Latest news with #EES
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Delays expected until November 2025 at all EU borders for UK travellers
Delays expected until November 2025 at all EU borders for UK travellers Manual checks will remain in place until the new system is rolled out later this year You will need to exit your vehicle to get the checks done (Image: Getty ) UK Nationals looking to plan their summer holidays in Europe should brace themselves for extended border checks until later on in the year. This is due to the postponed launch of the European Union's (EU) new Entry and Exit System (EES). Rather than enjoying smooth digital processing, British travellers will need to step out of their vehicles at the border for biometric checks. These checks will require fingerprinting and facial scans. Doug Bannister, the Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, has said that these biometric checks will be carried out manually until at least November 2025. The manual border checks will affect anyone entering the Schengen Area by car or bus. Many have eagerly awaited the EU's EES, which was set to enhance border control by substituting traditional passport stamping with a digital biometric approach. Unfortunately, the EU has delayed the launch of its verification application due to some development challenges. Bannister has said that the app will not be ready until at least November 2025. After that, the EES should be properly up and running. The biometric checks are part of the EU's long-anticipated border modernisation efforts. However, recent updates indicate that key elements of the process will not be prepared in time for the initial launch. The EU's Entry/Exit System won't go live until later this year, so expect delays Article continues below In an attempt to ease delays as much as possible, the Port of Dover has reclaimed 13 hectares of land to be used for passengers exiting their cars for inspections. The extra land should help manage traffic flow throughout the upcoming peak summer travel season. Until the EES is put in place, every UK traveller is required to complete the following checks at EU borders: During the initial trip, fingerprints and facial images will be taken. Passport numbers will be electronically connected to biometric information. For future trips, this data will be checked to allow entry. Manual stamping of passports will persist, which will increase processing times. Expect manual fingerprint and facial scans Even those who travel often will have to leave their vehicles for verification at each visit until the system is automated. To prevent delays and frustration during busy travel times, tourists from the UK should arrive at ports and borders well in advance, particularly at Dover. They should also be ready for long lines and be prepared to exit vehicles for inspections. Have all necessary documents on hand, including valid passports and required travel paperwork. If travelling in groups, make sure everyone understands the process to reduce confusion. Also, try to stay informed with updates from the Port of Dover or EU travel advisory websites. Article continues below Once you sign up, returning travellers will be matched up using their biometric info and passport number, which will let them automatically track how long they stay in the Schengen zone. But until the pre-registration app is ready, biometric data will be collected only at the border, which could slow things down, especially at busy land crossings.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Travel warning over major rules changes and fines up to $4000 in Euro hot spots
Whether it's tapas in Spain, aperitivos in Italy, or beach days in Greece — Aussies love a summer jaunt through Europe. But before you pack your swimmers and sunnies, be aware — many destinations across the continent are cracking down on rowdy tourist behaviour this year. According to Managing Director at Australian Traveller Media, Quentin Long, Australians "really do have to be hyper-aware" of local customs and systems, despite most of Europe being incredibly tourist-friendly. "The classic challenge here is that because we now access continental Europe with a single visa, we kind of forget that a single visa doesn't mean a single set of laws," he told Yahoo News. "As Australians, we want to be not just aware of laws but also local customs — and increasingly, those two things are becoming the same. People are getting sick of bad tourist behaviour, and governments are responding by legislating against it. "In places like Portugal and Spain, we're now seeing rules about things like toplessness or wearing a bikini away from the beach or pool. Those kinds of cultural sensibilities need to be top of mind for people when they're travelling." On top of stricter local laws and rising fines, a major change to border control is coming. The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to launch in October, 2025. Once it's live, all non-EU travellers — including Aussies — visiting the Schengen Zone will be fingerprinted and photographed on entry. The system digitally records biometric data and tracks how long a person has stayed. If tourists re-enter within three years, they can clear borders with just a face scan or fingerprint. Australians can still visit the Schengen Area, comprising 29 European countries, for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa, but border officials will be far less forgiving about overstays, missing passport stamps, or registration requirements. Australians have been reminded to ensure their passports are valid for at least three months after the departure date and to allow time if it needs renewing. "The US really led the way with their entry-exit system, and now other countries are following suit," Long