The new rules will apply in the Schengen area, which includes 29 countries
The new rules will apply in the Schengen area, which includes 29 countries
A new rule for UK tourists travelling to Europe will be introduced this week. From October 12, UK tourists in the European Union will need to comply with the new entry-exit scheme, or EES.
It means holidaymakers from the UK must scan their passport, have fingerprints and their photograph taken when entering EU countries. The EES is being introduced to replace passport stamping for all non-EU citizens.
The new rules will apply in the Schengen area, which includes 29 countries. EES is a new, automated system for collecting the personal data of nationals of countries that are not members of the European Union or the Schengen Area when they enter and exit the Schengen Area.
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The data will be gathered regardless of whether the traveller requires a visa or not. In practical terms, EES will enable electronic monitoring of each entry, exit and the length of stay of non-EU and non-Schengen nationals who cross the Schengen Area’s external borders.
The system will replace the current practise of manually stamping non-EU and non-Schengen passports. EES applies to nationals of countries that are not members of the European Union or the Schengen Area, whether they require a visa or not, and who are entering for a short stay (no more than 90 days within a total period of 180 days).
The EES kiosks in the Eurostar terminal at London St Pancras International are asking “Do you have medical insurance?”.
But travel experts insist this has been a requirement to enter France (but no other EU country) for many years, and has never been enforced for UK travellers.
The UK government insists: “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.”
For cruise passengers, the Home Office says: “Sailings that start and finish their journey outside of the Schengen area (for example, at a UK port) will generally be exempt from EES checks, including for any day trips into the Schengen area that are part of their itinerary.”