New Travel Documentation Requirements for the UK and EU
(4 minute read)
Traveling to the UK and Europe just got a little more complicated—or maybe not, depending on how you look at it. As countries roll out new systems aimed at boosting security and efficiency, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Well, I've been through it myself, so let me break it down.
United Kingdom: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The UK launched its ETA system for visitors from visa-exempt countries on January 8, 2025 for non-European nationals like Americans, Canadians, and Australians. Eligible European nationals could start applying for an ETA from March 5, 2025, with it becoming mandatory for travel to the UK from April 2, 2025.
I experienced it first-hand when I traveled to Scotland two weeks ago, and honestly, it was smoother than I expected.
My Experience with the UK ETA
I used the UK ETA app (Download it here for iOS and Android). It felt surprisingly streamlined. The whole thing took me less than 20 minutes, which was way faster than the official estimate of three working days.
Here's how it went:
Download the app: Straightforward enough. I downloaded the UK ETA app and fired it up.
Fill out details: Provided my info, snapped a photo of my passport, and took a selfie—no filter, just trying to look like I hadn’t been up late packing.
Answer security questions: They asked about past crimes, terrorism involvement, immigration violations—just your usual light interrogation.
Pay the £10 fee: Simple and quick, just like any other online transaction.
Wait for approval: And by “wait,” I mean check my email ten minutes later to find I was already approved. And that was that!
But if apps aren't your thing, you can also apply online through the Official UK Government Website. The process is similar—fill out your details, answer the same security questions, pay the fee, and wait for approval. From what I’ve heard, it’s just as efficient, though I personally found the app experience super convenient.
The ETA is valid for multiple entries over two years or until your passport expires. And if you’re Irish or have an existing UK visa, you’re in the clear—no need for this extra step.
European Union: EES and ETIAS Are Coming
But the UK isn’t the only one stepping up its entry process. Europe is rolling out two systems—EES and ETIAS—that aim to make travel more secure and efficient.
What About EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is officially scheduled to commence operations in October 2025. It’s all about making sure everyone’s entries and exits are logged accurately, replacing those old-school passport stamps with digital records.
Purpose: Better tracking of who enters and leaves the Schengen Area.
How It Works: Biometric data (like fingerprints and facial images) will be collected at entry and exit points.
Impact: Faster border checks and better security for everyone.
Here's the official info: Revised Timeline for EES and ETIAS.
What’s ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026, approximately a year after the implementation of the EES. It’s essentially Europe’s answer to the UK’s ETA. If you’re visiting the Schengen Area from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need to apply online before your trip.
Application Process: Similar to the UK ETA, but with a few extra steps: filling out personal details, travel info, answering security questions, and verifying your identity.
Cost: Around €7 for travelers aged between 18 and 70.
Validity: Three years or until your passport expires.
Why? To screen travelers before they arrive, enhancing security without causing too much hassle.
And just like with the UK ETA, you’ll be able to apply through an official website or dedicated app when ETIAS goes live.
You can read more about it here: ETIAS FAQs.
Disclaimer: The launch date for ETIAS is subject to change, and it’s recommended to keep an eye on official EU travel resources for the latest updates.
Get With The Times
The new systems sound complicated, but if my experience with the UK ETA is any indication, it’s mostly about getting organized before your trip. EES and ETIAS are expected to follow the same principle—enhance security without making things painful for travelers.
I’ll admit, the ETA process was surprisingly easy, and if EES and ETIAS can pull off something similar, travel to Europe might just become smoother than ever. So, if you're planning a trip, make sure you're prepared.
Have you tried out the UK ETA or are you gearing up for EES or ETIAS? Drop your experiences or concerns in the comments below!
