After months of speculation, the EU has confirmed they are targeting November as the start of operation of their new Entry-Exit System, which digitalises the way we enter Europe for the first time.
The current working date is the 10th November 2024, with an option to move this if EU member states are not ready on time. Although, it’s only expected to be moved a week later if this was the case, but at least misses the major holidays at the end of the year, with enough time to bed in before the Christmas holidays.
This system will replace the need for our passports to be stamped on entry and exit of the EU (although the complicated passport rules will remain), with the requirement of taking our fingerprints and a photo when we arrive. At the outset it could mean longer queues when we arrive, although we’re yet to see how much of an impact it could have at St Pancras (where passport checks are done before leaving), and at the UK ports.
The second part of this switch will take place next year with a new visa-waiver scheme called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which will be similar to a US-style ESTA. Although we’ll have more information on this soon, it’s expected to cost €7 for three years, and will provide visa-free entry to 30 European countries. It will be free for children and those over the age of 70.
We’re not 100% sure on when it will start, although the consensus of opinion is six months after the EES is in place, which would take us to just after the Easter holidays. There is also expected to be a ‘grace’ period of six months where completing the form won’t be compulsory. We should have more information on this soon. Note: the system is not live yet, and any websites claiming to be processing it for you are fake.
As ever, we’ll help all our clients through this process and make sure they have all the correct documentation they need to travel.
