The landscape of educational travel to Europe is undergoing significant changes, with the upcoming implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES).
ETIAS is set to launch in spring 2025, a few months after the EES' entry into operation (anticipated in autumn 2024). Understanding these changes is crucial for a smooth, hassle-free journey.
Further updates are to follow, but here’s what you need to know today:
Anyone travelling on a British passport between the ages of 18 and 70 will have to pay €7 to enter or transit through any EU country.
Applicants under the age of 18 will receive their ETIAS free of charge. Under 18s will still need to apply, but they won't need to pay.
When it’s launched, British citizens will need an official ETIAS visa waiver in order to keep visiting European countries, including Switzerland and Iceland.
It will be required for trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period (if you want to stay longer, you’ll need another visa entirely) for both tourists and business travellers, and will need to be obtained at least 96 hours before departure.
The fee doesn’t have to be paid every time you enter an EU country. The waiver lasts for three years, so you only have to get a new one either once it runs out or if you get a new passport.
The ETIAS visa waiver system isn’t just for UK citizens. It also applies to passport-holders of plenty of other countries around the world, from the USA and Canada to Brazil, Japan and Australia.
The Entry/Exit System (EES): Enhancing Border Security
Complementing ETIAS, the EES is a new, fully electronic system that records the entry and exit dates of non-EU travelers crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area. By replacing the manual stamping of passports, the EES aims to reduce border check wait times, detect overstay violations more efficiently, and strengthen internal security.
Preparing for your trip
✓ Stay informed: Keep an eye on official announcements regarding the launch dates and detailed requirements of ETIAS and EES. Ensure that students, staff, and parents are aware of these new requirements and understand the importance of compliance.
✓ Check eligibility: Before planning your travel, verify whether you need to apply for ETIAS authorisation.
✓ Prepare documentation: Ensure your travel documents are up to date and meet the requirements for the ETIAS application and EES entry.
Please note there is only one official ETIAS website, so for more information please see https://travel-europe.europa.e...