ABTA is bringing together experts from the European Union to help members prepare for the introduction of new travel rules.

The association has organised a video webinar exclusively for ABTA members on the introduction of the EU Entry Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Members will hear from DG Home – the department in the European Commission that is delivering the implementation of EES – and Frontex, which is the EU’s border control agency responsible for ETIAS.

The EES is a new automated system which will register non-EU/Schengen citizens and record their movements each time they cross the Schengen Area’s external border. It is scheduled to be introduced in autumn this year.

ETIAS is a new visa waiver programme for non-EU travellers, due to come into force in mid-2025. When live, customers will need to apply for an ETIAS, ahead of travel, via the official website – Europa.eu/etias

ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer said: “The introduction of the EES and ETIAS will impact all UK citizens travelling to EU countries.

“ABTA members will have a very important role in offering advice and guidance to their customers to help them understand the changes and what they need to do, which is why we’re working to provide them with the information they need.

“We also know that there is a real risk of people falling foul of unofficial websites to get an ETIAS, with Frontex reporting 60 sites already live. So, this will be an important advice message from ABTA members to their customers.

“Frontex and DG Home are keen to work very closely with ABTA in helping get the message out to members, customers and the wider industry about the changes coming down the line.

“We’re encouraging as many members as possible to sign up to the webinar to hear first-hand from the agencies delivering these changes.” 

The webinar will take place on Tuesday 13 February from 11am-12pm, and members can register for a place via the ABTA Member Zone.