There are some important changes regarding entry procedures for Europe and the U.K. Starting soon, travelers will need to be aware of three new systems: the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), and the Entry/Exit System (EES).
NOTICE: UK travel authorizations will be required effective January 8th.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): The U.K. is rolling out the ETA scheme to enhance border security by requiring travelers to provide biometric details and additional information. This digital authorization, linked to the applicant’s passport, will replace the existing Electronic Visa Waiver Scheme and will be extended to travelers from Europe and the U.S. The ETA will be required for short stays and transits, but not for Irish nationals or those with existing visas or permissions.
Before you start
You need:
the passport you will travel with - not a photocopy or digital passport
access to your emails
a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
You will need to upload or take photos of the:
passport
face of the person applying
You do not need to enter your travel details.
Visit this link for more details, application and link to the App: Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): The EU is introducing ETIAS by mid-2025 to strengthen border security by digitally screening travelers from non-EU countries. This system will apply to Schengen area countries, EFTA members, and certain microstates. ETIAS is a visa-waiver system requiring a €7 fee and additional security checks. It will be mandatory for citizens of countries that currently do not need a visa to enter the EU.
In a Nutshell:
"ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, 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. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions."
It is linked to a traveler’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.
Your ETIAS check-list
Apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance – before you buy your ticket or book your accommodation
Make sure your passport details correspond to those in your ETIAS authorisation – you will be refused boarding and entry at the border if they do not match
Make sure your ETIAS travel authorisation is still valid
Check how long you can stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS
Make sure your passport is valid for three months after your intended departure from the European countries requiring ETIAS - you will be refused entry at the border if it is not (exceptions apply).
For more information visit the links below:
Entry/Exit System (EES): As of November 10, the EES will automate the registration of non-EU nationals each time they cross an external EU border. This system will replace manual passport stamping, providing more accurate data on border crossings and helping to detect overstays. The EES will require biometric passports and will record personal and travel information.
Contact your Tangerine Travel Account Manager if you need additional assistance.
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