Latest news with #LukePetherbridge
TTG
2 days ago
- Business
- TTG
Abta to host conference call with government to help prepare members for new EU border rules
ABTA is working closely with officials in the EU and UK to establish how EES will operate and what it will mean for UK travel businesses and their customers. The conference call will be an opportunity to share that insight with members as they prepare for implementation on 12th October. The 29 countries involved in EES will have the option to adopt a phased approach, building up to being fully operational by 10 April 2026. The call will take place on Tuesday 9th September 2025, between 11am and 12pm. Members can register to attend the call through the link provided in the ABTA MemberZone - EES/ETIAS – information for members | ABTA Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs at ABTA – The Travel Association said: 'After a false start in autumn last year, the EU has confirmed that EES will start on 12th October, but with a phased approach. We're keen members have the opportunity to hear from the UK Government experts involved in EES on how the phased implementation will work, so that they are able to advise their staff, make any operational changes needed and support their customers. 'As EES is going to launch in a way that is quite different to how it was originally planned, even if members have attended previous ABTA sessions on EES, it's important they also come along to this one as some of the information is different.'
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Scots face stricter EU border checks under new rules
UK airline, ferry and rail passengers will also face fingerprint and facial scans when crossing borders under a new entry/exit system (EES) for arrivals into the European Union come October 12. Passport stamps for non-EU citizens will be replaced by biometric checks as the scheme is set to be rolled out over six months, with full implementation expected by April 2026. The UK is no longer a member of the European Union, ever since England and Wales voted to back Brexit in 2016. A majority of voters in Scotland voted to stay in Europe. Under the new rules, those who refuse to provide biometric data could be denied entry to the EU and dedicated booths are set to be installed across airports, train stations and ports for visitors to provide the data. According to reports from The Independent, alongside the provision of biometric data, tourists from the UK could be expected to confirm select details of their trip, such as proof of accommodation, medical insurance, financial stability for the duration of the stay and a return or onward ticket. Questions will be answered at automated kiosks, but 'no' responses may prompt referrals to border officers for human checks. Agents have been able to ask such questions from British passport holders since Brexit, but many have only challenged select passengers. However, this may change when the new scheme launches in the autumn. Director of public affairs at the travel trade body Abta, Luke Petherbridge, told The Independent: 'More people are going to be asked these questions in the future than were in the past because most EES checks will be done at a kiosk. 'Its primary function is digitising the border. If you were to answer one of these questions in a way that you know wasn't aligned with the answer they were looking for, you would be sent to a border guard. You wouldn't necessarily be denied entry.' A record of any provided biometric data will be valid for three years. The new system was originally supposed to be implemented in November 2023, but concerns over long queues saw the rollout postponed. The UK Government has already warned tourists to prepare for long waits during busy periods when the scheme officially launches. EU officials have said the changes will lead to a reduction in illegal immigration and help strengthen border security. A new travel authorisation system is also set to be introduced in 2026 alongside the new EES checks. The new authorisation process will mean UK tourists must apply for authorisation to enter the Schengen area, which covers 29 countries including popular holiday destinations like Spain, Greece, Germany and France. Under this process, passengers must pay a €20 fee and provide personal information, as well as details about their travel plans. Post-Brexit rules already limit UK residents to maximum stays of 90 days within 180-day periods, unless an individual has EU residency or work rights. A UK Government spokesperson told The Independent that questions asked by EU border agents are 'not new' and that the Government had been 'working closely' with member states and travel industry figures to ensure EES 'registration is simple for anyone travelling to the Schengen area'.
