How are the entry requirements to the EU and UK changing?

You may have heard that entry requirements for both the EU and the UK are changing. While these changes are rolling out,  we are working hard to ease the transition for our customers. Here’s what you need to know now.

New checks at the EU's borders

The EU is bringing in two new border management systems. The first is the Entry Exit System (EES), which will register all non-EU nationals entering 29 countries for a short stay. This will include biometric checks such as facial imaging and fingerprints. 

When EES begins, Stena Line passengers entering the EU at the Hook of Holland and Cherbourg will face new checks (non-EU passengers) and longer disembarking times (all passengers). 

Find out more on the  Entry Exit System (EES) European Union website

Entering Europe for a short stay

The second change is the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). If you are from a visa-exempt non-EU country such as the UK, you will have to apply for ETIAS authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. 

Please note:

• A short stay is defined as up to 90 days within any 180-day period.  
• There will be a small fee to apply.  If you are under 18 years of age, or if you are over 70 years of age, you will not have to pay the fee.
• ETIAS authorisation will last for three years, or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. 
• It is your responsibility to apply for ETIAS.  You will be able to do this online at europa.eu/etias once the scheme begins.
• You will not need ETIAS authorisation to enter Ireland. This is because Ireland is not in the Schengen Area and does not require ETIAS authorisation to enter. However, you may still need a visa depending on your nationality.

You don’t have to do anything now except be aware of these upcoming changes. When the system is live, we will let you know how and where you can apply. This information will be on the FAQ section of our website and included in your pre-travel emails.

Find out more on the ETIAS European Union website

Entering the UK for a short stay

Entry requirements for visitors to the UK are also changing. If you don’t need a visa and you are travelling for a short stay of less than six months, you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

For example, EU citizens travelling to the UK for a two-week holiday will need to apply for an ETA before they travel.

Please note: 

• It is your responsibility to apply for ETA.  You will be able to do this online or using the ETA app once the scheme begins.
• There will be a small fee to apply. 
• An ETA permits you to travel to the UK multiple times over two years, or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
• Due to the Common Travel Area, Irish citizens will not need an ETA to enter the UK.
• Other visa-exempt nationalities travelling to the UK from Ireland will need an ETA, unless they can prove they are legally resident in Ireland.

The UK has confirmed that Non-Europeans needing an ETA will require one for UK travel starting 2 January 2025 and can apply now.  European visitors will need one from 2 April 2025 and can apply from 5 March 2025. 

Find out more and apply

Changes to entering the UK: Immigration documents

The UK is moving from physical immigration documents to a new online record called an eVisa. This means visa holders who currently use any of the following will need to make the switch:

• biometric residence permits (BRPs)
• passports with visa vignette stickers / ink stamps
•  biometric residence cards (BRCs)

If this affects you, it's time to take action. You'll need to switch from your physical immigration document to an eVisa at www.gov.uk/eVisa. If you have a BRP, make sure to do this before it expires on 31 March 2025. It's completely free to switch, it won't change your permission to enter or stay in the UK, and you can use an old permit to set up an eVisa after 31 December 2024.