from the EU

New rules have now come into force for those travelling to the UK from the EU too. From 8th January, eligible travellers from non-EU countries have to apply for an ETA. From 2nd April 2025, eligible EU nationals will also need an ETA to enter the UK. 

What is an ETA?

An ETA is an Electronic Travel Authorisation. It is a digital permission to travel and has been introduced in order to strengthen the security of the UK border and improve travel. 

Who needs an ETA?

Those who do not currently need a visa for short stays or do not already have a UK immigration status will need to apply for an ETA.

How to apply for an ETA

Applying for an ETA is easy. You can either download the UK ETA app or head to the GOV.UK website. The online application costs £10. With an ETA, you can make multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months over a 2 year period or until your passport has expired.