A message from our chair, Nigel Aston, with guidance on the new travel requirements to be imposed by both the EU and the UK.
1. EU (Schengen) Exit and Entry System (EES)
Whilst this was supposed to have been introduced in November 2024,
various issues, principally of infrastructure, have delayed
implementation. Although the European Commission are attempting to
introduce a phased introduction (that we see as fraught with issues),
their proposal seems bogged down in the EU legislative procedure. There
are now rumours that introduction is delayed again until the autumn of
this year. There is no imminent guidance other than the general
principles published on the following:
https://travel-europe.europa.
It remains unclear exactly what British citizens protected by the
Withdrawal Agreement will need to do initially in practical terms, but
there is no deviation from previous advice that protectees will be
treated as EU citizens. However, we stress the importance of exchanging
the old green residence certificate for the TIE card in order to avoid
any misunderstanding at frontiers. Please bear in mind that EES applies
only to the external Schengen frontier. However, it is essential to carry passports and TIEs when travelling inside the EU in case of spot checks.
2. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
The UK visa waiver programme becomes operative for EU citizens from the
beginning of April 2025! British (and Irish) passport holders using
their UK/IRE passports to enter the UK are exempt.
Holders of dual British and Spanish nationality may wish to bear
in mind that Spain does not recognise the dual nationality in their
case. Whilst the UK government strongly advises that UK citizens use
their UK passports to enter the UK, we understand that this is not a
legal obligation. It should, therefore, be possible to travel to the UK
on a Spanish passport having made an ETA application. The choice is
that of the individual and EuroCitizens makes no recommendation on the
course taken by individuals. Applications for authorisation can be made
by EU/EEA nationals from 5 March.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/