said. "The technology works, and they've finally sorted it out. It's a complex thing to manage with so many borders and entry points across the continent, but they've taken the steps now." As of April, Aussies visiting the UK are now required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. The fee for the ETA is approximately A$30, and it is valid for multiple entries over two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Below is a breakdown of what laws are in place across Europe's most visited destinations — and where you could be slapped with hefty fines (in Australian dollars) for seemingly minor slip-ups. Italy is known for its carefree lifestyle, but it's recently been clamping down hard on careless tourists. Going topless off the beach in Sorrento could cost you $800. In Rome, sitting on the Spanish Steps will set you back up to $600, and stepping into a fountain could result in an $800 fine. Heading to Cinque Terre? Hiking in thongs could land you a whopping $4,000 fine. Day visitors in Venice will now be forced to pay an $8 access fee from 8.30am to 4pm. France's penalties are as refined as its fashion sense. If you're caught with oversized luggage on a train, you could be fined around $80. Climbing on a monument could cost you big bucks, and, incredibly, being seen naked in your hotel room might land you a $24,000 fine. Last week, the country also announced it was banning smoking in almost all outdoor places. Spain's major holiday hotspots are cracking down in a big way. In Ibiza, fines range from more than $600 for wearing a bikini away from the beach to thousands for noise or vandalism. Drinking on the street will cost over $2,000, and party boats are banned. There's also a six-drink cap per day on all-inclusive hotel deals. In Palma de Mallorca, antisocial behaviour could hit you with a fine worth more than $5,000, while walking around the city in swimwear could cost $500-plus. The Canary Islands go even further, with $5,000 fines for street drinking, for smoking on the beach, or if you bring a BBQ, umbrella or tent. Famous for its history and beaches, Greece is also cracking down on unruly behaviour. Wearing high heels at archaeological sites could attract steep fines, as can being topless in public, smoking indoors, and pocketing pebbles from the beach. Albufeira in southern Portugal is pushing back against "hedonistic tourism" with a suite of new penalties. Public nudity will cost you over $3,000, while sex, urinating, or even just wearing a bikini away from the water could see fines of over $2,000. In Lisbon, excessive noise in designated quiet zones could trigger a more than $3,000 fine. In Split, public urination, nudity, or vomiting in the street could cost you big time, and taking a nap in public is also a fineable offence. In Hvar, travellers have been stung for wearing swimwear off the beach, for topless sunbathing, and for drunkenness. It's something an Australian tourist recently warned about. "If you think you can just, like, scoot on through town with a little bikini top, I wouldn't recommend it... Don't do it, you've been warned," she said. A reminder to always follow flight crew instructions — in Turkey, standing up before the plane has fully stopped could attract a fine. Amsterdam's tourism crackdown has mostly targeted British bucks' parties, but Australians aren't exempt. Fines include $140 for littering, urination, drunkenness or rowdy behaviour, and even more for group debauchery. As of April, Australians now need a visa to visit Brazil, with a processing fee of approximately US$80.90. A tourist tax and visa is now in place in Bali, with travellers able to pay them online or upon arrival at the airport. Under a temporary trial program, Australians can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, and other purposes. This arrangement runs until the end of 2025. Australians can visit South Korea without a Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) until 31 December 2025, allowing visa-free stays of up to 90 days. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
TTG
28-05-2025
- Business
- TTG
All change: how and why travel to Europe is poised for a reset
by Gary Noakes Despite recent efforts to forge closer post-Brexit ties between the UK and the EU, a new reality for British travellers awaits with biometric checks and visa waivers on the horizon. Gary Noakes reports. You could argue it's only a passport stamp on arrival during the annual trip to Spain that's altered the travel experience for most people following Brexit. But starting this year, and particularly in 2026 – 10 years after the Brexit vote – it will be very different with the launch of two electronic screening systems: the European Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) visa waiver. Two other changes are likely. By next year, we might see results of efforts to restore the right to work abroad in the EU, so-called posted working, and to open cross-Channel rail services to competition. The EU says EES is 'expected to start' in October after years of delays. EES means every arrival from the UK into an EU airport, apart from those in Ireland and Cyprus, must provide biometric facial and fingerprint data, which is expected to increase individual processing times to several minutes. Checks will also be carried out at Dover (for ferries), at London St Pancras station (for Eurostar) and at Folkestone (for Le Shuttle). Late arrival of screening equipment meant the planned introduction of EES this summer was postponed. This April, EU ministers voted for a phased six-month introduction, starting in the autumn. The industry awaits details, but the European Commission has promised several months' notice. It has confirmed the phased start will require member states to process 10% of passengers via EES from day one, 'followed by up to 50% by day 90, and 100% by the end of the 180 days'. However, the commission added: 'During the roll-out period, the launch could be temporarily suspended if waiting times become too long or there are technical issues.' Airports Council International Europe (ACI), whose members account for 95% of air traffic in the region, insists it is well prepared. 