Immigration requirements and border processes
In recent weeks, there has been a great deal of focus, both in local and national media, on the situation facing travellers to and from EU countries and the Crown Dependencies. I thought, therefore, that it was important to seek to provide some reassurance to those set to travel this summer.
There are two separate issues that are in train right now. The first relates to non-British passport holders who have settled or pre-settled status in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. The second is to do with the introduction of the Entry Exit System (EES), which has seen some delays at certain European airports and reports of long queues and missed flights.
Non-British Passport holders travelling to the Crown Dependencies
With the recent introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, non-British passport holders arriving in the UK or Crown Dependencies who are nationals of a country not requiring a visa for entry to the UK, must apply for an ETA ahead of travel.
Some issues have arisen for those with settled or pre-settled status and who do not require an ETA. Unlike in the UK, the Crown Dependencies do not currently provide this status electronically, but in the form of a sticker or stamp in the holder’s passport or through a letter of authorisation. However, in a limited number of cases, airline check-in staff have not been aware of the status of those with settled or pre-settled status in the Crown Dependencies, which has resulted in some issues with check-in.
The UK Home Office, recognising this issue, has been engaging with airlines to ensure their agents are aware of the rules in relation to those with settled or pre-settled status.
We have engaged with the airline that operates our summer flights, British Airways CityFlyer and they in turn have taken steps to inform their check-in and handling agents in each of the airports we fly to and from, of the special rules relating to the Crown Dependencies.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure they have the correct documentation ahead of travel and we would advise all those non-British passport holders who are travelling this summer to check their documents meet with the requirements of the Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man immigration rules. If you wish you can check with the individual Immigration Departments of each island.
The European Union Entry Exit System (EES)
EES is a system that was recently introduced for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay each time they cross the external borders of 27 European countries. This includes the destinations that FlyDirect operates to – including mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, Tenerife & Portugal.
If you’re travelling to these countries for a short stay using a British passport (this includes Crown Dependency variant British passports), you’re required to register your fingerprints and a photograph when you arrive. You don’t need to do anything before you arrive at the border and there’s no cost for EES registration. Once fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.
There have been media reports regarding long queues on arrival at a limited number of EU Airports and missed flights for those departing. However, my recent experience when travelling to and from Tenerife was that whilst the entry and exit process through the border control took a little longer, it was well managed and there was no concern over missing our flight.
To help alleviate any concerns, we have agreed with British Airways that check-in desks at the destination airports (Malaga, Faro, Palma & Ibiza), will open 2 & ½ hours prior to the scheduled departure time, rather than 2 hours prior as has been the case in previous years.
Our advice is to ensure you arrive in good time to check-in for your flight and ensure that, once you have checked-in, you proceed straight to security and border control. This will ensure that you arrive at your departure gate in good time.
British Airways are monitoring the situation at each of our airports and if necessary, will review their operation to ensure that they provide the smoothest possible journey through the airport.
I hope the above information is helpful, but if you have any questions or concerns, please do contact us on 03001 344 733 or email enquiries@flydirect.co.uk
