European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) Visas

nortada

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Understand that the ETIAS has yet to be introduced but it is likely later this year (2025)❓

As all UK travellers to the EU, will require a visa before entering, has a firm implementation date been announced❓
 
Understand that the ETIAS has yet to be introduced but it is likely later this year (2025)❓

As all UK travellers to the EU, will require a visa before entering, has a firm implementation date been announced❓
ETIAS website pretty non-committal. Just "not in the first half of 2025"............notification "several months prior to launch".....

Hopefully its going to be a while longer......

Asked about it, whilst obtaining this year's French long-stay visa. Received a shrug.
 
Came in through Faro the other night. The EES machines are still in their wrappers dotted around the airport as they have been for months. One change I did notice was the appearance of camera boxes/towers next to the passport control booths. So there is a slight move in the direction of it being activated/introduced but not much.
 
As residents we should be exempt from the requirement I'm told. But who knows how they will interpret the rules in Portugal.
 
Wonder if an ETAIS Visa will be needed on top of the French Visa de Long Sejour (VLS-T)? Biometrics (photo & fingerprints) are collected for the VLS-T (although I’ve only had my finger prints checked for a match, at the border post, once since B-day). So, maybe, a VLS-T on its own would suffice?

The mention of a ‘ phased roll out,’ makes me think (hope!) that full implementation may take a while. Fingers crossed!

ETIAS could make things easier, for cruisers, IF it means ‘self check in/out and IF the required kit is installed beyond Ports of Entry. A few IF’s in there though……

EDIT…..and, in case of irregularities, I suppose a person with the authority (and means) to detain a miscreant is required……
 
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As residents we should be exempt from the requirement I'm told. But who knows how they will interpret the rules in Portugal.

Filed away somewhere, I have an email reply from Europe Direct stating those of us with biometric residence cards are exempt as photo and prints already recorded. I anticipate more of a problem with jobsworths at flight gates refusing boarding.
 
Does it matter? 90 in 180 still applies, surely? What is to celebrate? Puzzled.
Not having to queue up for 2 hours to get your passport scrutinized and stamped.

It will however make arrival by yacht harder as, contrary to the RYA's note saying they'll be at every marina, the one's in use so far are 2m tall and weigh about 100kg.
 
Suspect that ‘private’ entry by boat is going to remain via the ferry ports. Who have the necessary kit; and the personnel authorised to deal with the situation, in the event of irregularities being spotted. Up to, and including, detention. Which it is hard to see marina desk staff being willing or able to cope with.

Main difference is going to be that a visa is required, even for stays below the 90 day limit. I’m assuming, for now, that, for those of us who visit on long stay visas, these will suffice.
 
I think the basic problem with implementation is that machines cannot think, so are incapable of dealing with the many interacting anomalies that would need super sophisticated software to remain logical. For instance, the significant, but still rather small percentage of non-EU citizens with long stay visas or residence status that are already in EU member states but are honour bound not to overstay beyond 90/180 limit. Non detectable.

For instance I once worked in Luxembourg for about three years where a person only needed to go for a long walk before entering Belgium, Germany or France. How to deal with Benelux or the Skandinavian Area etc. Can you even imagine a beaurocrat systrm being happy with situations they have no control over. The nightmare of a collection of seperate states pretending to be federal country. The software writer to implement that has not been born yet. Just my opinion while being a resident of Sweden.
 
Check your e mail in box / junk folder (where mine ended up) for an invite to

HOME OFFICE FUTURE BORDER AND IMMIGRATION SYSTEMS – ETA & EVISA AWARENESS SESSION

On Teams, Mon 24.3.25. Which I’m taking to be the Brit equivalent to EES & ETIAS. Invites to registered users of the Border Force & HMRC, small craft, on line, entry / exit system.
 
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Check your e mail in box / junk folder (where mine ended up) for an invite to



On Teams, Mon 24.3.25. Which I’m taking to be the Brit equivalent to EES & ETIAS. Invites to registered users of the Border Force & HMRC, small craft, on line, entry / exit system.
My email came in late Friday afternoon
A bit of the email text -

From the 8th January 2024, all non-European national visitors require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to or transit through the UK. On 5th March 2025, the ETA scheme was expanded to eligible European nationals, who are now able to apply for an ETA and will need one to travel to or transit through the UK from 2nd April 2025. This means that by April 2025 all non-visa national visitors who do not need a visa will need an ETA.
The UK border and immigration system is becoming digital, this means the way that those who have physical immigration documents can prove their immigration status is changing. Biometric Residency Permits and physical documents are being replaced by eVisas.
This event is aimed at skippers, operators and agents within the General Maritime sector to understand the new requirements as the ETA and eVisa rollout continues and are prepared for these changes, this session will provide:
• An overview of the UK Electronic Travel authorisation (ETA) including who needs one and when
• An overview of eVisa including who needs one and when
• UPT Digital Permission Checks
• An opportunity to ask any questions you may have
 
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