New EU Travel Rules: Checklist for Coach Groups

  • 29 January 2025,
  • Marketing Department

Travelling to the EU is about to change! If you're planning a coach trip to Europe, you'll need to be aware of new border controls being introduced in 2025. 

Brexit

The Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are designed to improve security and streamline border crossings—but they will also introduce new requirements for British travellers.

Here's what you need to know before your next trip.

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES is a new digital border system for non-EU travellers, including British passport holders, visiting the EU and Schengen Area (excluding Ireland and Cyprus). Instead of having passports manually stamped, travellers will register their biometric details—such as fingerprints and facial scans—at electronic kiosks when entering and leaving the EU.

For coach travellers, the system will be in place at key border crossings, including:

  • Port of Dover – 24 dedicated EES kiosks for coach passengers
  • Eurotunnel Folkestone Terminal – 100 EES kiosks for passengers to register before boarding

When Will EES Start?

The EES is expected to be phased in across the EU during 2025. Each country will have up to six months to introduce the system, and to avoid excessive delays, border officials may temporarily revert to manual passport stamping if needed.

At the Port of Dover, EES is planned to be introduced from November 2025, with a gradual rollout to ensure a smooth transition.

How Will EES Affect Coach Travel?

When the new system is first introduced expect longer queues while biometric details are recorded. All coach passengers will need to disembark to complete the registration at self-service kiosks before boarding the ferry or Le Shuttle. Once your details are registered, they’ll be stored for three years.

Are Children Exempt?

No, but children under 12 years old only need a facial scan and do not need to provide fingerprints.

What is ETIAS and How Does It Affect Coach Travel?

Alongside EES, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is being introduced in mid-2025. This will require British travellers to apply online for an electronic travel authorisation before their trip. The process is expected to take only a few minutes, with authorisation valid for three years.

What Should Coach Travellers Do to Prepare for these new checks?

  • Plan for extra time at ports and terminals while EES is phased in.
  • Ensure all passengers in your group have valid passports—your passport must be valid for at least three months after your trip.
  • Check ETIAS requirements before travelling in 2025 to ensure all passengers have the necessary travel authorisation.

Stay Updated on EU Travel Changes

At Pegasus Coaches, we’re staying on top of these changes to ensure your European coach journey runs smoothly. If you have any questions about how these new rules affect your trip, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

🚍 Contact Us for more information about coach hire for trips to Europe.

 

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