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An Update on Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

The EU Commission has announced that the launch date for the EU's new Entry/Exit System, initially planned for 10 November, has been delayed.

Photo ofDave Webster
By Dave Webster Published: 22 October 2024 | 3:30 PM Updated: 22 October 2024 | 6:57 PM
A hand stamping a passport at border control.
The Entry/Exit System is an automated IT system that will modernise border control and replace passport stamping. Image credit: Shutterstock.

As previously circulated, the new Electronic Entry and Exit System (EES), European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system are due to come into effect between now and 2025.

These changes will impact musicians crossing both UK and EU borders, and there are different systems for the EU and the UK.

The launch date for the EU’s Entry/Exit System has been postponed

In the EU, the EES system was due to launch on 10 November 2024. The EU Commission has announced that this date has now been delayed.

“I hope we can start as soon as possible but there’s no new timeline so far. This also depends on the legal assessment that we will do, and we’re working on it right now,” said Ylva Johansson, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs.

The Entry/Exit System, which has been delayed several times now, is an automated IT system that will modernise border control and replace passport stamping.

Learn more about the upcoming changes to border systems

MU members can find out more details on the new electronic systems on our website, as well as useful webinars and videos to help you prepare for these changes.

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The MU helps musicians with many aspects of working overseas - from everything on touring in Europe, visa issues for working in US, to travelling with musical instruments.

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