Global Mobility Insights: Immigration August 2024

Within part two of our Global Mobility Insights we take a look at the latest developments within immigration including the UK eVisa process as well as changes to European travel requirements for non-EU citizens.

UK eVisa update:

As of 6 August, all BRP card holders are now able to create a UKVI account and complete the eVisa process. This must be done by 31 December 2024.?

Users are able to access their UKVI account and manage their personal information. UK/Irish nationals, as well as those who already have a UKVI account, do not need to do anything.

The 3-Step eVisa Process:

o? Create a UKVI account.

o? Identity – Upload a copy of your passport or BRP, and take a real-time picture of your face.

o? Link your account to eVisa and then click ‘Submit’: eVisa will then be linked to your passport.

Once the process has been completed, within a few days, you will receive an email from the Home Office confirming that your eVisa is now linked to your passport, making international travel easier.

Managing your UKVI Account:

It is extremely important that you keep the below personal details up to date within your UKVI account:

o? Passport details, including renewal status and if your passport has been lost/stolen

o? Dual nationality, if applicable

o? Home address

Keeping these details up to date will help with travel and Right to Work/Rent checks. If your details are not up to date, you may face delays at the border.

Travelling:

Key points to note:

o? You can continue to travel with a valid BRP Card until it expires on 31 December 2024.?

o? Airlines and other carriers will be able to digitally check your immigration status via your passport.

o? Before you travel, check your UKVI account: make sure that your personal details are up to date and that your eVisa is linked.

Changes to European travel requirements for non-EU citizens?

When:

As of the 10th of November 2024, a new Entry/Exit System (EES) will come into effect for non-EU nationals travelling into the EU.??

What it is:

The EES is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for short stay into the EU. When entering or exiting the EU or Schengen zone, the traveller will have to complete a pre-registration form, providing personal details such as name, date of birth as well as biometric data (fingerprints and a facial scan).

How:

The personal details will be used to tighten security checks on passports and automatic counting of the 90-days visa-free travel for visa free nationals. The EES will replace the current manual passport stamping and register the traveller’s name, type of travel document, biometric data, and the date and place of entry and exit from the EU.?

The registration is completed once: at the border crossing point when first entering or pre-departure through the available mobile app/self-service system that each country provides.?

Thereafter, the traveller simply needs to scan their passport upon entry and exit in the EU.?Upon implementation of the EES, it is likely that airlines and other transport operators will require further details from passengers prior to checking in on flights or trains.??

Who does it apply to:

This new system applies to all non-EU/EEA citizens travelling into any Schengen country, Romania and Bulgaria. Nevertheless, holders of a residence permit of these countries and non-EU/EEA citizens with EU/EEA dual nationality are exempt.??

EES vs. ETIAS:

Closely linked to the EES is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) which was meant to be launched in 2024 but has been postponed until mid-2025.?Nevertheless, these systems differ, as the ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization that serves as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals. K2 will share more updates on the ETIAS once the launch date is fully confirmed.?

K2 advise travellers to monitor emails from the travel operator, to adhere to the request for sharing additional personal details prior to travels taking place after the 10th of November 2024 when the EES will be launched.??

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