Travelling to Europe is about to become much more challenging for UK citizens according to a new report. As summer draws to a close, there are still opportunities for a sunny European getaway. However, tourists heading to popular destinations like France and Spain may face new obstacles soon. Sky News’ Adam Boulton warns that a combination of a visa-style system and biometric data collection could lead to longer queues, delays, and additional fees for travellers.
The Entry-Exit System (EES) of the EU is expected to launch by the end of 2024, requiring UK citizens to register when entering the EU for a short stay. This system aims to enhance security by collecting travellers’ information, including facial images and fingerprints. Additionally, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System will be implemented in mid-2025. Non-EU citizens travelling to certain EU countries for more than 90 days in a 180-day period will need to obtain an ETIAS for a fee of €7.
Adam Boulton highlights that these new measures are likely to cause delays and increased costs for travellers and border control authorities. The UK supported bolstering EU borders while a member state and now faces the consequences post-Brexit. The new regulations will impact travel to popular holiday spots such as Spain, Italy, Greece, France, and Portugal. Significant investments are underway at St Pancras and the Port of Dover to accommodate the upcoming changes.
Once the ETIAS system is live, applications must be submitted through the official website, www.europa.eu/etias. Beware of fraudulent websites claiming to provide ETIAS services. These developments will affect Brits seeking to enjoy their favourite European holiday destinations, prompting the need for thorough preparation and adherence to the new travel requirements.