Motorists could be hit with hefty fines if they fail to comply
From October new motorhome regulations will come into effect for campervan owners and drivers with UK motorists facing new restrictions when travelling to the European Union from next month.
Additional EU law changes will be brought in next year. Drivers could be turned away from entering the European Union if they fail to comply with the new Entry/Exit System, which is set to be launched on Sunday, October 12. Mark Sheppard, senior trading manager at Safeguard, said anyone taking their vehicle to countries within the EU from October for up to 90 days within a 180-day period would be affected.
Mr Sheppard added: “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 spoke ahead of the shake-up coming within the next few weeks., reports Birmingham Live. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
They said: “While EES 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 nations utilising the EES will gradually introduce this new system over a six-month period, implying that different ports may have diverse requirements until April 2026. This should facilitate a smooth transition that minimises disruption, especially during peak times.
For those travelling via the Port of Dover, the Eurotunnel at Folkestone or the Eurostar at St Pancras International, the process will be carried out at the border prior to their departure from the UK.
The new EES rules will apply to:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland