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Steve Burgess

EES - European Entry and Exit System - due November 2024 and the ETIAS - travel authorisation - due 2025



EES - European Entry and Exit System


What is it?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of 29 European countries using the system. (A full list of the countries can be found here)


The EES does not apply to holders of residence permits or visas. 


For a full list of exemptions follow this link here: To whom the EES does not apply


The EES collects, records and stores:

  • data listed in your travel document(s) (e.g. full name, date of birth, etc.)

  • date and place of each entry and exit

  • facial image and fingerprints (called ‘biometric data’)

  • whether you were refused entry.


How does it work?

If you arrive at a border crossing point for the first time since the EES started you will have to provide your personal data. Passport control officers will scan your fingerprints and take a photo of your face. This information will be recorded in a digital file. Your passport (biometric or non-biometric) will not be stamped.


If you cross the borders of the EU countries using the EES again since the EES started your fingerprints or the photo of your face will already be held. The passport control officers will only verify your fingerprints and photo, which will take less time.


If you hold a biometric passport, you will be able to enter more quickly using the self-service system (if available at that border crossing point). If your digital file is clear of any impediments to travel, you will usually not need to go via a passport control officer.


Full information can be found here


Non TIE holders

Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries who have not updated their residency document to the Biometric TIE will need to be registered in the Entry/Exit System. It means that their entries and exits to and from the territory of European countries using the Entry/Exit System will be electronically registered in the Entry/Exit System. They can later ask to have their data deleted or amended in the system if they show that they are documented Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries in their host EU Member State.


See our guide to exchange here


 

ETIAS - travel authorisation


For information only - the ETIAS is not operational at the moment and applications are not being accepted.


What is it?

Once it is introduced you will need to hold a valid ETIAS travel authorisation before you can travel to any of these 30 European countries (unless you are exempt as listed below). You can apply for the ETIAS online or through the App, third parties, such as travel agents can also apply on your behalf. To apply, you will need a valid travel document to which a visa may be affixed. Your travel document should not expire in less than three months and it should not be older than 10 years.

The ETIAS is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.


What information will you need to supply?

When filling out the application, you will be asked to provide the following information:

  • Personal information including your name(s), surname, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address and phone number;

  • Travel document details;

  • Details about your level of education and current occupation;

  • Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS;

  • Details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject of a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country.


Exemptions

Visit the European Union website for full details of who should apply for an ETIAS and who is exempt


The following are exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETIAS but must produce evidence to the border guard at the time of entry:

  • A national of a European country requiring ETIAS

  • A holder of a residence permit or a residence card issued by any European country requiring ETIAS

  • A national of the United Kingdom who is a beneficiary of the Withdrawal Agreement

  • A national of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, the Holy See (the Vatican City State) or Ireland

  • A refugee, a stateless person or a person who does not hold the nationality of any country and you reside in any of the European countries requiring ETIAS and hold a travel document issued by that country

  • A holder of a uniform visa

  • A holder of a national long-stay visa

  • A holder of a local border traffic permit, but only within the context of the Local Border Traffic

  • A holder of a diplomatic, service or special passport


 


 

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