TRAVEL between the UK and Europe is changing, with both destinations set to introduce visa waivers in the coming months and years.
But Britishtravellers are getting confused between the new European Entry/Exit System (EES), the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), and the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
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The latter has caused uncertainty among Brits recently, as I heard firsthand when I touched down in Athens last week.
As I queued at passport control, I heard a group of passengers discussing whether they needed an ETA for their future trips to Europe.
The answer is no. If you are travelling on a British passports, you don’t need an ETA.
The ETA system, which will come into effect from April 2, requires non-visa travellers from all countries, including Europe, to apply online for pre-approval, enhancing security and streamlining entry processes into the United Kingdom.
Read More on Travel Rules
Confusion regarding the ETA system could have stemmed from airlines like easyJet sending automated emails to passengers who have booked return flights to the EU.
An easyJet email stated: “The UK government is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for all visitors to the UK, an ETA is a digital permission to travel and if you’re not a UK or Irish national, you may need one to enter the UK.”
The messages are necessary to ensure passengers who are travelling into the UK on a European passport don’t get caught short come April 2.
Despite the email stating UK and Irish nationals are exempt from requiring an ETA, the reminder regarding travel documents is likely to cause panic.
Even though British passport holders won’t need an ETA to travel back to the UK, they will need other documents to travel to Europe in the future.
UK holidaymakers will need an ETIAS permit, if they want to travel in the EU from around October 2026, or perhaps later.
The ETIAS isn’t a visa but will act like one, requiring British holidaymakers to apply for permission before heading off on their European adventures.
Anyone under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 will not need to pay for an ETIAS, but instead will be able to get it for free.
It is similar to the ESTA, which Brits need when travelling to the US.
First announced back in 2016, it will cost £6 and will be valid for three years.
Since it was first announced nine years ago, the ETIAS permit has been constantly delayed – although it is expected to come into force at the end of next year.
Earlier this year, officials confirmed that holidaymakers will have a six month leniency period when it finally starts.
Tourists will still have to apply for one and follow the entry rules, but won’t be stopped from travelling without one.
An official start date for the ETIAS rules is yet to be confirmed.
Its introduction will take place a few months after EES has been rolled out.
The EES has also been constantly delayed, with the latest start date suggested to be April 2026.
The Sun’s Head of Travel explains what EES, ETIAS and ETA means for your
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot has explained exactly what Brits need to know about Europe’s new travel systems.
THE shambolic introduction of Europe’s new travel systems has left travel companies millions of pounds out of pocket and travellers baffled.
The new Entry Exit System (EES) has required airports, ports and train stations to invest in new technology and find space to process travellers and yet for now, all this kit lies unused.
Travellers were first told the system would be introduced in 2022, then May 2023, then late 2023 then late 2024. Just ahead of the launch date in November, 2024 it was postponed again.
It’s no wonder holidaymakers are confused.
Adding to the chaos is the also-delayed launch of a new travel permit, the ETIAS, which won’t be introduced until six months after the launch of the EES system.
And news this week that the now gradual introduction of the Entry Exit System will require passengers to have both their passports stamped AND biometrics taken is a recipe for disaster.
The already lengthy process will now be even lengthier.
With 27 countries in the EU, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, all having slightly different approaches and equipment in launching the system there will be no common system for Brits to get their head around.
It certainly doesn’t bode well for the future of our travels.
Here are some other rules Brits should be aware of when it comes to travelling abroad this year.
And here are the passport checks you should take before booking a holiday.
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