Ireland’s Travel News (2024)

01/11/2024

Maurice embarks on a new Journey!!

Maurice shares his breaking news with you all this morning.
After an Incredible Journey with Click&Go Holidays, I’m Embarking on a New Adventure.
After three great years as Head of Sales with Click&Go Holidays, from the middle of November, the time has come for me to step into a new chapter with a fresh and exciting opportunity.
First, I’d like to express my gratitude to Paul and Peter for bringing me into the Click&Go family. When I joined, the industry was emerging from the challenges of the pandemic, and I was thrilled to contribute to such a well-established and forward-thinking holiday brand. It has been an honour to be part of a team so dedicated to progress and innovation in travel.
To the remarkable sales team I’m leaving behind, thank you all for your trust, resilience, and commitment to improvement. Your support made my role as Head of Sales deeply rewarding, and I’m proud of what we achieved together. Whoever steps into this role next will be fortunate to work with such a high-performing team and the momentum we’ve built toward an already strong looking 2025.
Click&Go is currently seeking a new Head of Sales, so if you or someone you know would be a fit, I’d highly recommend reaching out directly to Paul ([email protected]).
To my colleagues and friends across the industry, thank you for the countless laughs, memorable stories, and unwavering support over my 25-year journey. (not to mention a beer or 3 along the way!!)
Closing this chapter at the ITAA conference in Almería last month, felt like a fitting way to say goodbye for now.
As I look ahead, I’m thrilled to be joining Simtech Aviation as Head of Sales & Marketing. I look forward to working with Lynda, Ingrid, Karen, and the talented trainers, engineers, and team in Dublin. Together, we’ll focus on showcasing and growing Simtech’s aircraft training offerings, and I’m excited to take on this new challenge in aviation.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey – here’s to new horizons!

01/11/2024

Riviera Travel Launches Christmas-themed Incentive for Travel Agents

Riviera Travel is launching a Christmas-themed incentive for travel agents, offering the chance to win a €200 M&S voucher each week from 1 November to 8 December 2024.
The incentive encourages agents to book any Riviera holiday, covering cruise and escorted touring options, to enter the weekly draw.

The first week of the promotion runs from 1 November to 10 November, with subsequent weeks extending from Monday to Sunday. Winners will be contacted by the Riviera trade team.

Steven Taylor, International Sales Manager, Riviera Travel, said: “This isn’t just any trade incentive, this is a Riviera trade incentive. Giving back to our agent partners is a core part of what we do and it is never too early to get into the festive spirit. We hope this fabulous prize of a weekly M&S voucher will give Christmas just that little bit more magic and sparkle.”

31/10/2024

UK Government to Increase Air Passenger Duty from April 2026

The UK Labour government has announced increases to Air Passenger Duty from 1 April 2026, ranging from £1 for domestic flights, £2 for an economy class short-haul flight, £12 for long-haul flights, and up to a 50% increase for flights on private jets. APD increases by the previous Conservative government will come into effect in 2025.

Air Passenger Duty is charged across four bands – based on the distance flown – and at three rates: ‘reduced’ for economy travel, ‘standard’ for travel in premium classes, and ‘higher’ for private jets.

Legislation will be introduced in a Finance Bill 2024-25 to amend Section 30 of the Finance Act 1994. The rates will be as follows:

From 1 April 2026
Bands (distance in miles from London) Reduced rate (lowest class of travel) Standard rate (1) (other than the lowest class of travel) Higher rate (2)
Domestic band £8 £16 £142
Band A (0 to 2,000 miles) £15 £32 £142
Band B (2,001 to 5,500 miles) £102 £244 £1,097
Band C (over 5,500 miles) £106 £253 £1,141
(1) If any class of travel provides a seat pitch in excess of 1.016 metres (40”) the standard rate is the minimum rate that applies. (2) The higher rate applies to flights aboard aircraft of 20 tonnes and above with fewer than 19 seats.

30/10/2024

Pegasus Begins Dublin to Istanbul Service

Pegasus Airlines, Turkey’s low-cost carrier, begins flights from Dublin to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) today. The airport is located 32km south-east of the city centre, and the M4 line from SAW Airport metro station to the final stop at Kadıköy takes 1 hour 9 minutes. A taxi will cost around €24 (TL 850).

