The European Union is introducing an important change for travel to Europe. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) which is a new digital border control system, had a planned launch date of the 10th November 2024.
However, this launch date may now be delayed, with a new launch date yet to be confirmed. The European Commission has advised that there may be a ‘soft launch’ instead, due to the complexity of the system and the technology not being ready.
With many of our groups traveling to Europe, we wanted to keep you informed about the changes to border checks and provide some easy-to-follow tips to help make your journey easier.
This system will require all passengers from the UK and other non-EU countries to have their fingerprints registered and their photograph taken upon arrival, removing the requirement for manual passport stamps.
When introduced, travellers of all ages will need to go through the EES checks. Children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints, but they will need to have a facial scan taken (please note that this is process may be subject to change, but is correct at the time of publishing).
In most cases, the EES checks will take place in Europe upon arrival at your destination airport or port, and when you leave at the end of your trip.
However, if you are departing via the Port of Dover or an international (European) train from the UK (London St Pancras and Folkestone), then these checks will take place when going through passport control in the UK.
For more details, read ABTA’s Upcoming changes for travel to Europe.
Preparing for these upcoming changes, in conjunction with some other best practices for your journey, will help to ensure a smooth trip for your group across the border. So, what do we recommend?
Check your passports – Make sure that everyone's passport meets the EU passport validity rules. If new/renewal passport is required allow plenty of time to apply.
For most EU countries your passport:
You can check the passport requirements for your specific destination on the Foreign Office website.
Allow extra time - Allow extra time for border processing due to the new EES system and arrive at the border earlier than usual to accommodate for any potential delays. To ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible, inform students and staff in advance on what to expect at border control, including the biometric data collection process.
Bring drinks and snacks - The upcoming changes to border control, as well as other factors such as traveling around peak times or poor weather, can affect the amount of time spent at border crossing. Therefore, we recommend that you pack some extra bottles of water and some snacks, in case of any delays.
Check the currency - If traveling by ferry, make sure to check which primary currency is used on board. You can normally pay in the other currency, but the exchange rate can be unfavourable, so just be aware of this. Be aware that some ships only accept card payments too.
Beware of mobile roaming charges – Unfortunately, we longer enjoy free-roaming throughout the EU. So, if you are traveling by ferry, be careful not to connect to the ship's marine satellite phone network, as this is even more expensive than standard EU roaming charges. The best way to avoid any unwanted charges is to switch to airplane mode as soon as you board, or ideally before.
Future changes for 2025 – Be aware that once the EES is up and running, a new online travel permit, ETIAS, is also due to be introduced in mid-2025. Once in place, all British passport holders, including children, will need to apply online for permission to visit Europe. The system is not live or taking applications yet, but please bear this change in mind for future trips planned beyond mid-2025. For more details, read ABTA’s Upcoming changes for travel to Europe.
Being aware of these upcoming changes and following our top tips will help to ensure that your trip runs as smoothly, as possible under the new EES system.
We’ll keep you updated on further updates regarding the planned changes in due course, so please refer to this article to stay informed.
If you have questions about the changes – simply contact your tour operator ahead of your trip with any specific queries or concerns. We are here to support you.
Alternatively, if you are ready to start planning your next school trip, request a quote or contact us today.