On Friday, 16 August 2024, EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson, announced the date for a major change in travel Europe as we know it, with The Entry/Exit System (EES) starting on 10 November.

The EES is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries including Portugal. The EES modernises border management by increasing the efficiency and quality of processes at the border including security, with stamping passports soon being made history.

Commissioner Johansson’s speech on 16 August 2024 at eu-LISA reads: “Soon, we will switch on the most modern digital border management system in the world The Entry/Exit System. Making travel easier, and Europe more secure. And soon: fully interoperable linking up all existing national systems and European systems. At every single airport, every single harbour, every single road into Europe. We will have digital border controls. All connected.”

Adding, “And when that happens, it will be goodbye to passport stamping, hello to digital checks for all passengers from outside the EU. With the Entry/Exit System, we will know exactly who enters the Schengen Area, with a foreign passport. We will know if people stay too long. Countering irregular migration. The Entry/Exit System will make it harder for criminals, thanks to biometric identification: photos and fingerprints. In which she finally announced the 10th of November will be a great day.”


A New Travel Authorisation for EU Visitors

According to ETIAS website, starting in the first half of 2025, the European Commission will roll out a U.S.-style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU.

ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. In a nutshell, the ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries, with Portugal firmly on the list. Travellers will need to complete an online registration form prior to travel and the authorisation works for short-term stays meaning it is not a work visa.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays, normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period where the system will check the travellers security credentials.

The cost of an ETIAS is €7, travellers under the age of 18 and over 70 will, however, not need to pay the fee and the ETIAS authorisation is valid for three years. Whenever you travel to participating countries, your ETIAS authorisation must be valid for the duration of the stay.

The ETIAS authorisation is valid for three years whereby you can travel in a participating country for a short-term stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. Whenever you travel to participating countries, your ETIAS authorisation must be valid for the duration of the stay.

EU visitors from America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, along with 55 other countries that do not require a Schengen visa will require ETIAS to visit Europe.


UK Nationals

UK nationals are also on the list with regards to needing a valid ETIAS if they travel to any of the European countries requiring them for a short-term stay. UK nationals who wish to stay longer must meet the entry requirements in accordance with national or EU migration law, such as holding a visa or residence permit.


Withdrawal Agreement

“UK nationals and their family members who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement are exempt from ETIAS: they may reside on the territory of their EU host country and travel to other European countries requiring ETIAS as long as they hold documents proving their status”, states the ETIAS website.

Author

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes