THE introduction of the new entry system into Europe is looming for British travellers, and for anyone who is not prepared, there could be consequences.
Travel insurance experts at MoneySuperMarket are urging British holidaymakers to prepare for changes that could result in delays and even denied entry.
AlamyThe new visa system could cause a few issues for British travellers[/caption] AlamyA layover without an ETIAS could mean you can’t leave the airport[/caption]Soon, UK travellers will face the EU’s new entry-exit system (EES) at the border with a new visa system, ETIAS, being introduced next year.
The system will be introduced on October 12, 2025 with countries phasing in the new system right up to April 9, 2026.
ETIAS will be a travel requirement for Brits visiting 30 European countries, most of those in the Schengen Area.
For anyone not prepared for the upcoming changes, an expert at MoneySuperMarket has said it could cause serious travel disruptions.
Expert Alicia Hempsted has some of the biggest warnings to British travellers with some pitfalls falling outside the scope of basic travel insurance policies.
The first way travellers could be caught out is if their journey has a layover – even if they are only travelling through Europe to a non-EU country.
Alicia explained: “A layover in a Schengen Area country could still mean that you need an ETIAS if you’re looking to leave the airport on your stopover.
“If travellers aren’t aware of this, they could find themselves unexpectedly held up or denied entry.”
The Schengen Area is made up of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and border controls at their shared borders.
So if you’re travelling to a non-European or Schengen Area country but are stopping to pass through, you might still need an ETIAS, although this is yet to be officially confirmed.
AlamyBrits will have to apply for ETIAS to enter 30 European countries[/caption]With the ETIAS being similar to America’s ESTA – which is required for layovers – it is likely to also be needed.
Anyone with a criminal conviction from the past 10 years will need to declare it in a ETIAS application.
Alicia warned that “providing false or incomplete information can lead to instant refusal, as authorities cross-check details against security databases.”
Anyone sentenced to more than three years in prison, or convicted of trafficking or drug offences with over two years’ jail time, will be declined.
And being turned away at the border for this reason won’t usually qualify for a travel insurance payout.
Sadly, there have been reports of ETIAS scam websites that are already live.
Going to these can put holidaymakers at risk of both turned away from the country as well as credit card and even identity theft.
The Sun's Head of Travel explains what the EES means for you
THE Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot has explained everything you need to know about the upcoming EES.
The looming introduction of the long-delayed European Entry Exit System could lead to yet more pain for passengers leaving the UK.
The new system – designed to strengthen the European borders – will require every passenger to have their biometrics recorded.
Every traveller will have to scan their passport and have a facial biometric before providing prints from the four fingers on their right hand.
Children under 12 will have to do the biometric but will not have to have their fingerprints taken.
All will then have to answer four questions about their reason for travel.
Both fingerprints and facial biometrics will be required the first time a traveller uses the system, and then just one of the two for every subsequent trip.
Then every three years you’ll be expected to go through the full process again.
While airports across Europe have the space to add this additional process it is still going to add a huge amount of extra time to the customs checks.
Although it will remove the need to have stamps in your passport, everything will still need to be checked either by a border officer or an e-gate.
Where things could get really bad are at ports like Dover – where there are significant space constraints and multiple individuals will be travelling together in cars and coaches.
Both Eurostar and Le Shuttle have invested millions in new facilities to process passengers but it is almost inevitable that the first few months of the system could lead to lengthy delays as we all get used to the new system.
Travel insurance won’t cover losses from applying through a scam site, but it can offer protection if your trip is disrupted as a result.
Alicia has suggested that travellers should consider insurance before travelling.
Insurance policies start from £2.12 and offer protection against trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage.
EES will be an automated system for registering travellers from non-EU countries when they cross the EU’s external borders.
The scheme is being introduced to digitise border crossings across the Schengen Area.
Alongside this, the ETIAS is a new travel requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries who plan to visit the Schengen Area in Europe.
Brits will need to apply for these when the system is rolled out between October and December 2026.
Set to cost €7 and last three years, there are fears it could rise to €20 to recoup EU costs.
Here are the passport rules you need to know now to stop your summer holidays being ruined.
Plus, Brits face new £185 visa fee when visiting the US under new rules.
AlamySome travellers could be turned away at the gate[/caption]Hence then, the article about brits face being banned from their flights when new europe visa launches due to confusing new rules was published today ( ) and is available on The Sun ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Brits face being banned from their flights when new Europe visa launches due to confusing new rules )
Also on site :