The August bank holiday has arrived, signaling the end of summer for many who are heading back to work after their vacations. This weekend, many Britons will be returning from Europe through ports, airports, and the Channel Tunnel. Their journeys may involve delays and border checks, and it’s unlikely that the summer of 2024 will be as smooth for travelers in the near future.
In a few months, the European Union will implement its new “Entry-Exit System” (EES) for UK citizens, requiring fingerprint and biometric recognition for all visitors to the EU’s Schengen area by the end of this year. Starting in November 2025, British travelers will need to obtain a visa-like permit in advance at a cost of €7 (£6) for a three-year duration. This system is expected to cause delays and increase costs for both travelers and border authorities.
For instance, car passengers arriving at Dover have been warned that processing could take up to 15 hours before boarding a ferry. The UK, which once supported tighter EU border controls as a member state, is now experiencing the repercussions of Brexit from the other side of the fence.
These new travel restrictions are emerging as the UK’s new Labour government, under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, seeks to build better relations with the EU. Starmer is set to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in September, and there are plans to re-establish regular meetings between the UK and the EU.
However, the introduction of these new border controls underscores the UK’s altered status. British citizens will be treated similarly to travelers from allied nations like Japan and the United States. Europe remains the primary destination for British travelers, with 66 million visits last year, 60 million of which were to core EU countries. In contrast, only 4.5 million visits were made to North America. Popular destinations include Spain, Greece, Italy, France, and Portugal.
The introduction of the EES has faced multiple delays since its original 2017 announcement. Initially set for 2021, the biometric checks are now scheduled to begin on 10 November 2024, a month later than the most recent deadline. While there is a chance that Sir Keir’s upcoming discussions could lead to further delays, this seems unlikely at this point.
What to Expect Soon
According to The Times, Sir Keir Starmer’s top priority is to secure a three-year freedom of movement arrangement for individuals under 30 between the UK and the EU, akin to the current agreements the UK has with New Zealand and Australia. This proposal was previously dismissed by Rishi Sunak’s government when the EU suggested it.
Biometric testing is set to begin in November. While traveling this summer, I observed that the technology for this is already in place, with booths and sensors at various airports and ferry ports ready for implementation.
Air travelers will undergo processing upon arrival in Europe, while those using ferries or trains will complete the necessary formalities at UK departure points.
The anticipated costs and delays are significant. Eurostar is investing £8.5 million in additional facilities at St Pancras, including a new overflow room and terminals to handle the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will be scattered around the station due to space constraints.
In Folkestone, £70 million has been allocated for upgrades where cars and lorries board the Eurotunnel. The Port of Dover is expanding its processing facilities for coaches in its western docks and aims to increase on-site car holding space by 2027.
Although officially not classified as a visa, the new ETIAS permission for entering the EU is effectively similar to one. Travel journalist Simon Calder notes that it resembles the US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), requiring an online application, substantial personal information, a fee, and approval to cross the border.
Applicants will need to provide details such as age, home address, passport information, and answer questions about criminal convictions or recent visits to conflict zones. ETIAS applications are expected to take about three days to process.
There will be a six-month grace period following ETIAS’s introduction for UK citizens in May next year, but starting in November 2025, those without ETIAS approval will be denied entry. Passport stamping on entry and exit will be discontinued.
Scammers are already targeting individuals online with offers to process ETIAS applications. Frontex, the European Border and Coastguard Agency, warns that the only legitimate way to apply for ETIAS is through europa.eu/elias, at a set rate. The system is not yet operational or required for UK citizens.