The National
3 days ago
- The National
UK tourists facing stricter EU border checks under new rules
Airline, ferry and rail passengers will also face fingerprint and facial scans when crossing borders under a new entry/exit system (EES) for arrivals into the European Union come October 12. Passport stamps for non-EU citizens will be replaced by biometric checks as the scheme is set to be rolled out over six months, with full implementation expected by April 2026. READ MORE: 'New normal': Climate campaigners sound alarm over Arthur's Seat blaze Those who refuse to provide biometric data could be denied entry to the EU and dedicated booths are set to be installed across airports, train stations and ports for visitors to provide the data. According to reports from The Independent, alongside the provision of biometric data, tourists from the UK could be expected to confirm select details of their trip, such as proof of accommodation, medical insurance, financial stability for the duration of the stay and a return or onward ticket. Questions will be answered at automated kiosks, but 'no' responses may prompt referrals to border officers for human checks. Agents have been able to ask such questions from British passport holders since Brexit, but many have only challenged select passengers. However, this may change when the new scheme launches in the autumn. Director of public affairs at the travel trade body Abta, Luke Petherbridge, told The Independent: 'More people are going to be asked these questions in the future than were in the past because most EES checks will be done at a kiosk. 'Its primary function is digitising the border. If you were to answer one of these questions in a way that you know wasn't aligned with the answer they were looking for, you would be sent to a border guard. You wouldn't necessarily be denied entry.' A record of any provided biometric data will be valid for three years. The new system was originally supposed to be implemented in November 2023, but concerns over long queues saw the rollout postponed. The UK Government has already warned tourists to prepare for long waits during busy periods when the scheme officially launches. EU officials have said the changes will lead to a reduction in illegal immigration and help strengthen border security. A new travel authorisation system is also set to be introduced in 2026 alongside the new EES checks. READ MORE: Special legal protection announced for two Scottish shipwreck sites The new authorisation process will mean UK tourists must apply for authorisation to enter the Schengen area, which covers 29 countries including popular holiday destinations like Spain, Greece, Germany and France. Under this process, passengers must pay a €20 fee and provide personal information, as well as details about their travel plans. Post-Brexit rules already limit UK residents to maximum stays of 90 days within 180-day periods, unless an individual has EU residency or work rights. A UK Government spokesperson told The Independent that questions asked by EU border agents are 'not new' and that the government had been 'working closely' with member states and travel industry figures to ensure EES 'registration is simple for anyone travelling to the Schengen area'.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Date that strict rules for Brit holidaymakers heading to Euro hols hotspots will come into force revealed
A DATE has been announced for when new strict rules for Brit holidaymakers heading to Europe will come into force. The EU will soon demand Brits show certain documentation under the strict new border rules set to be introduced within weeks. 2 The new scheme involves a digitised entry/exit scheme in Europe Credit: Alamy 2 It's introduction is expected to bring delays at European airports Credit: AP:Associated Press A new scheme to start from October 12 will require Britons to provide proof of medical insurance, a return or onward, and accommodation before getting through the European border, The Times has revealed. It includes people travelling by ferry or plane who will need to be ready to show this information through the digital system for arrivals. Non-EU citizens will also have to have their fingerprints and photographs taken the first time they use it. Automated kiosks, with the new entry/exit system (EES), will be at most airport and ferry terminals where passengers can complete the process. The EES will flag any arrivals it deems may be overstaying. Additionally, if unable to deliver on any of the requirements, a border officer is can be expected to ask questions and has the power to refuse entry. Post-Brexit rules mean Britons without the right to work or reside in the EU can only stay in Europe for 90 days over a 180-day period. Launch of the scheme has seen some delay to October this year, which was a date set last month. It included plans abandoned for it to be introduced in November last year, after France raised concerns of "civil unrest" at crowded borders. The delay has enabled more time for officials in Brussels implementing the scheme to prepare, with its introduction to come in phases. Thousands of Brits Face Travel Chaos as European Flight Cancellations Surge The Times still report fears of long queues, confusion among passengers and likely problems arising as the system starts out. Each country will have the system in operation at one border point for the first month, which will eventually increase. It is expected the system will be fully in operation by April 10 next year throughout the 29 European countries it is covering. Senior figures in the travel industry are still uncertain how the system will work exactly. This is despite work on the new digital system having started in 2016. Director of public affairs at Abta, Luke Petherbridge, said: 'Its primary function is digitising the border. "If you were to answer one of these questions in a way that you know wasn't aligned with the answer they were looking for, you would be sent to a border guard. "You wouldn't necessarily be denied entry.' He expects more people to be questioned at the border due to EES checks being done at kiosks. The EES will also replace passports being stamped, making it easier for border officers to monitor compliance with lengths of stay with an automatic count produced. People who are detected breaching terms of the Brexit agreement will be rejected. Those travelling by cross-Channel ferries, Eurostar, or Le Shuttle into the continent will complete the EES checks in the UK, due to French border processes being carried out before departure. 106 kiosks have been installed at Folkestone, Getlink, which runs the Channel tunnel. And old dock has been created at Dover to provide a new processing area that is said to be the size of five football pitches. Brussels is also said to be developing a mobile app, which will allow people to upload their pictures and answer questions prior to arriving at the border point. Countries will be able to opt into this capability. Additionally, the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is expected to begin in late 2026. This will require British citizens without a visa or residency permit of the EU to apply for a €20 waiver before travelling into the zone. It will be valid for three years, similar to the US Esta. Changes are expected to be announced by the Home Office through a public information campaign to inform travellers. According to one spokeswoman, border agents could already start asking for evidence from British passport holders. She said: 'The government has been working closely with the European Commission, member states, local authorities and the travel industry to prepare ports for EES, and we are supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is simple for anyone travelling to the Schengen area.'
