European Union Delays Rollout of New Entry Requirements

The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System or EES was set to go into effect for travelers entering as many as 29 participating countries across the bloc next month. However, the EU acknowledged delays to the new entry requirements for the new biometric system due to IT issues, with key countries such as Germany, France and the Netherlands still working to get their border computer systems up to speed.

“November 10 is no longer on the table,” EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson told reporters this week, according to Reuters.

Additionally, a spokesperson for the German interior ministry said the three countries would not be prepared on November 10 because “necessary stability and functionality of the EES central system to be provided by the EU agency EU-Lisa is not yet in place.”

Following the EES introduction, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) was expected to roll out in the first half of 2025. It remains to be seen whether the EES delay will push back the ETIAS introduction.

Despite EU delays to the new entry requirements, whenever it does arrive, the EES promises a more efficient border-crossing system.

“When that happens, it will be goodbye to passport stamping, hello to digital checks for all passengers from outside the EU—making travel easier and border checks gradually faster,” Johansson said earlier this year. “At every single airport, every single harbor and every single road into Europe, we will have digital border controls—all connected, all switched on at the very same time.”

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse; at the same time, the United Kingdom does intend to move forward with its ETA program on January 8, 2025 without any further delays.

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Requirements for Visiting the United Kingdom

Similarly, the expanded ETA program will require inbound travelers from the U.S. (except British and Irish citizens) to obtain an ETA for visits of up to six months beginning on Jan. 8, 2025. Clients with U.S. passports can start the application process on Nov. 27.

“Advisors play a crucial role in guiding their clients through the new ETA process before it comes into effect,” said Carl Walsh, senior vice president, USA, for Visit Britain. “Encouraging clients to apply as soon as applications open will help ensure a smooth travel experience. Advisors can also benefit from attending the UK Home Office’s information events and utilizing resources like the Partner Pack to address any client questions about the new requirements.”

Like EES for travel to the EU, the UK’s ETA will be linked to clients’ passports and will be valid for two years or until the passport expires (whichever is sooner), but unlike the system for entry into the EU, ETA grants permission for travel to the UK, but a passport stamp will still be required for entry.

How to Apply

It costs about $11 to apply for an ETA and is required for everyone traveling, including babies and children. All travelers will need an original passport — not a photocopy or digital passport) — but do not need to enter their travel details.

The fastest way to apply is via the UK ETA app, which is already available on the App Store and Google Play, but applications can also be submitted online. Travel advisors can submit applications on behalf of clients, and travelers can expect to receive a decision within three working days.