ABTA is bringing together experts and officials from the EU to deliver 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, which is the department in the European Commission, which is delivering the implementation of EES, and Frontex, which is the EU’s border control agency responsible for ETIAS.

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

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

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association 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.”  

Notes to editors
ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with over 4,600 travel brands in membership who have a combined pre-pandemic annual UK turnover of £40 billion. We work closely with our members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.

Our members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. When you book with an ABTA member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our members brings peace of mind.

All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com