The introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) marks a key change for UK schools organising trips to Europe. As a result of Brexit, UK citizens are now considered non-EU nationals when travelling to the EU. This means all pupils and staff must comply with the new system, which affects how they enter and exit EU countries. Here's what you need to know to ensure smooth and hassle-free school trips.

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What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES is a new digital system that records non-EU nationals' entry and exit to and from EU countries. Instead of stamping passports, the system collects biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images. The goal is to strengthen border security, track visa compliance, and make border crossings faster and more efficient. This new system will impact how UK schools organise trips to the EU.

The EU has set a target date if 10 November 2024 for the ESS to go live.

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When Does the EES Come into Force?

The EES is expected to be fully operational in 2024. Schools planning trips to the EU from that point onwards must ensure that all travellers, including pupils and staff, are prepared for these new requirements. It's important to stay updated with any changes to the timeline and start planning for compliance ahead of time.

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How Will the EES Work During Border Checks?

When travelling to the EU, pupils and staff will encounter a new process at border control. Here's how the EES will work:

• First-time entry into the EU: The system will record each traveller’s personal information, travel document details (passport), biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry. This replaces the need for passport stamps.
• Subsequent entries: For future trips, border control will check the previously recorded data to verify identity and confirm that no visa rules have been broken (such as overstaying the 90 days within a 180-day period).
• Exit checks: When leaving the EU, the system will record the date and place of exit, helping authorities ensure that travellers have not overstayed their permitted stay.

Schools should expect slightly longer wait times during these border checks, particularly when entering the EU for the first time under the new system.

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The above process is largely based on travelling to EU countries via an airport. if travelling via the Port of Dover or Eurostar, hen these checks will happen when going through the passport control in the UK, on your departure. However, you won’t need to do these checks again when you arrive on the other side.

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How the EES Affects School Trips

Non-EU Nationals Requirement:

All UK citizens, including pupils and staff on school trips, will need to comply with the EES. This means biometric data will be collected when crossing EU borders, replacing the need for passport stamps. Pupils and staff will need to provide fingerprints and have a facial image taken when entering and leaving the EU.

Practical Considerations for School Trips:

• Passports: Ensure all passports are valid and in good condition, as the biometric data will be linked to these documents.
• Border Delays: Expect additional time at border control due to the extra biometric checks. Plan for this in your trip schedule.
• Multi-Country Trips: If your trip involves multiple EU countries, ensure you have the correct permissions for re-entry.

What Schools Need to Do: Ensuring Compliance

To make sure your school trip goes smoothly, here are some key steps:

• Check Passport Validity: All pupils and staff should have passports with at least six months’ validity beyond the trip date.
• Inform Parents: Keep parents updated about the new system and what their children need to have in place for the trip.
• Work with Travel Providers: Speak to your travel provider early to ensure all documentation and requirements are in order.
• Extra Time at Borders: Plan for longer waiting times at EU borders and factor this into your travel arrangements.

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The ETIAS Scheme: What Schools Need to Know

The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) scheme, originally scheduled for 2024, has been postponed and is now expected to come into force in 2025, but no exact date has been set. This pre-travel authorisation will be required for UK travellers and other non-EU nationals visiting EU countries within the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days). It is not a visa but acts as a security check before entry.

Once the system is operational, all school groups travelling from the UK will need to apply for ETIAS online for each pupil and staff member. The application process is straightforward and involves submitting personal information, passport details, and answering some security questions. The cost will be around €7 per traveller, and the authorisation will be valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires.

When implemented, travellers will be able to apply for an ETIAS by the official website – www.europa.eu/etias.

Schools planning trips in 2025 and beyond should ensure they apply for ETIAS in advance to avoid any travel disruptions, once the ETIAS scheme is officially launched.

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How ETIAS Works:

• Pre-Travel Authorisation: Before travelling to EU countries, pupils and staff will need to apply for ETIAS online. This authorisation will be linked to each traveller's passport and will be valid for multiple trips over a period of three years, or until the passport expires.
• Application Process: The application will require personal details, passport information, and answers to some security questions. Most applications will be approved within minutes, though some may take up to 96 hours.
• Cost: There will be a small fee for the ETIAS application, which will need to be paid for each traveller (pupils and staff).

