Hi Guys, Happy New Year! hope all is well with each of you, and we hope you're getting excited about your upcoming Adventure to France! As of today, we're just a little over 5 months out from meeting up in Provence! We've recently received questions from guests on your upcoming Provence Expedition this June...
Someone has reached out about the new Schengen Area Entry/Exit System known as EES. The new EES system has been in the works for years and has been delayed several times already. They're now estimating that it will come online and be active starting November 10th, 2024". Travelers will need to scan their passports at a self-service kiosk each time they enter or cross an EU external border. The system will register the traveler’s name, biometric data, and the date and place of entry and exit. Facial scans and fingerprint data will be retained for three years after each trip.
If this is in place when you travel in June of 2025, there's nothing you need to do in advance of traveling. (unless you're an international jewel thief). You'll just scan your passport at the arrival airport and the kiosk will snap a facial photo and you'll put your fingers on a digital scanner for fingerprints.
The other new program coming out is The New European Travel Information and Authorization Services (ETIAS). This program has been delayed multiple times over the last 4 years, and is now slated to come online "Mid-2025". It will require non-EU travelers (that means you) entering Europe to register in advance online for a visa-like document that will be valid for 3 years. Passengers will apply online or via a mobile app and be checked against EU borders and security systems. Most applications will be approved within minutes to hours, but it could take up to 30 days. It will be valid for three years or until the holder’s passport expires (whichever is sooner), at a cost of €7 for those aged 18 to 70. It’s free for those outside this age range.
But again, this is not in place yet, and you can not apply for it yet but it may be in place by the time you're traveling in mid June of 2025. Their latest estimate is mid May, but again this has been delayed dozens of times since 2020, and might be delayed again. Because of all the confusion over the delayed start of this program, they're already saying they going to put in place a 180 day "grace period". We will keep you updated on this as we're sure a lot more information will come out on this very soon
But we do always take every opportunity to remind you that the French government requires you to have a US Passport that's valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return date from France. If you need a passport or if you need to renew your passport, we strongly urge you to work on it now. It sometimes can take upwards of 3 - 4 months to get a new one or renew.