Pegasus Airlines does not offer complimentary inflight meals. However, passengers can purchase a variety of meals and snacks from the inflight menu. Pre-ordering meals is available for a wider selection and better pricing.

29/10/2024

MSC Cruises to Launch First Alaska Cruises in 2026

MSC Cruises will offer Alaska cruises for the very first time in 2026. MSC Poesia will homeport in Seattle for the season and depart weekly on seven-night sailings to Alaska and Canada starting 11 May 2026, with port calls to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau, and Victoria, BC. Reservations are now open.

Shore excursions will be offered featuring Alaskan outdoor adventures, culture, or culinary exploration, including an ATV expedition, riding the world’s largest zipline, or whale-watching excursions.

Gianni Onorato, Chief Executive, MSC Cruises, said: “By introducing sailings to Alaska we are further extending our global offering and giving our guests the opportunity to experience this must-see region.”

MSC Poesia will spend the summer cruising to Alaska and then moves to Miami for the winter, featuring two transiting cruises through the Panama Canal.

28/10/2024

US CDCP Issues Cruise Ship Private Hot Tub Health Warning

US health officials have warned of potentially serious health risks soaking in cruise ship hot tubs, which have been linked with several cases of Legionnaires’ disease. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says eight cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported “from a single cruise ship” between November 2022 and April 2024 – but has not named the ship or cruise line. A CDC investigation found hot tubs were the likely source of the bacterial infections.

The CDC says four additional cases of Legionnaires disease were found on a second cruise ship from January to June 2024. Again, private hot tubs were the likely source.

The bacteria can affect the lungs, causing cough, fever, muscle aches, and shortness of breath.

“Epidemiologic, environmental, and laboratory evidence suggests that private balcony hot tubs were the likely source of exposure in two outbreaks among cruise ship passengers,” the CDC report stated. “These devices are subject to less stringent operating requirements than public hot tubs, and operating protocols were insufficient to prevent Legionella growth.”

26/10/2024

Venice Expands Tourist Fee Days for 2025

Venice will strengthen measures to combat overcrowding next year, after a ‘successful’ trial this past summer. The city will nearly double the number of ‘peak tourism’ days on which it charges tourists an entrance fee in 2025. The €5 fee is payable to enter the city as a day tripper on certain peak days between April and July. The fee is payable in advance but rises to €10 if booked less than four days before the visit.

The fee was payable on 29 days in 2024 that were mostly weekends and public holidays – and Venice collected about €2.4 million in entrance fees. From 18 April to 27 July 2025, there will be a total of 54 days – every Friday through Sunday and every public holiday. All day trip visitors over 14 years old must pay the fee. The fee can be paid online and a QR code confirmation is generated that may be checked by inspectors within the city. Travellers staying overnight with hotel or other accommodation bookings are exempt.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said the measure is to spread out tourist visits to quieter off-season days “to give Venice the respect it deserves”.

“Venice has gone from being the city most exposed to over-tourism, to being the city that is reacting to this phenomenon the earliest and most proactively,” said city councillor Simone Venturini.

25/10/2024

Greg Evans to Leave GEC TR in December

Very best wishes for the next chapter in his life to Greg Evans, who has announced that he will leave GEC Travel Representation at the end of this year and hand over to Julie Greenhill. GEC TR represents Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Happy Valley in the UK and Irish markets.

“After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role at GEC TR at the end of this year,” he said. “I founded the company in 2011 with a vision, and it has been an incredible journey to see GEC TR grow into what it is today.

“Effective 31 December 2024, Julie Greenhill and her team will be taking over leadership. I have full confidence in Julie's ability to guide the company into its next chapter. Her expertise, dedication, and passion ensure that GEC is in excellent hands for the future.

“As I prepare for my next chapter, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has trusted, collaborated with, and supported me over the years. Your contributions and friendship have been invaluable, and I am forever thankful. Thank you once again for being part of this journey with me. I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for GEC and for myself.

“Warm regards to all.”

24/10/2024

Emerald Cruises Announces Launch of Star-Ship Emerald Astra in 2026

Emerald Cruises has announced the launch of a new Star-Ship, Emerald Astra, along with extensive updates to the entire Emerald Cruises river fleet across Europe. Emerald Astra will join the fleet in 2026 and will sail the Rhine, Moselle and Danube rivers. Emerald Cruises’ 2026 river cruise season will be available to book from early November 2024, including via Expressbook for travel agents.

