If you are from a non-EU country, but are planning a holiday, viewing trip or even stays in an overseas property, you will need to be aware of the new travel rules concerning the Schengen Area. Here’s what you need to know.
EES
From November 2024, the EU is introducing a new Entry/Exit System (EES). This will apply to all non-EU citizens entering EU countries, with the exclusion of Cyprus and Ireland. The non-EU states of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechensten are part of the Schengen Area.
The EES will mean that, for you to enter the Schengen Area, a biometric record of you will need to be made. This includes a fingerprint and photograph. It will only take a few minutes at border control.
Here’s what you’ll need to know for your next EU trip…
ETIAS
Starting from the first half of 2025, people from over 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to have travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. These countries include those popular with overseas buyers, such as France, Spain and Portugal. The aim of ESTIAS is to streamline the border control process and tighten security.
Since Brexit, Britons count as third-country nationals and will have soon have to have ESTIAS travel authorisation.
ETIAS is a travel authorisation that will be linked to your passport. It will be valid for up to three years or whenever your passport expires, whichever is first.
With ETIAS, you can enter the 30 countries for 90 days out of every 180. Remember that the 90 days counts for every country visited. So, if at the start of your 180 period, you headed to the Costa del Sol for ten days and wanted to spend the rest in your Brittany home, you now have 80 days remaining to do so.
ETIAS does not guarantee your entry into any country. You’ll still need your passport and to meet any other requirements before passing border control.
How to apply:
Fortunately, you can apply online or the ETIAS website or app. You’ll fill out details on your travel documents, criminal history, level of education and career, and your intended travel and stay in any of the 30 countries. It will cost €7, with those under 18 and over 70 exempt from paying.
For the most part, applications will process in minutes. However, in cases where more documentation is required, it could take up to 30 days. It is best to book your ESTIAS in advance – before accommodation or flights, especially in the off chance that yours takes longer to process.
You will then be sent a confirmation email. Make sure that your name and passport details are all correct, or you won’t be able to cross the border.
What if I want to stay longer?
ETIAS are only relevant for short stays. If you would like to spend spells of longer than 90 days within the Schengen Area, you will need to investigate the visas in you preferred country. It may be that a digital, golden or passive income visa best suits your circumstances.
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