You may have heard that entry requirements for both the EU and the UK are changing. While these changes won’t take place until late 2024/2025, we are working hard to ease the transition for our customers. Here’s what you need to know now.
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).
Please factor this into your onward journey if you are booking any trips between Harwich-Hook of Holland and Rosslare-Cherbourg from late 2024 onwards.
Find out more on the Entry Exit System (EES) European Union website
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:
You don’t have to do anything now except be aware of these upcoming changes. When the UK confirms a start date for all overseas visitors, 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 GOV.UK website
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:
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