The new system being introduced is designed to to improve the management of European Union borders (Image supplied)
New requirements are being introduced for non-European Union nationals travelling for short stays in 29 European counties, Bermuda’s London Office has advised.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated procedure being implemented on an undisclosed date this year for registering non-EU nationals travelling for short stays each time they cross the border of any of the countries.
Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as of Cyprus and Ireland, are exempt from the system.
The European countries EES is required for are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
A separate system called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is also being introduced in six months.
It will require a fee of €7 (about $7.21). This is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to the same countries plus Cyprus.
A spokeswoman for the London Office said of the EES: “Under the new system, UK passport holders will be required to register their biometric information upon arrival at Schengen area ports or airports.
“This biometric registration will replace the current practice of manually stamping passports upon entry to the EU.
“On your first visit to the Schengen area, you will be required to create a digital record by submitting your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photograph, at dedicated registration booths.
“You will not need to provide any personal information before you travel to a Schengen area country.
“As the EES is implemented, travellers may experience longer queue times upon arrival in Schengen area countries due to the biometric registration process.”
She added: “Furthermore, at certain departure points in the UK, such as Dover, Eurotunnel and St Pancras, there may be increased wait times as EES registration is completed before passengers depart.
“The exact date for the introduction of the EES has not yet been confirmed.
“Travellers are advised to check with their travel operators for updates and to determine whether the EES system will impact their journey.”
Short stay means up to 90 days within any 180-day period, which is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using EES.
Entries, exits and entry refusals will be electronically registered in the EES.
The EU said on its website that the move was designed to modernise the management of the EU’s external borders, “gradually improving the experience for travellers”, while addressing identity fraud and improving security.
It added: “It identifies overstayers and provides reliable data on entries, exits and refusals of entry.
“This system will effectively combat identity fraud by collecting biometric data.
“Security within the EU will be strengthened thanks to improved border checks, use of electronic records and biometric data.
“The EES promotes real-time information sharing, ensuring that border authorities across the EU have the right information at the right time.”
EES exemptions
• Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen
• Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, study, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au-pairing
• Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
• Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See
• People exempt from border checks or who have been granted certain privileges with respect to border checks (such as heads of state, cross-border workers, etc.)
• People not required to cross external borders solely at border crossing points and during fixed opening hours
• People holding a valid local border traffic permit
• Crew members of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys
• People holding a valid Facilitated Rail Transit Document or valid Facilitated Transit Document, provided they travel by train and do not disembark anywhere within the territory of an EU Member State
EES exemptions
• Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Cyprus and Ireland
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national
• Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen
• Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, study, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au-pairing
• Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
• Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See
• People exempt from border checks or who have been granted certain privileges with respect to border checks (such as heads of state, cross-border workers, etc.)
• People not required to cross external borders solely at border crossing points and during fixed opening hours
• People holding a valid local border traffic permit
• Crew members of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys
• People holding a valid Facilitated Rail Transit Document or valid Facilitated Transit Document, provided they travel by train and do not disembark anywhere within the territory of an EU Member State
The spokeswoman for the London Office said that the ETIAS would be linked to the traveller’s passport and remain valid for up to three years, or until the passport expired, whichever was first.
If a new passport is issued then a new ETIAS authorisation will be required.
The spokeswoman said: “With a valid ETIAS, travellers may enter the above EU countries as often as needed for short-term stays, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
“However, please note that ETIAS does not guarantee entry.
“Upon arrival, border authorities will verify the traveller’s documents and ensure they meet all entry conditions.
“We encourage all travellers to stay informed and plan accordingly for this upcoming change.”
• For more information on the EES and ETIAS systems, refer to the EU’s official Travel Europe website attravel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en
