Travel to Europe

This newsletter is not warm and fuzzy, designed to have you dreaming about sipping on an Aperol spritz in a sun-drenched piazza in a medieval hilltop village. Sorry. It’s about rules, new rules we need to know before travelling to Italy. None of it is difficult or complicated, but possibly in the short term may involve longer waiting times upon arrival in Europe. We’ll see.

The new rules will effect non European citizens travelling to Europe from the 10th of November 2024. There are two separate systems with the acronyms EES and ETIAS.

EES: Entry/Exit System

This doesn’t change anything in terms of the visas or documents required for travel, but it does change how the European and Schengen area’s external borders are policed. Instead of border guards stamping your passport, there will be an electronic swipe in/swipe out system that will register more details such as immigration status. The start date for this system to take effect is 10th November 2024.

When non European travellers first enter the Schengen/EU area they will need to register their name, biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans) and the date and place of entry and exit. Data will be retained for three years after initial registration.

The registration process will take place at several purpose built kiosks in the airport arrival area. Passengers will scan their own documents and share their biometric data, plus answer a few necessary questions, under the supervision of border security officers. The process is expected to take between ninety seconds and two minutes per person.

Many airports already have biometric passport scanners, but they are only checking that your passport is valid and the photo matches your face. The EES system also calculates how long you can stay within the EU, based on your rights of residency or your 90 day allowance, and checks whether your passport has ever been flagged for immigration offences such as overstaying a visa.

In summary, the whole system is tightening the 90 day rule and making it easier to spot over-stayers.

ETIAS: European Travel Information and Authorisation System

This effects non European travellers who previously travelled visa free under the 90 day rule. The start date for this new system is scheduled for “six months after EES”, so that means May 2025.

Citizens of Australia can spend up to 90 days in every 180 in the EU or Schengen zone without needing a visa, the so-called ‘90 day rule’. The rule is not going to change, but travellers will have to fill out an online application before they travel. Once issued, the authorisation lasts for three years, so frequent travellers don’t need to complete a new application every time, but it must be renewed every three years.

The application costs 7 euro, but is free for people under 18 and over 70. Before travelling, you will need to go online and fill out the ETIAS questionnaire and pay 7 euro. The whole process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, but I suggest applying a few days prior to departure. The process is similar to the ESTA visa waiver scheme required for entry into the USA as a visitor.

Italians in uniform

One question that I am often asked relates to the difference between the polizia and the carabinieri.

Polizia di Stato

Officers of Italy’s national police force are responsible for maintaining public security and order, as well as carrying out investigations. They are also responsible for ensuring the security of roads, railways, airports and waterways; enforcing border control and conducting customs checks.

Its members work out of questure, or police stations. The Polizia di Stato also carries out a number of bureaucratic and administrative functions, such as visa processing and registering tourists staying in hotels. If in the unfortunate case of having something stolen, you need to report the crime at the local questura.

Carabinieri

The carabinieri are a military force that operates under the Ministry of Defence. The name comes from the French word carabinier, meaning ‘soldier armed with a carbine’ (a type of rifle with a shortened barrel). It was initially founded by King Vittoria Emanuele I of Savoy in 1841. In addition to domestic policing, carabinieri officers also participate in military operations and peacekeeping missions abroad and provide security to Italian diplomatic and consular missions.

“Bella figura”

I’ve always been super impressed by how amazing the Polizia and Carabinieri look . . . in uniform. Their uniforms are designed by none other than Giorgio Armani. Of course. This is Italy!

Italians believe that beauty and functionality go hand in hand. It’s also about pride and “bella figura”, how you present yourself to the world. Dressing well to make a good impression is an integral part of Italian culture. It is also about dignity and respect. Another thing I really like about Italy.

Ci vediamo la prossima settimana.

Deb