ABTA Invites Members to Hear Directly from EU Officials on EES and ETIAS

ABTA – The Travel Association is hosting an exclusive video webinar for its members on the European Union's two incoming border schemes: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The aim is to give travel businesses the facts they need to guide customers through a period of significant change.

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Who members will hear from

The session brings together the EU bodies delivering the changes. Members will hear from DG Home, the European Commission department responsible for implementing the EES, and from Frontex, the EU's border agency overseeing ETIAS. The webinar was scheduled for Tuesday 13 February, 11am–12pm, with members able to register through the ABTA Member Zone.

What EES and ETIAS will change

The EES is a new automated system that will register non-EU and non-Schengen citizens and record their movements each time they cross the Schengen area's external border. At the time it was expected to be introduced in autumn 2024.

ETIAS is a separate visa-waiver scheme for non-EU travellers, due to come into force in mid-2025. Once live, travellers will need to apply for an ETIAS ahead of their trip through the official website. Together, the two systems will affect all UK citizens travelling to EU countries, which is why clear advice from travel professionals matters.

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Helping customers avoid unofficial websites

ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer said members would play an important role in helping customers understand the changes and what they need to do. He warned of a real risk that people could fall foul of unofficial websites when seeking an ETIAS, noting that Frontex had reported around 60 such sites already live. Frontex and DG Home were keen to work closely with ABTA to get accurate information out to members, customers and the wider industry. Travellers who want a plain-language starting point can read this overview of the EU's new entry rules.