The changes for those travelling abroad will come into force from next month
The questions are intended to ensure travellers won’t get into too much trouble abroad(Image: Getty Images)
Starting in October, UK tourists travelling to European destinations such as France and Spain will need to answer four questions correctly at the border. UK holidaymakers using the Eurostar out of the UK will be asked whether they have pre-booked accommodation, a return ticket, sufficient funds for their stay and medical insurance.
The changes are being made as the new Entry/Exit System (EES) is introduced from Sunday, October 12. From this date, the system will change to an automatic electronic monitoring and recording of border crossings of the Schengen Area.
The European Commission in Brussels informed UK newspaper The Independent that medical insurance is not a requirement for travellers entering the Schengen Area. However, the French Police aux Frontières are enforcing their country’s laws.
It says: “You must have an insurance certificate covering all medical and hospital expenses for which you may be liable for the duration of your stay in France, as well as medical repatriation costs and expenses in the event of death.”
Should the traveller answer “no” to any of these questions, a Police aux Frontières officer will be alerted. A passenger who does not fulfil all requirements may be denied entry.
Eurostar outlines the questions as follows:
- Do you have a place to stay?
- Do you have a return ticket?
- Do you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay (such as a credit card or cash)?
- Do you have medical insurance?
Passengers who are tempted to answer “Yes” untruthfully to any of the questions are warned: “Your answers are binding, you may be asked to provide proof.”
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A Government spokesperson said: “From 12 October, passengers who register for EES at a kiosk may need to answer a series of questions, including whether they have medical insurance. Medical insurance will not be a mandatory requirement for UK citizens travelling to the EU under EES.
“However, we strongly recommend that all passengers purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including medical cover, before travelling abroad.”
The rollout of the EES will be staggered, both at St Pancras and other ports across Europe. From October 12, only Eurostar and Carte Blanche customers will be asked to use the EES.
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