Emerald Cruises also reports a 32% increase in river trade bookings from 2023 to 2024 YTD.

Emerald Astra will feature a modern, grey-tinted glass exterior and accommodate 180 guests. The design offers amenities such as the pool/cinema combination, multiple dining options, and a sun deck dedicated to relaxation and panoramic views. All interiors have been enhanced with a sleek, contemporary design.

Fleet-Wide Enhancements
Comprehensive upgrades across the line’s Europe river fleet, which includes vessels navigating the Rhine-Main-Danube, Rhône in France, and the Douro in Portugal, will be introduced for the 2025 season. They include:
• Star-Ships on the Rhine-Main-Danube route will receive new lounge furniture, with elevated design, bright accent colours and luxurious textiles. Similarly, the Emerald Radiance on the Douro and the Emerald Liberte on the Rhone will see updates to align the new aesthetic across the fleet.
• Pool and cinema spaces, along with Reflections Restaurant and The Terrace, will be revamped with new furniture and updated layouts. Back-of-house areas will also receive significant upgrades.
• The addition of Missoni textiles and art installations, inspired by Emerald Cruises’ luxury yachts.
• Each guest cabin will feature iPads for guest interaction with onboard amenities and each journey’s itinerary.

Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman, Scenic Group, said: “As we continue to expand our fleet and enhance the guest experience, our commitment remains steadfast: to provide unrivalled luxury and value in river cruising. The introduction of Emerald Astra, alongside the fleet-wide upgrades, exemplifies our dedication to leading innovation in the industry. By seamlessly blending the finest elements of river and yacht cruising, we ensure that every journey is extraordinary. These enhancements are designed with our guests in mind – creating refined spaces that encourage relaxation, connection, and discovery – upholding our promise to continually elevate the standards of luxury river cruising.”

23/10/2024

Viking Plans Up to Six New Ocean Cruise Ships

Viking has signed contracts for two new cruise ships and agreed options for a further four. The two 998-passenger ocean cruise vessels are due to be delivered in 2030. The additional ships would enter service in 2031 and 2032. The 54,300 ton vessels are identical to Viking’s current ‘small ship’ fleet.

Italian ship builder Fincantieri said the new ships would be built “according to the latest environmental rules and navigation regulations”. The deal follows a relationship between the line and the ship builder dating back to 2012 involving 22 ships.

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive, Fincantieri, said: “This new order represents another step forward in our collaboration with Viking. This agreement not only strengthens our order book but also ensures further depth of work in our shipyards over the long term, positioning us at the forefront of driving the industry towards energy transition.”

22/10/2024

Emirates to Host Cabin Crew Recruitment Open Day in Cork

Emirates will host a recruitment open day in Cork on Monday 28 October 2024, aiming to attract aspiring cabin crew from Ireland. Candidates should bring updated CVs and relevant documentation, with eligibility criteria including fluency in English, a minimum height requirement, and prior customer service experience.

The airline offers a competitive tax-free salary, extensive travel benefits, and opportunities for career progression. Cabin crew members undergo rigorous training that spans seven and a half weeks, focusing on hospitality, safety, and emergency response skills, ensuring they meet Emirates’ high service standards.

21/10/2024

New No1 Lounge to Open in Heathrow T2 Near EI Gates

No1 Lounges – a joint venture between Airport Dimensions and Swissport – will open a new No1 Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 2 in December, becoming the 15th lounge in the brand’s portfolio and the fourth at Heathrow, alongside facilities in Terminals 3 and 5. It will be open daily from 05.00 to 21.00.

The lounge will be near Gate A18, occupying a previously unused space and featuring a modern design with 90 seats, accessible to all passengers flying from Terminal 2. Aer Lingus flies from gates A21-23. Travellers can book access via the No1 Lounges website, with prices from £40 and automatic entry for Priority Pass and Lounge Key cardholders.

Rami El-Dahshan, Managing Director, No1 Lounges, said: “This lounge represents the culmination of our team’s hard work, designed with a deep understanding of our customers’ needs when flying from this airport. Every aspect of the physical space and customer experience has been thoughtfully curated to ensure that our guests feel welcomed, relaxed, and ready for their onward journey.”

Michael Lindsay, Property Director, London Heathrow, added: “I am delighted to see No1 Lounges expand their presence at Heathrow, opening the new lounge in time for the busy Christmas getaway. Lounges are a hugely popular offering at Heathrow, whether passengers are looking to relax, work or recharge before their flight. It is exciting to see Heathrow’s partnership with No1 Lounges go from strength to strength.”

