European travel update: Two upcoming visa waiver programs & EU entry-exit changes

Do you travel throughout Europe? If so, three new travel systems may add to your pre-trip to-do list with extra information required at border security.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will affect travelers visiting the United Kingdom (UK).

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will impact Schengen Area visitors.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will affect non-European Union (EU) member travelers crossing EU borders.

The information below will address questions you may have, the application processes, and how they’ll affect travel to and within Europe.

Visiting the UK

Learn about ETA, the UK’s new authorization scheme

ETA is part of the UK government’s plans to strengthen the UK border through digitalization. It’ll be required for travelers who enter the UK visa-free and will be linked to your passport electronically, allowing you to enter the UK. ETA isn’t a promise of entry.

Who’ll need to apply and when will ETA take effect?

ETA has already been rolled out for travel or transit through the UK for nationals of the following countries:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

Although it was previously reported they would be, nationals from Jordan aren’t eligible for the program and will need to apply for a visa.

• Eligible non-Europeans, including travelers from Australia, Canada, and the United States will need an ETA to travel to the UK from January 8, 2025. You can apply in advance from November 27, 2024.
• Eligible Europeans can apply from March 5, 2025, and will need an ETA to travel to the UK from April 2, 2025.

The following people won’t need an ETA:

• Those who have a visa to enter the UK.
• British, British Overseas Territories, and Irish passport holders.
• People with permission to live, work, or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme).

Other exceptions apply. To check if you need an ETA, visit the UK government’s website.

What’s required for ETA?

You’ll need a valid passport from an eligible country, an active email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the processing fee. You’ll also be asked to provide personal, security, and trip information.

Will there be a background check?

Questions about criminal offenses and immigration history will be covered in the application so that the UK has more information and more screening time. Through this advanced screening, the scheme aims to reduce the number of people denied entry at the border.

What’s the ETA application fee?

The fee is £16 per applicant.¹

What happens when I apply?

Most applicants will get confirmation within three business days, although it may take longer if you have incomplete information or further checks are needed. Once you’re approved, your ETA will be linked electronically to the passport you used for the application.

Will I need to reapply every time I visit the UK?

No. You can use your ETA for unlimited trips over two years. If your passport expires before two years, you’ll need to get a new ETA.

How long can you stay in the UK with an ETA for business or leisure?

Visits of up to 6 months are possible under the scheme.

How will ETA affect my travel experience?

Having an ETA doesn’t guarantee entry into the UK. You’ll need to go through passport control at the border and present your passport. You can either use an ePassport gate if you’re eligible or see a Border Force officer to enter the UK.

For more details on timing, requirements, and fees, visit the UK government’s website.

Visiting the European Schengen Area and Cyprus

Learn about ETIAS, another system to improve border security

Travelers from many countries will need to apply for authorization to enter the Schengen Area and Cyprus, a border-free zone comprised mainly of EU countries. ETIAS will have a massive impact globally, affecting an estimated 1.4 billion travelers from countries that currently have a visa-free travel regime with most European countries.

What is ETIAS?

The ETIAS isn’t a visa. It’s a visa waiver program, like ESTA, the US Electronic System Travel Authorization, and travel authorization systems in Canada and Australia. ETIAS is designed to bolster security and identify possible threats by screening and registering visa-free visitors to the Schengen Area and Cyprus.

Who will need to apply for ETIAS?

Travelers from countries eligible to enter the European Schengen Area and Cyprus without a visa will need an ETIAS when visiting. This includes transit passengers.

Note: ETIAS doesn’t replace visas. Travelers from countries who previously needed a visa to enter a Schengen member country or Cyprus still need to get one. They don’t have to apply for ETIAS authorization.

EU nationals and residents are exempt from ETIAS and can use their passport or national identity card to move around the bloc freely.

Which countries will require ETIAS?

All 29 countries in the Schengen Area and Cyprus are participating in ETIAS. As of October 2024, Schengen countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the 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, and Switzerland.

When does ETIAS go into effect?

ETIAS has been delayed to 2025. Our advice is to check the ETIAS website regularly for the launch date.

What is required for ETIAS?

In addition to standard personal information, applicants will also have to provide:

• Travel document details about their travel intention.
• Current occupation.
• Answers to security-related questions (e.g., criminal history and travel to conflict areas).
• A scanned copy of their passport and a biometric photo.

Will there be a background check?

Yes. ETIAS will cross-check visitors’ information with government databases and watch lists before authorizing them to enter the Schengen Area and Cyprus.

What is the ETIAS application fee?

Only visitors between the ages of 18 and 70 will have to pay the €7 application fee.¹

What happens once I submit the application?

Most applicants will receive an approval email within minutes after applying. Manual review will be necessary if an electronic application has been flagged. This can occur if the application contains errors, such as the wrong passport number or if something comes up on the background check.

Will I need to reapply every time I visit the Schengen Area and Cyprus?

ETIAS allows travelers to enter for up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for future trips. Once approved, an ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

How will ETIAS affect my travel experience?

Ultimately,  the crossing point official has the final say on your entry with an ETIAS based on laws or security concerns.

Learn about EES, the EU’s new data recording and border security system

The EU is also launching EES, an automated IT system for registering all non-EU nationals (unless exempt) each time they cross external European borders for short stays.

EES will allow officials to check how long travelers can stay in Europe, replacing passport stamps (unless exceptions apply).  Cyprus and Ireland are not using EES, so passports will still be stamped here.

As part of the scheme, data listed in your travel document will be collected. This includes:

• Date and place of entry into and exit from a European country.
• Biometric data.
• Refusal of entry, where relevant.

What will happen when traveling to the EU after the introduction of EES?

The first time, officials will digitally record travelers’ fingerprints or capture a facial photo. Passports (biometric or non-biometric) won’t be stamped for most travelers. Advance registration is encouraged and can make the process quicker. In some countries, there might be self-service systems and/or an app.

During subsequent visits, officials will only verify fingerprints and photos. Biometric passport holders will be able to use self-service systems (where available) without the need to be screened by a passport official.

When does EES go into effect?

Several announced launch dates have been delayed. There’s talk of a phased approach and EES coming into effect before ETIAS is introduced. Our advice is to keep an eye on the EES website for updates.

If you’re wondering how ETIAS, EES, and ETA may impact your travel program, feel free to contact us.