UK travellers will soon need to apply and pay for a visa waiver before visiting most European countries, as part of the EU’s new border security measures. Two new systems—EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)—will be introduced to digitally track non-EU visitors and require pre-travel authorisation for British passport holders.
While UK travellers currently enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days, this will change with the EES system requiring fingerprint and facial biometric registration, and ETIAS introducing a mandatory visa waiver costing £6 per traveller.
These new requirements have faced multiple delays, but they are expected to take effect sometime in 2025, with ETIAS becoming mandatory six months after EES is implemented.
What Is EES and How Will It Work?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated border control system that will replace the need for passport stamping when UK travellers enter or leave the Schengen Zone. It will register key information, including:
- Traveller identity (passport details, name, nationality).
- Date and location of entry and exit.
- Biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition).
This system is designed to speed up border checks and reduce illegal overstays, but it means UK travellers will need to register their biometrics at the border on their first visit. Once registered, they will not need to repeat this process for three years, unless they obtain a new passport.
The EES system will apply to 29 European countries, including popular destinations like Spain, France, Greece, and Italy.
What Is ETIAS and How Much Will It Cost?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will function like the US ESTA system, requiring non-EU travellers—including British passport holders—to obtain pre-travel authorisation before visiting Europe. This process includes:
- An online application requiring personal details, travel history, and security information.
- A £6 fee for travellers aged 18 to 70 (free for children and seniors).
- Approval within minutes or up to 30 days in rare cases.
- Validity for three years or until passport expiration.
A British passport must have at least three months of validity from the intended date of travel for the ETIAS application to be approved.
When Will These Changes Take Effect?
The EES system has faced several delays since its initial announcement, and as of now, there is no confirmed launch date. However, EES is expected to be implemented in 2025, with the ETIAS system following about six months after. This gives UK travellers time to adjust to the changes and ensure they are prepared for the new visa waiver requirements.
Once the changes are in place, British passport holders will no longer be able to enter Europe visa-free. Instead, they will need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver, which costs £6 and is valid for three years or until the passport expires. The EES system will also require biometric data, meaning fingerprints and facial recognition scans will become part of the entry process. These measures are designed to increase border security and help track entry and exit dates more effectively across the Schengen Area.
In the meantime, UK travellers should keep an eye on any updates from the European Commission regarding the implementation dates for EES and ETIAS. While these changes are expected in 2025, delays are still possible, so it’s important to stay informed and plan ahead. Those with upcoming travel plans to Europe should check their passport validity and consider applying for the ETIAS visa waiver well in advance to avoid any disruptions.
