Changes to UK & EU entry requirements

You might have heard that the entry requirements for both the EU and the UK are set to change. Although these changes won’t come into effect until late 2024/2025, we are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for our customers. Here’s what you need to know:

 

 

New checks at the EU's borders

 

The EU is introducing two new border management systems. The first, the Entry Exit System (EES), will register all non-EU nationals entering 29 countries for short stays. This system will include biometric checks, such as facial imaging and fingerprints.

 

When EES begins, non-EU passengers on P&O Ferries routes entering the EU will face new checks. On the Dover-Calais route, these checks will take place before travelling in Dover, and on the Hull-Rotterdam route they will take place upon arrival at Rotterdam. Passengers should factor additional time into their journeys to Dover or onwards from Rotterdam when booking trips from late 2024 onwards. More details will be available nearer to the implementation time. Find out more on the Entry Exit System (EES) European Union website

 

 

Entering Europe for a short stay

 

The second upcoming change is the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is not yet in effect. If you are from a visa-exempt non-EU country, such as the UK, you will need to apply for ETIAS authorisation to enter 30 European countries for short stays. Please note:

 

· A short stay is defined as up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

 

· There is small application fee, payable to the government. You don’t have to pay the fee if you are under 18 or over 70 years of age.

 

· ETIAS authorisation will last for three years, or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.

 

· It is your responsibility to apply for ETIAS. You will be able to do this online at europa.eu/etias once the scheme begins.

 

We will inform our customers when the system is live and the changes come into effect, with more details about how to apply for ETIAS authorisation. Find out more on the ETIAS European Union website

 

 

Entering the UK for a short stay

 

Entry requirements for visitors to the UK are also changing. If you don’t need a visa and you are travelling for a short stay of less than six months, you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from April 2025.

 

For example, EU citizens planning a two-week holiday in the UK will need to apply for an ETA before they travel. Please note:

 

· Due to the Common Travel Area, Irish citizens will not need an ETA to enter the UK.

 

· It is your responsibility to apply for ETA. You will be able to do this online or using the ETA app once the scheme begins.

 

· There will be a small fee to apply.

 

· An ETA permits you to travel to the UK multiple times over two years, or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.

 

We will inform our customers when the UK confirms a start date for all overseas visitors, and give more details of where you can apply. Find out more on the GOV.UK website