Brits will soon face a huge change when travelling to Europe this year.

The EU is introducing two changes for travel to EU and Schengen Area countries: The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

The EES is a new electronic system that will replace the physical stamping of passports at passport control when arriving and leaving an EU country.

It will register all entries and exits in countries for short stays, meaning it will register your movements every time you cross a border in or out of the EU/Schengen area.

All non-EU passengers will be required to have their fingerprints and photo taken on their first entry into the Schengen area. 

Travellers may also be questioned about the purpose of their visit, the duration of their stay, their funds and asked to provide proof of a return journey.

The ETIAS will require UK citizens to apply for travel authorisation before entering the Schengen Area among other areas. Though not as complex as a traditional visa, it does require travellers to submit an online application before their trip.

Once approved, an ETIAS will be valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires. ETIAS will only cost around £6 and be free for under 18s.

If you are travelling to the EU for a short stay and are not a citizen of an EU or Schengen country, then you will need an ETIAS.  If you are travelling on a non-UK passport you will need to check if you require an ETIAS or a visa to go to Europe. 

For both EES and ETIAS, a short stay refers to visits, holidays, or business trips that last up to 90 days and are taken within a 180-day period. The vast majority of travel between the UK and Europe will be classed as a short stay.

The new systems are being introduced in the hope it will enhance security, track entry and exit data, and reduce illegal immigration.