Supporting you ahead of the EU’s Entry/Exit System launch
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gwilkinson@abt… Thu, 08/22/2024 - 11:13
We now know that the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has a target go live date of 10th November 2024. This will initially mean a big change for UK holidaymakers when travelling to Europe, as they will need to provide fingerprints and facial scans, as well as their passport and travel details, on arrival at the border.
EES will eventually make going through passport control easier – because passports won’t be stamped manually.
We are conscious of the potential for queues or delays when the system is first introduced, as the initial registration will mean it takes longer to process passengers. Whether there are queues and to what extent is likely to vary from country to country, and airport to airport.
During the first sixth months, border officers will have the flexibility to adapt the application of EES checks to help manage queues. We’re urging airports/ports etc to use these measures and the European Commission to keep mitigation measures under review if any problems persist.
We are in close contact with the European Commission and UK Government departments responsible for these changes. We expect more information in September, including final confirmation of the launch date and details of its communications campaign to help make travellers aware of the changes and what they will need to do on arrival at the border.
The UK Government will also be conducting its own communications to advise the British public about EES.
ABTA will receive copies of both sets of communication resources and will make them available to members for your own use.
We already have information to help you understand what EES will mean for your business and customers; this can be found in the ABTA MemberZone. We also have a page on our public website advising customers of the changes – www.abta.com/eesandetias. You can expect to hear more from us on EES in the run up to implementation, and we plan to feature it in a member conference call in September.
We’ve also heard more this week on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to launch in mid-2025. Despite EES launching first, it is ETIAS which has captured the attention of national media this week, with journalists focusing on how it is likely travellers will need an ETIAS for travel to Europe next summer. We have been responding to requests for comment and interview, emphasising that the fee for an ETIAS is relatively small when you consider it is valid for three years, and that most people will receive their authorisation quickly.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive
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Full Page image
gwilkinson@abt… Thu, 08/22/2024 - 11:13
We now know that the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has a target go live date of 10th November 2024. This will initially mean a big change for UK holidaymakers when travelling to Europe, as they will need to provide fingerprints and facial scans, as well as their passport and travel details, on arrival at the border.
EES will eventually make going through passport control easier – because passports won’t be stamped manually.
We are conscious of the potential for queues or delays when the system is first introduced, as the initial registration will mean it takes longer to process passengers. Whether there are queues and to what extent is likely to vary from country to country, and airport to airport.
During the first sixth months, border officers will have the flexibility to adapt the application of EES checks to help manage queues. We’re urging airports/ports etc to use these measures and the European Commission to keep mitigation measures under review if any problems persist.
We are in close contact with the European Commission and UK Government departments responsible for these changes. We expect more information in September, including final confirmation of the launch date and details of its communications campaign to help make travellers aware of the changes and what they will need to do on arrival at the border.
The UK Government will also be conducting its own communications to advise the British public about EES.
ABTA will receive copies of both sets of communication resources and will make them available to members for your own use.
We already have information to help you understand what EES will mean for your business and customers; this can be found in the ABTA MemberZone. We also have a page on our public website advising customers of the changes – www.abta.com/eesandetias. You can expect to hear more from us on EES in the run up to implementation, and we plan to feature it in a member conference call in September.
We’ve also heard more this week on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to launch in mid-2025. Despite EES launching first, it is ETIAS which has captured the attention of national media this week, with journalists focusing on how it is likely travellers will need an ETIAS for travel to Europe next summer. We have been responding to requests for comment and interview, emphasising that the fee for an ETIAS is relatively small when you consider it is valid for three years, and that most people will receive their authorisation quickly.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive
Continue reading...
