Changes are afoot for travellers between Italy and the United Kingdom, and vice versa, in the next few months. Here’s the lowdown, so that you can plan ahead and (hopefully) avoid some of the disruption.
Travelling to Italy: Entry/Exit system (EES)
In Autumn 2024 (date to be announced), the European Union plans to introduce the Entry/Exit system, known as EES, a new digital border system that will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area, including Italy. Travellers to Italy using a UK passport will be required to register their biometric details, such as fingerprints or a photo taken in dedicated booths, at the port or airport on arrival. EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU. No information will need to be provided before travelling to a Schengen area country. The digital record will be valid for three years. The British Embassy in Rome is strongly urging all UK nationals who have been lawfully resident in Italy before January 1, 2021, to apply for and obtain a carta di soggiorno to be exempt from EES registration and avoid any difficulties at the border.
Travelling to the UK: Electronic Travel Authorization system (ETA)
The Electronic Travel Authorization system (ETA) is being extended to European nationals wanting to enter the United Kingdom. Starting on April 2, 2025, all European nationals (except Irish citizens) who do not already have a UK immigration status or who do not live in the UK will need to fill out the online application and pay 10 pounds. The ETA allows multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at any one time over two years. Permission must be requested prior to travelling. The British Home Office explains how “ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of our immigration system.”
