European
Union

1.

EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES)
The EU Entry/Exit System is a new electronic system designed to replace the traditional passport stamping process during passport control. It will log all entries and exits to and from the participating European countries, tracking your movements every time you cross a border within or outside the EU/Schengen area.

When EES is introduced, these are the countries that will be using it: 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, Switzerland. *In Cyprus and Ireland, despite being countries of the European Union, passports are still stamped manually.

Travelling via the Port of Dover or international train (London St Pancras and Folkestone). 
Most EES checks will take place when you arrive at your European destination airport or port, and when you leave at the end of your trip. If you are departing via the Port of Dover or via a train from the UK (London St Pancras and Folkestone), these checks will be conducted on your departure when though the passport control in the UK. However, you won’t need to do these checks again when you arrive on the other side.

For the latest updates and further details, please visit our website or check the official EES website. EES can be found here - EES - European Union (europa.eu), and here - EES GOV.UK - (Gov.uk)

2.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
ETIAS is the EU’s upcoming travel authorization, which you will need to apply for before traveling to the 30 European countries listed below once the system is launched. It functions similarly to the USA’s ESTA and the UK’s ETA scheme.

Currently, there is no confirmed start date for ETIAS, meaning it is not yet required for travel to Europe. Once implemented, travellers will be able to apply for ETIAS through the official website – www.europa.eu/etias. However, as the system is not yet active, the website is also not live and is not accepting applications. Any websites claiming to offer ETIAS at this time are fraudulent.

Who will need to apply for ETIAS: In simple terms, if you are visiting the EU for a short stay and are not a citizen of an EU or Schengen country, you will need an ETIAS. A short stay includes visits, holidays, or business trips lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you are traveling with a non-UK passport, you should check whether you need an ETIAS or a visa to enter Europe. If you are traveling on a visa, an ETIAS is not required. *Irish passport holders are exempt from ETIAS. Additionally, British passport holders with EU residency do not need an ETIAS.

ETIAS participating countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, 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, Switzerland

ETIAS costs: €7 (approximately £6). However, it will be free for travellers under 18 and those aged 71 and over. Once ETIAS is in effect, some travellers may qualify for exemptions.

ETIAS validity: ETIAS will be valid for three years, allowing multiple trips within this period using the same authorization.

However, if your passport expires before your ETIAS does, you will need to apply for a new ETIAS. Additionally, if your ETIAS is set to expire during your stay, you must obtain a new one before traveling to ensure it covers the full duration of your visit.

3.

How to Apply: There is only one official website for ETIAS applications: www.europa.eu/etias. Since ETIAS is not yet operational, applications are not currently open.

Each traveller must submit a separate application. If you are a parent applying for a child, they will need their own ETIAS. You may also authorize someone to apply on your behalf. In this case, you will need to complete a consent form. More details can be found here: Applying on behalf of others - European Union (europa.eu).

What do I need to provide. For each ETIAS application, you will need to provide the following information:
•    Personal details: Full name, date and place of birth, gender, nationality, home address, email, and phone number(s)
•    Parents’ first names
•    Passport or travel document details
•    Education level and current occupation
•    Planned travel details: Information about your intended visit to any ETIAS-required countries
•    Security-related information: Past criminal convictions, previous travel to war or conflict zones, and any recent extradition history.

It is essential that the details on your ETIAS match those on your passport. If there are any discrepancies, your ETIAS will be invalid, and you will not be allowed to travel. If you are applying on behalf of someone else, additional information may be required.

Beware of fake websites and only use the official ETIAS website is www.europa.eu/etias For the updates, visit our website or learn more on the official ETIAS website: – ETIAS – European Union (europa.eu)