The Government has announced new support for ports and terminals to allow them to prepare for the implementation of the EUs EES scheme whereby travellers have to pre-submit passport and biometric information prior to travelling to the EU.

Whilst this news is welcome for the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar as it allows them to defray some of their costs, the wider aspects of this regime must be remembered – namely that all entries into and exits from the EU will be recorded. Non-European’s are allowed to stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule is designed to regulate short stays, primarily for tourism, business, or family visits. This is a rolling 90 day in any 180 period and would include holidays in Spain for instance.

Business travellers have to abide by the same rules, and it is having a particularly negative impact on UK commercial drivers who visit the EU for longer and more regular visits to the EU. Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including will be required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay and application fees are applicable but in certain cases but may be waived for travellers to the EU. There are separate rules for travellers from the UK to Southern Ireland and it is our understanding that visas will not be required for UK visitors to that country.

For periods exceeding the 90 day timeframe a visa will be required, and national rules apply further information can be found at https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa_en.

You can read more about the government announcement HERE.

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