December 19th 2024.
As the year 2024 draws to a close, many of us are already making plans for our summer 2025 vacations. However, for those of us heading to Europe, there's a new visa scheme to be aware of - the EES. This new system will change the way British citizens travel to popular destinations like Portugal, Spain, and Greece, and it's important to understand the details before jetting off.
Currently, UK visitors can spend up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the EU's Schengen area without a visa. But with the implementation of the EES, a €7 visa waiver charge will now be required for entry into these countries. This fee will apply to anyone aged 18 to 70, but children and those over 70 will be exempt.
So, what exactly is the EES and how does it differ from the ETIAS? The EES is an automated system that registers travelers from non-EU countries each time they enter or exit the EU. This information includes the traveler's name, travel document, biometric data, and entry and exit dates and locations. This data will be stored for a period of three years before being erased. The EU claims that this system will save time and streamline border control procedures.
However, many British travelers have expressed concerns about the storage of their personal data for such a long period of time. In a survey conducted by Co-op insurance, 46% of respondents said they were put off by this aspect of the EES. It's worth noting that the EES is separate from the European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (ETIAS), which will also require British citizens to obtain a visa waiver for most EU countries.
But how much will this new visa waiver cost? The expected fee is €7, which the EU Commission states is much cheaper than the US Esta, which costs $14. This fee will apply to all non-exempt travelers aged 18 to 70.
As the UK has voted to leave the EU, British citizens will now have to follow the same rules as travelers from other non-EU countries. This means that instead of getting their passports stamped upon entry, they will have to scan their passports at an automated self-service kiosk. This process will replace the manual stamping of passports for visitors from non-EU or Schengen countries.
The EES will apply to 25 EU countries and four non-EU countries, including popular tourist destinations like Austria, France, Germany, and Spain. As for the start date of the new EES and ETIAS rules, it's still to be confirmed. The implementation of the EES has been delayed multiple times, with the original plan to roll it out in 2022. However, it has been pushed back again and is now expected to be in effect in 2025. The European Commission has stated that a phased implementation will be decided in the coming weeks, but as of now, no specific plans have been announced.
In conclusion, if you're a UK citizen planning a trip to Europe in the future, it's important to be aware of the new EES visa scheme and its requirements. Keep an eye out for updates on the implementation date and be prepared to pay the €7 visa waiver fee before your travels. As always, it's best to stay informed and plan ahead to avoid any surprises or delays.
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