That’s why you need this blog. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know about school travel in 2024/25 (which should cover many of the questions you’re likely to be asked).
We’ll look at:
- The new Entry/Exit System (EES)
- ETIAS
- Why coach tours have to be closed door tours
- Restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Entry/Exit System (EES)
What is EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES for short) is an automated system that will track non-EU nationals travelling to Europe for short stays. And when we talk about short stays, we mean anything that equates to less than 90 days within a 180-day period.
So, this will affect school trips.
What’s the point of EES?
The system is good news for groups in the long run, as it’ll automate border controls and mean you no longer need your passport stamped.
And it’ll make it easier for the relevant authorities to identify people who are travelling on falsified documents, under fake identities or who have overstayed. So, it should make it easier to prevent crime and terrorism.
So, it’s going to speed up passport control?
Ultimately, yes, that’s the idea.
However, the first time you travel after it’s brought in, most people will need to scan your fingerprints and have a facial image taken. So, this will mean that processing times increase initially.
We’re estimating it could add an extra hour to processing times at the port of Dover (although no-one's really certain what the real impact will be), for example (although it should be a bit quicker at airports that are already better set up for processing large numbers of travellers).
Does that mean they’ll be collecting my personal data?
Yes, EES will require both the data available on your passport (i.e. your full name, date of birth, etc.) and your biometric data (i.e. facial scan and fingerprints).
Unfortunately, if you refuse to provide this, you’ll simply be refused entry to the countries participating.
When is EES coming in?
The EES was meant to launch on 10th November 2024. However, the EU has now confirmed that its launch has been delayed and that this may now take a phased approach. Further details are expected soon (and we'll update this blog as soon as we have any news for you).
What’s Halsbury doing to ensure my trip runs smoothly?
We’ll be actively monitoring the impact on timings when the scheme goes live and are prepared to adjust itineraries to accommodate.
And if you’re due to travel with us around that time, we’ll make sure you’re kept up to date with any significant developments.
ETIAS
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
It’s an entry requirement for visa-exempt non-EU nationals travelling to the 30 European countries participating in the scheme.
OK…so what does that actually mean?
If you’re travelling to Europe from a country that doesn’t require a visa (like the UK), you’ll need to arrange an ETIAS before you travel. With it, you’ll be able to visit as often as you like for short-term stays (which usually means up to 90 days within a 180-day period), like school trips.
However, it’s really important to remember that it is an entry requirement but does not guarantee entry. In other words, you’ll need to have it, but border guards will still need to check you meet other entry requirements (and could refuse you entry if you don’t).
When will ETIAS launch?
This is still TBC but it’s expected to launch in Spring 2025. For the following six months, it’ll be optional, and six months after that there’ll be a grace period. So, it should come into full effect in Spring 2026. As soon as we know more, we’ll let you know.
Can you help me arrange ETIAS for my group?
Unfortunately, no.
Every passenger will need to arrange their own ETIAS. As with any entry requirement (valid passport, valid visa etc.) it’s entirely the responsibility of each traveller to make sure that they meet the entry requirements for the country they’re visiting – and the most up-to-date information on this can always be found on the FCDO website.
Having said that, it really should be a cinch for most people to arrange.
You’ll be able to apply on the official ETIAS website (which also has loads of really useful information about the whole system).
It costs €7 and will then be valid either for three years or until the expiration date of the travel document used to arrange it (for most Brits, this will be your passport). Your ETIAS must be valid for the entire period of your stay.
Most applications are processed within minutes, but there’s a small chance you might need to send further documentation or attend an interview. For that reason, once the system’s up and running we’d really recommend you get your group to sort their ETIAS out as soon as they know they’re going on the trip, so they don’t have any last-minute panics.
Once you do receive your ETIAS you must check that all the details are correct (names spelt the same as passport, etc.). If there are any mistakes and you don’t get them corrected, they could result in you being refused entry.
If you’re travelling with us (and you should expect this from any good tour operator), we’ll let you know once ETIAS is up and running if your group are going to need it for your trip.
Key things to remember
- ETIAS is currently not up and running – it’s likely to come in Spring 2025 (and we’ll let groups know if and when they’re affected by this new requirement).
- Each individual passenger must arrange their own ETIAS (and can do so via the official ETIAS website once it’s up and running).
- Your ETIAS will be linked to a travel document (for most people, their passport). You must carry this same travel document with you or you’ll be refused entry.
- ETIAS will be (but is not currently) an entry requirement to the 30 participating European countries. It does not guarantee entry and you must meet all other entry requirements in order to gain entry.
- ETIAS should be quick and easy to arrange (for most people). However, some will experience a longer process and so everyone should apply for it as soon as possible (once it’s up and running).
- It will be valid for three years or until the associated travel document expires – whichever comes first.
- It’s really important you check it when it comes through and get any mistakes corrected ASAP.
Closed Door Coach Tours
We do quite regularly get asked if kids can be collected by parents in-resort so that they can have a family holiday immediately after the trip.
If you’re travelling by coach, the answer is (unfortunately) no.
All our coach tours are operated as closed-door tours – no exceptions.
And that’s not because we want to be awkward – if anything, we’re always working hard to make life as easy as possible for busy group leaders like you.
But we also have a responsibility to our suppliers. And if our coach operators return with fewer passengers than they travelled with, they could risk a fine, serious legal implications or even have their operating license revoked.
Let’s take a look at why that is.
Ultimately, this is down to Brexit.
While we were a member of the European Union, British coach operators were able to freely carry passengers to and from Europe.
Now, they’re bound by the Interbus Agreement which, to avoid over-complicated authorisations, requires them to operate closed-door tours (at least for the part of the tour where they’re on EU territory).
This means that the same group of passengers must be conveyed for the whole journey without picking up or setting down passengers overseas.
Allowing a member of the group to stay in France or Germany or wherever to join a family holiday would violate the terms of their operating license, with potentially serious implications for them (as we mentioned).
And we cannot (and wouldn’t) ask them to take such risks.
As long as this is communicated to families before they make any plans, this does actually make life easier for you too, as you won’t need to adjust itineraries or make detours to meet up with parents – you can just crack on with your school trip as you intended it.
Our top tip for coach tours
So, our top tip really is just to make sure families are made aware from the off that if their child signs up to this trip, the only place they’ll be able to meet them at the end of the trip is the school car park (or wherever you intend the coach to drop you off).
Liquids in Carry-On Luggage
Earlier this year, we were all getting excited about the end of that pesky 100ml liquids rule being on the horizon.
We’re really sorry to burst your bubble but it looks like it’s here to stay (at least for the short term).
UK airports are reintroducing the limit of 100ml on liquids in carry-on luggage. That’s because some of the major hubs like Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester had failed to get the required new CT scanners in. The rule has been reintroduced across the board (even at airports that have managed to get the new scanners in).
So, when will the restrictions be lifted?
At the moment, it’s really not clear. UK airports should have everything in place fairly soon, but it could take years for every European airport to catch up.
The best advice right now is to carry on as we have since 2006 when the restrictions were brought in – you can find a reminder of the rules on the FCDO website.
Been asked something not covered in this blog?
Just get in touch, we’re here to help (so please make good use of us).
Head of Operations & Customer Experience