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Date that strict rules for Brit holidaymakers heading to Euro hols hotspots will come into force revealed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DATE has been announced for when new strict rules for Brit holidaymakers heading to Europe will come into force. The EU will soon demand Brits show certain documentation under the strict new border rules set to be introduced within weeks. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The new scheme involves a digitised entry/exit scheme in Europe Credit: Alamy 2 It's introduction is expected to bring delays at European airports Credit: AP:Associated Press A new scheme to start from October 12 will require Britons to provide proof of medical insurance, a return or onward, and accommodation before getting through the European border, The Times has revealed. It includes people travelling by ferry or plane who will need to be ready to show this information through the digital system for arrivals. Non-EU citizens will also have to have their fingerprints and photographs taken the first time they use it. Automated kiosks, with the new entry/exit system (EES), will be at most airport and ferry terminals where passengers can complete the process. The EES will flag any arrivals it deems may be overstaying. Additionally, if unable to deliver on any of the requirements, a border officer is can be expected to ask questions and has the power to refuse entry. Post-Brexit rules mean Britons without the right to work or reside in the EU can only stay in Europe for 90 days over a 180-day period. Launch of the scheme has seen some delay to October this year, which was a date set last month. It included plans abandoned for it to be introduced in November last year, after France raised concerns of "civil unrest" at crowded borders. The delay has enabled more time for officials in Brussels implementing the scheme to prepare, with its introduction to come in phases. Thousands of Brits Face Travel Chaos as European Flight Cancellations Surge The Times still report fears of long queues, confusion among passengers and likely problems arising as the system starts out. Each country will have the system in operation at one border point for the first month, which will eventually increase. It is expected the system will be fully in operation by April 10 next year throughout the 29 European countries it is covering. Senior figures in the travel industry are still uncertain how the system will work exactly. This is despite work on the new digital system having started in 2016. Director of public affairs at Abta, Luke Petherbridge, said: 'Its primary function is digitising the border. "If you were to answer one of these questions in a way that you know wasn't aligned with the answer they were looking for, you would be sent to a border guard. "You wouldn't necessarily be denied entry.' He expects more people to be questioned at the border due to EES checks being done at kiosks. The EES will also replace passports being stamped, making it easier for border officers to monitor compliance with lengths of stay with an automatic count produced. People who are detected breaching terms of the Brexit agreement will be rejected. Those travelling by cross-Channel ferries, Eurostar, or Le Shuttle into the continent will complete the EES checks in the UK, due to French border processes being carried out before departure. 106 kiosks have been installed at Folkestone, Getlink, which runs the Channel tunnel. And old dock has been created at Dover to provide a new processing area that is said to be the size of five football pitches. Brussels is also said to be developing a mobile app, which will allow people to upload their pictures and answer questions prior to arriving at the border point. Countries will be able to opt into this capability. Additionally, the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is expected to begin in late 2026. This will require British citizens without a visa or residency permit of the EU to apply for a €20 waiver before travelling into the zone. It will be valid for three years, similar to the US Esta. Changes are expected to be announced by the Home Office through a public information campaign to inform travellers. According to one spokeswoman, border agents could already start asking for evidence from British passport holders. She said: 'The government has been working closely with the European Commission, member states, local authorities and the travel industry to prepare ports for EES, and we are supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is simple for anyone travelling to the Schengen area.'
