EES and Etias: How new EU border changes will affect you

New digital border controls are set to begin for visitors to the Schengen zone on November 10, 2024. The changes will impact many people travelling into France from all non-EU countries.

The new system, called the European Entry-Exit System (EES), involves the collection of fingerprints and other biometric data. It is intended to remove passport stamping for non-EU/EEA/Swiss visitors to the Schengen area and to keep a closer check on who is in the area and that visitors respect, if relevant, the rule of not staying more than 90 days in any 180-day period.

In addition Britons, Americans and other non-EU people who live in France (or other Schengen countries) should, however, be aware of the changes and potential impacts. Families with under-18s may have to complete new travel formalities.

This guide reviews the EES process and also ‘Etias’, a second new measure expected to launch around May 2025. Etias will concern essentially the same people and will involve an online application (plus a fee) for pre-approval to visit the Schengen area.

Both EES and Etias concern those who are nationals of countries that do not benefit from EU free movement rights and who do not live in the EU.

Contents include:

• How the new border controls will work 
• Who will need to register in EES
• What will change for visitors
• The questions travellers may be asked
• Changes for second-home owners
• Changes for residents in France
• Ports, airports and stations are preparing
• EU phone app hits IT issues
• What is Etias and who will it affect?
• Questions and answers
• Glossary and list of countries affected

The guide is published in 100% digital and downloadable PDF format

The guide is 17 pages long

*IMPORTANT NOTICE

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The information in this guide is of a general nature, it is not advice which if needed can be sought by instructing a professional on the specifics of your situation.

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