The European Union Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs has recently outlined the details of two significant upcoming initiatives: a visa waiver system and an Entry/Exit System (EES) designed for non-EU nationals.
Scheduled to go live on 10 November 2024, the EES is a sophisticated automated IT system that will record and manage biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, along with passport information for non-EU citizens entering and exiting the external borders of the Schengen Area and other participating European countries. This system is aimed at enhancing the security and management of short-term visits across these borders.
In addition to the EES, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to be introduced by summer 2025. ETIAS will be a mandatory visa waiver program for non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, who wish to enter the Schengen Area.
The ETIAS application process will be conducted online or via a mobile app, requiring applicants to provide passport details and answer questions related to their background, including criminal history and medical conditions. The application fee will be EUR 7 for individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. While the majority of applications are expected to be approved within minutes, some may require up to 72 hours for processing, with exceptional cases potentially taking up to four weeks. There is also the possibility of refusal.
Once approved, ETIAS authorisation will be valid for three years, allowing multiple entries during this period. However, since the authorisation is linked to the applicant's passport, if the passport expires within the three-year period, a new ETIAS application will be required for the new passport. ETIAS will permit stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Stays exceeding this duration will necessitate a visa.
In a similar effort to streamline border security and travel authorisation, the UK has introduced its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme. As of the time of writing, this scheme is open to nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The UK government intends to expand the ETA scheme to include more countries in the future. Unlike ETIAS, which applies to travel within the Schengen Area, the UK’s ETA is specifically for nationals of these countries visiting the UK.
These initiatives highlight a broader trend towards the digitalisation of border management systems, with both the EU and UK focusing on enhancing security while simplifying the travel process for international visitors. Travelers are advised to stay informed and prepare accordingly to ensure a smooth travel experience under these new requirements.
For further guidance or additional information about how we can assist, please get in touch with our immigration team here.
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