UK motorists who own motorhomes or vans have been issued a new warning. New rules that come into effect next month will see millions of drivers refused entry into the European Union if they fail to comply with the new Entry/Exit System, which will be introduced on October 12.
According to Mark Sheppard, senior trading manager at Safeguard, those taking their vehicle to the EU from October 12 for up to 90 days within a 180-day period will be impacted by the change.
Mr Sheppard said: “Looking further ahead, UK citizens will also need to hold a valid European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorisation, although this is not intended to be introduced until the last quarter of 2026.”
A Labour Party Government spokesperson said ahead of the change within a few weeks: “While ESS checks will be a significant change to the EU border, we are in constant and close dialogue with our European partners to try and minimise the impact on the British public.
“While we have done everything we can to ensure the required infrastructure is in place, anyone who is planning a trip to the European mainland once these checks are introduced will still need to allow more time for their journey as the new EU systems bed in.”
European countries using ESS will phase in this new system over six months, meaning different ports are likely to have varying requirements until April 2026. This will allow for a gradual implementation that reduces disruptions, especially during peak periods.
For travellers using the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, the process will occur at the border before leaving the UK.