'All our airports are ready,' said a spokesperson, albeit while adding: 'In some cases, member states' border authorities will be lacking human resources – border guards – but this is not under the direct control of the airport managing body.' ACI added the IT system central to EES 'is not yet fully stable', but stressed: 'If everything goes well, the European Commission will decide on the start date by the end of July.' Spain will bear the brunt of any delays, given its passenger volume. A Spanish Tourist Office spokesperson said installation of EES equipment had started in April 2024. However, they warned: 'Full implementation across all airports has been delayed due to technical challenges and coordination issues among EU member states.' The spokesperson said the Spanish government 'has confirmed that later this year, all installations will be completed across the entirety of Spain' but gave no firm date. However, they insisted Spain was 'far more advanced than France, Germany and the Netherlands and will be totally ready by the time the legislation is finally introduced'. Palma is 'fully prepared', they said, as is Murcia's Corvera airport. Tenerife South airport said that 'infrastructure is adapted and prepared in accordance with the requirements currently foreseen'. The port of Santander has been ready 'since October 2024'. On the right track Similarly, Eurostar said it was 'fully prepared and ready', but again, it is reliant on an IT system outside its control. The UK government said Eurostar will have 50 kiosks in three locations, while Eurotunnel will have 'more than 100 kiosks', estimating EES will add 'just over five minutes' to processing times. Dover will have 24 kiosks for coach passengers, and staff will register passengers in cars using tablets. UK nationals currently have patchy access to eGates on the continent, but the European Commission has confirmed 'there will be no legal barriers to eGates use' after the introduction of the EES. EES had been due to be followed six months later by another new system, Etias, a US-style Esta which will be required by all UK travellers aged 18 to 70 travelling to the EU. Again, the EU has altered its previous position, and is now saying Etias will follow 'in the last quarter of 2026'. The EU has said there will also be 'transitional and grace periods', but in a nutshell, most UK travellers will have to apply for their Etias online prior to departure and pay the €7 fee. Like Estas, Etias authorisations will be valid for three years. Continuing campaign Meanwhile, efforts to overcome a major Brexit setback, the ending of 'posted working provisions', have been renewed. Post-Brexit, UK businesses can no longer deploy seasonal workers like reps and chalet hosts in the EU while retaining them on UK payroll. Seasonal Businesses in Travel (SBiT) states overseas travel roles fell 69% after Brexit, but in 2021 it persuaded France's interior minister to let UK chalet staff work there by highlighting the potential effect on mountain areas – something it claims may have saved the UK ski industry. Last month, nearly 70 industry leaders signed a letter urging the UK to pursue youth mobility arrangements like those with Australia and other nations. A Westminster debate is scheduled for 25 July. However, following a summit convened last month to 'reset' the UK's relationship with the EU, the government said: 'We have agreed we will work towards a youth experience scheme' which will be 'time limited, on terms to be mutually agreed', with a limit on the number of participants. Abta wants workers to stay for three years, saying this will give businesses 'confidence and flexibility to plan operations beyond 12-month periods', arguing other schemes are up to three years. However, the recommendation from parliament's business and trade committee is the proposed youth experience scheme allows only one year 'with a limited number of participants' and is 'visa-based'. 'I'm hopeful both the EU and UK see the benefits of a youth mobility scheme,' said Charles Owen, SBiT managing director, who cautioned any deal would not arrive in time for next winter's ski season recruitment. SBiT believes the scheme will be limited to those aged 18-30, and Owen said he hoped visas would be for four years. Opening up the market One final thing may coincide with next year's Brexit anniversary. Since launching in 1994, Eurostar has enjoyed a monopoly on international ex-UK rail services, but this may end. One barrier to competition has been tighter post-Brexit border controls, but once EES and Etias are live, electronic border clearance will mean quicker passenger processing. Another has been accessing Eurostar's maintenance depot near London. Channel Tunnel trains are taller and wider than standard, which means they must use this unique facility. The UK's Office of Rail and Road ruled in April there was sufficient space for new entrants, adding this was a 'critical requirement for more operators to take on the route'. The third factor impeding competition has been the special types of trains used, but many European rail brands now have compatible rolling stock, so the door is open, with one potential entrant into the market being a resurrected Virgin Trains. Maria Cook, general manager of rail holiday specialist Ffestiniog Travel, said around 65% of its packages used Eurostar, and adding more competition 'would be good news for all'. 'Increased capacity, departures and potentially cheaper fares would make rail travel more appealing and affordable,' she said. 'Recent increases in services on the Madrid-Barcelona line have resulted in reduced fares.' If agreed, it will be a while before new services are running. Hopefully by then we will be experiencing seamless entry to Europe once again. Previous Article Blanket travel restrictions 'do more harm than good' – UNWTO Next Article Sail in Greece plans fleet expansion after making waves with the trade
