Yes – its Passports and Visas again! A few changes that travellers to France and other EU countries  expected to see from 2023 and will now come into force in 2025. This affects non-EU citizens – so post Brexit all UK citizens without additional rights will be affected. There are two changes due to come online in 2025: EES (Entry and Exit System and ETIAS (European Travel and Information System.

This article has brief information and links to the official EU travel sites for complete information so travellers can understand the changes and prepare themselves in advance

PLEASE NOTE: EES and ETIAS were delayed and are now due to start in 2025

EES – Entry and Exit System

The EU are introducing a new passport monitoring system, EES (Entry & Exit System), and this will replace traditional stamping of passports. A simple scan of your passport at points of entry and exit should record your movements. For nearly all holiday travellers this should not present any problem whatsoever – Entering under the Visa Free 90 day rule, few will be staying anything approaching that time. If you are travelling regularly to the EU and for extended spells, then this system is likely to pick you up if you accumulate too many days in any 180 day period. No launch date has been given so far.  Keep up to date and find further information on EES and what happens next is available on the EU Travel website – HERE

ETIAS – European Travel And Information System

ETIAS is a completely electronic system that allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. In a way, it resembles the U.S Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose. Essentially designed to highlight security threats, travellers will need to apply online for clearance to enter the EU IN ADVANCE OF THEIR JOURNEYS. Valid for 3 years, clearance will be given once data provided (principally passport type information) is checked against the various Government and Security databases. The important thing to note is that this is NOT A VISA and does not confer any right to stay or reside any longer than the visa free 90 days, or other length of stay rights conferred by other documents. It is simply a clearance for you to enter the EU and we anticipate that airlines and Ferry Operators will not accept passengers for boarding to EU destinations without this – in a similar vein to the recent COVID vaccination certificates. The bad bit…. There will be a charge for travellers between the age of 18 and 70. Currently understood to be €7EUR per applicant. More information on ETIAS is available from the EU Travel website – HERE