Europe’s New EES And ETIAS Rules Are Coming! Here’s How You Can Prepare

It feels like we’ve been talking about the EES and ETIAS rules forever, but now they are finally being introduced. From November 10^th you will need to apply for an ETIAS (similar to the ESTA that you need to enter the U.S.) in order to enter the EU. Barring any further last minute delays of course!

So if you’re planning to visit Spain after November then the way that you enter the country will change. Here’s what you need to know:

If You’re Visiting Spain Before November 10^th 2024

If you’re visiting Spain between now and November 10^th then you have nothing to worry about and don’t have to do anything different. Nothing will change in this period, so you can just pack your bags, get a stamp in your passport as you enter the country, and enjoy your stay as usual. You have nothing extra to plan for, and all the current rules for entry will remain exactly the same.

If You’re Visiting Between November 10th 2024 and May 2025

The new long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) will be introduced on Sunday 10th November. This is (as the name suggests) a new entry/exit plan for entering and leaving the EU that will screen passports in a more secure way and make it easier to enforce border control rules. The current EU immigration rules that you may be aware of (such as not being able to stay in the EU for more then 90 days) will remain in place.

When entering or exiting the EU or Schengen zone, passengers will have to complete a pre-registration form giving personal details such as a name and date of birth and also provide biometric data - specifically fingerprints and a facial scan.

This will automate the 90 days of visa-free travel, making it easier to check if anyone has overstayed their visa. And will also allow for tighter security checks.

You’ll need to pre-register for EES but you only need to do this once, you don’t need to do if for each trip you take to the EU. You’ll only need to repeat the process if/when you replace your passport. #

You can’t really pre-prepare for this change, because the pre-registration and giving fingerprints/facial scans must be done in person at the airport/station/port when you travel. But if you’re travelling soon after the introduction of the scheme then you should consider allowing more time and packing your patience! Getting this information from each passenger is likely to be time consuming.

You may also find that you’re asked for more API (advance passenger information) from your travel provider in a bid to speed the process up. Check your emails thoroughly, as whoever you’re travelling with might get in touch with updates or information requests.

Who Is Exempt From The EES Process?

Not everyone will have to comply with this new EES system. It will mainly impact 3rd party nationals. Citizens of EU/EEA countries are exempt from EES pre-registration requirements, and this includes dual nationals provided they are travelling on their EU/EEA passport.

Non-EU citizens who are resident of an EU/EEA country are exempt, as are non-EU citizens who have a visa for an EU/EEA country.But even if you’re exempt you’re likely to be impacted by the changes, at least indirectly. You should still allow extra time for your journey as you may be caught in the process when the new scheme is first introduced.

If You’re Visiting After May 2025

The EES and ETIAS systems are not being introduced at the same time. The ETIAS (or European Travel Information and Authorisation System) doesn’t yet have a confirmed start date, but the authorities have said its introduction will be at least 6 months after the introduction of EES. Which means it won’t be introduced until at least mid-May 2025.

 The start date will be planned to avoid peak travel times such as school holidays.  So if you’re planning ahead for your travel next summer, it’s likely you’ll have both EES and ETIAS to contend with.

ETIAS is a much bigger change for travelers. This will require an electronic visa waiver for people who currently travel into the EU without the need for immigration paperwork.This will impact all non-EU citizens who are travelling into the EU for a stay of less than 90 days and who do not have a visa or residency card. So both tourists and visa-free second home owners will be impacted.

You will need to apply for your ETIAS and complete a questionaire in advance of your trip to the EU. The ETIAS will cost 7 euros but under 18s and over 70s are exempt from the fee. The good news is that the European Commission says that applications should be processed within minutes, but advises travellers to apply 72 hours in advance in case of delays.

If you’ve ever completed an ESTA to enter the U.S. then you’ll know what you’re doing, as the 2 processes will be very similar. Either way, it is a simple and straightforward online form that won’t add too much time and hassle to your trip. And in more good news, once you have done the application, it will last for three years, so regular travellers will not need to do it each time.

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