New Travel Rules for UK Citizens: EU’s EES and ETIAS Systems to Change European Entry Requirements

Written By: Susmita Das

Susmita Das

I am a content writer with over six years of experience in creating engaging, well-researched, and SEO-driven content. At Travel and Tour World, I cover global travel, tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news, transforming complex industry developments into clear, informative, and reader-friendly stories. I have a strong understanding of SEO best practices, including keyword research, on-page optimization, content structuring, and search intent, allowing me to create content that is both valuable to readers and optimized for search engines. Passionate about research and storytelling, I am committed to delivering accurate, insightful, and impactful content that keeps readers informed about the ever-evolving travel industry.

See Full Bio

July 23, 2025 5:03 PM

Image generated with Ai

There has been a huge change to European travel rulesEurope There has been a huge change to the rules of travel in EuropeThe European Union has approved two major changes for UK travellers and citizens from non-Schengen countries. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is to start on 12 October 2023 and will introduce the obligation to collect biometrics from all passengers. This will be succeeded by the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in the period October-December 2026. These systems – aimed at improving border security and facilitating entry into the EU – will transform the way in which UK passport holders and other visa-free nationals travel to Europe.

For travelers, including those from the UK, these new regulations represent an important update to the entry procedures they’ve grown accustomed to. The EES will focus on biometric data collection, while the ETIAS will be a mandatory e-visa, which will come with a significant cost increase from the initially proposed 7 euros to 20 euros per traveler.

The Entry/Exit System (EES): What Does It Mean for Travelers?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new initiative that will require non-Schengen nationals—such as UK citizens and other visa-exempt travelers—to provide biometric data when entering or exiting the EU. This data will include fingerprints and facial recognition, both of which will be stored for up to three years. The aim of the system is to enhance border security by better monitoring travelers’ entries and exits, ensuring compliance with the terms of their stay, and preventing identity fraud and other security risks.

Fingerprinting requirements, however, will not apply to children under the age of 12. This biometric system will be progressively rolled out across all EU external borders over six months, with full implementation expected by April 9, 2026. Once in place, the EES will help streamline the entry process, while also increasing the efficiency of border controls and providing stronger oversight.

For UK citizens traveling to popular destinations like Spain, France, or Italy, these changes mean they will need to prepare for additional processing time when entering the EU. However, the system’s long-term goal is to make border management more efficient, reducing the time it takes to pass through immigration controls and strengthening security across the region.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): What to Expect

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is set to be introduced between October and December 2026 and will apply to all visa-exempt nationals, including UK citizens. Similar to the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, ETIAS will require travelers to apply online before their trip. The process will involve providing basic personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Once approved, ETIAS will allow visitors to enter the Schengen Area countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

One of the most significant updates to the ETIAS system is the increase in fees. Initially, the cost was set to be 7 euros per traveler, but the EU has announced that the charge will be increased to 20 euros. This change is intended to align the operating costs of the ETIAS system with other similar programs around the world. While this may come as a surprise to some travelers, it’s important to note that individuals under the age of 18 and those over 70 will still be exempt from the fee.

The application process for ETIAS will be online and relatively simple. Travelers will need to submit their application before their trip, and in most cases, the authorization will be approved almost immediately. However, it is crucial for travelers to double-check their information to avoid any errors, as inaccuracies could lead to a refusal.

A Step Towards More Secure Borders and Efficient Travel

The EES and ETIAS systems are being introduced to strengthen security and improve the management of the EU’s external borders. The EU’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs has emphasized that these systems are designed to combat identity fraud, terrorism, and organized crime, while also ensuring that visitors comply with their authorized stay periods. The data collected through the EES and ETIAS will enable EU authorities to better monitor the movement of foreign nationals, reducing the chances of overstays or other violations.

For UK citizens and other travelers who are accustomed to easy entry into the Schengen Area, these changes may seem like a big adjustment. However, the long-term benefits of these systems should outweigh the initial inconvenience. With more streamlined entry and stronger security measures, travelers can expect a safer, more efficient experience at European borders.

How the New Systems Will Affect UK Travelers

For UK citizens, the introduction of the ETIAS and EES systems marks a major shift in travel to the EU. While the application for ETIAS may be slightly more time-consuming due to the new fee structure, the process is still relatively straightforward. Travelers will need to plan ahead, ensuring they have completed the online application well before their travel date. Likewise, the biometric data collection required under the EES will become a routine part of entering the EU, so travelers will need to be prepared for this change.

The implementation of the ETIAS and EES is a response to growing security concerns in Europe, but it also reflects a shift towards more modernized and efficient border control systems. As these systems are rolled out, travelers from the UK and other countries will need to adapt to the new entry requirements, but the aim is to provide better security while enhancing the travel experience in the long run.

Conclusion: Preparing for a New Era of Travel to Europe

UK nationals visiting EU should take note of new EU travel regulations for 2021 Regional Tourism Context As the EU rushes to implement the Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in order to improve the security of the region, traveller screening is now also set. The changes will bring some short term inconvenience, but in the long run, they will offer more secure, efficient and smoother travel to Europe. Biometric data capture and online ETIAS applications will help produce smoother border crossings, more secure travel and better travel experiences in the years to come.

The new rules are an understandable aspect of the constantly shifting nature of international travel, and travelers need to accept and accommodate them in order to have smooth, safe visits to their beloved European haunts. Stay on top of it, and then apply for your ETIAS sooner than later, so you can travel at ease last minute.