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The major changes coming to the way Aussies travel to Europe in 2025 - what you need to know
Aussies planning a European vacation this year can expect to see a series of changes into the way they travel. New requirements such as fingerprinting and photographing upon arrival, as well as a new entry fee, are some of the new measures being rolled out across many European countries. Daily Mail Australia has put together a simple guide to help travellers stay informed and avoid any surprises before their next getaway. European Entry and Exit System A brand new European Entry and Exit System (EES) is set to be introduced in October this year. The EES will impact all non-European nationals, such as Australians, who are travelling in the Schengen Zone. The Schengen Zone is made up of 29 European countries that have removed internal border rules, which allows for visa-free travel between one another. It includes all 25 European Union member states, and four other countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The EES is a digital border, which requires all non-EU travelers to be fingerprinted and photographed before they can enter the country. The biometric data will be used if travellers return within three years. An exact start date for the EES is not yet confirmed. Schengen Area Entry Rules Australians can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, attending cultural or sports events, transit, official visits, medical treatment, short-term studies, or research. To enter, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area. Aussies should be sure to get their passport stamped upon arrival in their first Schengen country. An unclear or missing stamp could result in fines or detention. In some countries, you may also need to register your stay within three days of arrival. For detailed entry and exit requirements for each Schengen country, check the Smart Traveller website Information on temporary border controls is available on the European Commission website. Note that non-Schengen countries have separate entry rules. You can find up-to-date information by contacting the relevant embassy, high commission, or consulate. When to get a Visa Anyone planning a stay longer than 90 days in the Schengen Zone will need a visa. Travellers will need to apply from outside the country, through the embassy, high commission, or consulate of the country where they'll spend the most time, or the first country they will enter from if the stay length is the same. Visa rules apply to Australian passport holders. Dual nationals should check entry requirements for their other nationality. Find foreign embassies and consulates in Australia on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website. Changes coming in 2026 Starting in 2026, all visitors to Europe, including Australians, will need to apply for authorisation through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before entering. The ETIAS will cost the equivalent of $12 and will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Before entry is granted, travellers will undergo a security screening when visiting any participating European country.
Vancouver Sun
21-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Smartphone app could see physical passports stamped out for good
Canadians who miss getting their passports stamped at border control should brace for an even greater threat to travel nostalgia — no passports at all. Under plans proposed by the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization, those blue paper documents would be replaced by biometric data uploaded to a smartphone app. Instead of flashing a dodgy photo in a dog-eared booklet, travellers would have their digital 'faceprints' read by passport e-gates at airports and then compared with their actual face before they proceed. At many airports, e-gate technology reads the faceprint data on a biometric computer chip embedded in physical passports, but the new system would allow air passengers to rely solely on their phones. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. It's expected upgrading the world's airports to accommodate digital passports would take several years, but the system is being trialed in Dubai, where it's known as the digital travel credential. However, travellers still need to have their physical passports with them at all times. The system is expected to face opposition from those who do not wish to rely solely on smartphones for travel, including the elderly, the disabled and others who may struggle with cellphone technology. Replacing physical passports is expected to be at least two to three years away and would have to overcome national security fears. Robert Courts, a former United Kingdom aviation minister, told the Daily Telegraph: 'None of this would surprise me as a concept — and there is much to commend it, particularly for airlines outbound — but getting it to work, particularly for borders, is another matter.' Europe is already moving to phase out the physical stamping of passports, with travellers required to register with the Entry Exit System (EES) in which people have their passport details and biometrics, including facial scans and fingerprints, registered in advance of travel.
