An IMGW News Report
The European Union is set to introduce two significant systems aimed at enhancing border management and simplifying travel procedures for non-EU citizens. These systems, the European Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), are designed to streamline entry processes while bolstering security measures across the Schengen Area.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
Scheduled to commence operations on 10 November 2024, the EES represents a major shift from traditional passport stamping to automated biometric registration for non-EU nationals entering and exiting the EU. This system will electronically record personal and biometric data, ensuring efficient tracking of short-stay travellers. The primary goal of the EES is to reduce overstaying incidents and enhance overall border security.
The EES does not apply to:
- Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland
- Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national
- Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen
- Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au-pairing
- Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
- Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See
- People exempt from border checks or who have been granted certain privileges with respect to border checks (such as heads of state, cross-border workers, etc.)
- People not required to cross external borders solely at border crossing points and during fixed opening hours
- People holding a valid local border traffic permit
- Crew members of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys
- People holding a valid Facilitated Rail Transit Document or valid Facilitated Transit Document, provided they travel by train and do not disembark anywhere within the territory of an EU Member State
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
Expected to be implemented by mid-2025, ETIAS requires that visa-exempt travellers obtain online authorisation before entering the Schengen Area. This authorisation, available through an online application process for a nominal fee of EUR 7, will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. ETIAS aims to screen travellers for security risks before they arrive in the EU, thereby contributing to a safer and more controlled environment.
European countries requiring ETIAS
These 30 European countries require visa-exempt travellers to have an ETIAS travel authorisation.
Who needs an ETIAS travel authorisation
If you come from any of these countries/territories and you plan to visit any of the 30 European countries listed above for a short-term stay, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation.
There are specific travel document requirements for nationals of certain visa-exempt countries/territories – make sure to check if these apply to the travel document you have.
If you come from any of the visa-exempt countries/territories listed above and you are a family member of an EU citizen or of a national of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, please read this FAQ for more information about applying for an ETIAS travel authorisation.
Nationals of any of these visa-exempt countries/territories need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation.
Impact on Travellers
These new systems will affect millions of non-EU citizens, including British nationals, travelling to the EU for short stays. Under the ETIAS framework, travellers must adhere to the 90-day limit within any 180-day period to avoid penalties for overstaying. Additionally, the initial implementation of the EES may result in longer processing times at border checkpoints as authorities collect biometric data for the first time.
Although these changes may present initial challenges, they are expected to streamline future travel processes, providing a more efficient and secure experience for visitors to the Schengen Area.
