Bermudian travellers on notice for visits to European Union
The European Union’s new digital system of border controls, which comes into force this Sunday, is to change requirements for British nationals, the Bermuda Government’s London Office has advised.
Full implementation is expected to come into effect by April 10, 2026.
British passport holders headed to countries in the EU Schengen area must register their biometric information upon arrival instead of getting passports manually stamped upon entry.
The office said: “On your first visit to the Schengen area, you will be required to create a digital record by submitting your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photograph, at dedicated registration booths.
“You will not need to provide any personal information before you travel to a Schengen area country.”
The switch could lead to longer queue times on arrival, and at certain departure points in Britain, such as Dover.
The island’s London Office issued a reminder that Bermudians studying in England are eligible to be classified as home students for tuition fee purposes.
The move also allows access to student finance fee loans, where applicable. Those eligible can apply online.
The office said students could also register to keep informed about “opportunities, events and support available throughout the academic year”.
Students with questions or concerns on studies, tuition fees and finance can contact the office for help or visit bdalondonoffice.co.uk.
The office added that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System was expected to become a mandatory requirement for visitors from visa-exempt countries travelling to 30 European countries in October 2026.
The ETIAS is not a visa but a pre-travel authorisation required for short-term visits to any of 30 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, 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 and Switzerland.
Affected visitors must apply online before their trip for a travel authorisation to be linked electronically to their passport.
Once approved, it permits a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period across participating countries.
The application fee for ETIAS has been set at €20 (about $23) — though exemptions apply to specific groups such as travellers under 18 or over 70.
The London Office can take queries at +44 (0) 20 7518 9900 or by e-mail at londonoffice@gov.bm.
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