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Conclusion: Smooth School Trips with the New System

While the new EES introduces some changes, with proper preparation, your school trips to Europe can still run smoothly. Stay informed, plan ahead, and work with travel providers to ensure compliance with the new system. We’re here to help guide you through these changes and make sure your trips remain an exciting and educational experience for pupils.

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FAQs: The EU Entry/Exit System and Your School Trip

1. What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)? The EES is a new system that records entry and exit details of non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, when they travel to EU countries. It replaces passport stamps with biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images to streamline border control and enhance security.

2. When will the EES come into force? The EES is expected to be operational in 2024. From this point onward, all UK schools planning trips to the EU will need to comply with the new rules.

3. Will all pupils and staff need to provide biometric data when travelling to the EU? Yes, all non-EU nationals, including UK pupils and staff, will need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) at border control when entering and leaving EU countries.

4. Will the EES apply to all countries in the EU? Yes, the EES applies to all EU countries that are part of the Schengen Area, which includes most European Union nations but excludes countries like Ireland. Check if your school trip destination is within the Schengen Area.

5. Will we need to allow extra time for border crossings on school trips? Yes, the EES requires biometric checks, so crossing EU borders will likely take longer, especially if you're travelling with a large group. Schools should factor in extra time when planning itineraries.

6. Should pupils and staff enrol in the EES before travelling? No, there is no need to enrol in the system beforehand. Biometric data will be collected at the EU border upon entry and exit.

7. What happens if someone’s passport is close to expiry? Ensure all passports have at least six months’ validity beyond your trip date. The EES system links biometric data to passport details, so it's crucial that all passports are valid for the entire trip.

8. Will the EES impact school trips with multiple stops in the EU? Yes, if your school trip involves multiple entries into EU countries within the Schengen Area, the EES will track each entry and exit. Ensure your travel documents are in order and you have the necessary permissions for multi-entry trips.

9. What should schools communicate to parents about the EES? Schools should inform parents that the EES requires biometric data collection for all pupils and staff when travelling to EU countries. Passports need to be valid and up to date, and parents should be aware of the new system to avoid any issues during travel.

10. How can we prepare for the EES as a school? Schools should:

• Ensure all pupils and staff have valid passports.
• Allow extra time for border crossings due to the biometric checks.
• Work closely with your travel provider to ensure compliance with EES regulations and avoid any last-minute issues at the border.

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ETIAS FAQs

1. What is the ETIAS scheme? ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new pre-travel authorisation required for non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, to enter most EU countries. It will come into effect in 2025 and will be a requirement for all non-EU citizens travelling to the EU.

2. Do all pupils and staff need to apply for ETIAS? Yes, all pupils and staff on school trips to the EU will need to apply for ETIAS authorisation (unless EU nationals). This is a mandatory requirement for non-EU nationals, including UK citizens.

3. How do we apply for ETIAS? The ETIAS application process is done online. Each traveller will need to provide their personal details, passport information, and answer security-related questions. The application is linked to the traveller's passport, and most approvals are given within minutes.

4. How much does ETIAS cost? There is a small fee for ETIAS (currently listed around €7 per person), which must be paid for each individual traveller. The fee will cover a three-year period or until the passport expires.

5. How far in advance should we apply for ETIAS? Schools should apply for ETIAS well in advance of their trip. Although most applications are processed quickly, it’s advisable to apply at least a few weeks before travel to allow for any potential delays or issues. This can be done as soon as the ETIAS system is officially launched.

6. Is ETIAS a visa? No, ETIAS is not a visa. It is a travel authorisation that grants permission to enter EU countries for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). It works similarly to the ESTA system for the USA.

7. What happens if we don’t have ETIAS before travelling? If a traveller does not have ETIAS authorisation, they will not be allowed to enter EU countries where ETIAS is required. Schools must ensure that all pupils and staff have their ETIAS in place before the trip.

8. Will ETIAS cover all EU countries? ETIAS will be required for entry into the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries. Be sure to check if your school trip destination requires ETIAS before applying.