This includes a new visa system when heading to the European Union. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will be an automated IT system that registers travellers from third-countries, including those with short-stay visas and visa-exempt travellers, every time they cross an EU border.
The scheme, which has been delayed a few times, is now due to start on October 6 this year.
However, the EES system will not apply to all UK citizens.
According to the EU non-EU nationals will be exempt if they are:
Nationals of the European countries using the EES, as well as Croatia, Cyprus and Ireland
Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card and are immediately related to an EU national
Non-EU nationals who hold a residence card or a residence permit and are immediately related to a
non-EU national who can travel throughout Europe like an EU citizen
Non-EU nationals travelling to Europe as part of an intra-corporate transfer or for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au-pairing
Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino and holders of a passport issued by the Vatican City State or the Holy See
Those exempt from border checks or who have been granted certain privileges with respect to border checks (such as heads of state, cross-border workers, etc.)
Those not required to cross external borders solely at border crossing points and during fixed opening hours
Those holding a valid local border traffic permit
Crew members of passenger and goods trains on international connecting journeys
Those holding a valid Facilitated Rail Transit Document or valid Facilitated Transit Document, provided they travel by train and do not disembark anywhere within the territory of an EU Member State
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MaryThanks Mary, I will do that when it comes into effect.
MarySince when does that matter? Good job we left that mess. I do wonder why they don't moan about the very same thing in the US (and other places). But I reckon most Brits don't get out much (except to some British enclave in Spain for a week or 2) Which might help explain why they often assume it's a "Spanish" trap. After all, they're all "out to get us", 'cause we're so important.
MaryCan’t you tell Morgan that whilst you are having lunch ?
Morgan WilliamsIt's a so called trap that the UK fully approved and helped to develop when they were EU members!
Que Pasa?Your wife is exempt if she travels with you as I said before but why don't you write to the EU @ Europe Direct, print out their reply and then carry it with you when you travel.
*sigh* "EU visa travel trap". 🙄
And what about spouses who don't hold a residence card but are married to an EU national?
My Holy See passport will be very useful then.