20/10/2024

United Helps 20,000+ Customers Find Right Aircraft for their Wheelchair

More than 20,000 customers who travel with wheelchairs have already used United Airline’s industry-first digital sizing tool since it was launched in March 2024, with feedback from those customers helping contribute to a nearly four-point improvement in customer satisfaction scores compared to a year earlier. United also began a new collaboration with United Spinal Association to help advise and support the carrier.

Earlier this year, United launched the new digital tool on its app and website, making it easier for customers who use wheelchairs to find flights that can best accommodate the specific dimensions of their personal mobility device. The airline also announced that customers may seek a refund of the fare difference if a customer needs to pay more for a flight that can accommodate their wheelchair. Customers seeking a refund of the fare difference need to follow United’s process and United will promptly ensure that they receive the difference in fare after review.

“The early success of our digital sizing tool is an encouraging development in our ongoing efforts to find more ways to improve the travel experience for customers of all abilities,” said David Kinzelman, Chief Customer Officer, United. “We look forward to working together with United Spinal to explore even more impactful solutions in the future. Collaborating with their community of experts and harnessing their valuable feedback will help us better meet the specific needs of our customers who use wheelchairs.”

“I am thrilled about this collaboration with United Airlines,” said Vincenzo Piscopo, Presiden and Chief Executive Officer, United Spinal Association. “I commend their commitment to making the travel experience more accessible for people with disabilities and their decision to choose United Spinal Association as a partner in this journey. This partnership demonstrates that accessible travel is a reality, and every step forward brings us closer to a more inclusive travel experience for the disability community. I hope to see continued improvements not only from United Airlines but also throughout the entire travel industry.”

In addition to the digital sizing tool, United has made several product and policy changes recently to improve the experience for people with disabilities:
• Providing ramp agents with mobile technology that indicates when a wheelchair is on a flight to help ensure they are better prepared to receive and load it. The technology also inhibits ramp agents from closing out a flight until they acknowledge that they have loaded all wheelchairs.
• In 2023, United was the first US airline to add Braille to aircraft interiors, helping millions of travellers with visual disabilities more easily navigate the cabin independently. United expects to outfit its entire mainline fleet with Braille by the end of 2026.
• The United mobile app makes it easier to use for people with visual disabilities with increased colour contrast, more space between graphics, and reordering how information is displayed and announced to better integrate with the screen reader technologies such as VoiceOver and TalkBack.
• United’s Inflight Seatback Entertainment screens offer a wide range of accessible features such as closed captioning, text-to-speech controls, magnification, explore-by-touch capabilities, audio described movies, and adjustable and high-contrast text and colour correction. As part of United Next, the airline’s growth plan, the carrier expects to take delivery of about 700 new narrow and widebody aircraft by the end of 2032, all of which will include the latest in seatback screen entertainment options.
• Through Bridge, United’s Business Resource Group for people of all abilities, employees help create a workplace environment where all can strive to achieve their maximum potential and support our commitment to being an ally for customers with disabilities.

19/10/2024

Azamara Cruises Returns to Alaska for Summer 2026

Azamara Cruises will return to Alaska in summer 2026 after a seven-year break. Azamara Pursuit will sail 11 itineraries in the region from May 2026, with 10-13-day cruises to more remote Alaskan destinations and extended stays of more than 10 hours in ports such as Juneau, Wrangell, Skagway, Ketchikan, Nanaimo, and Victoria.

There will be 27 late-night departures on itineraries to maximise time in port, with excursions including whale watching, bear spotting, and glacier hiking.

Each voyage will also have a private ‘AzAmazing’ evening in Ketchikan with activities such as axe throwing, traditional Tlingit dance performances, local brews, and culinary delicacies. There will also be a private performance from the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

Prices for the 12-night Japan & Alaska cruise: Tokyo, Kodiak & Whittier, departing on 9 May 2026, start at £1,829 per person, excluding flights. An early booking bonus is also available for new bookings for club balcony cabins and above made before 30 October on selected sailings. These bookings will receive one free ‘essentials’ package, which includes $300 shore excursion onboard credit, unlimited wi-fi for one device, and a premium drinks package for two.

David Duff, UK Managing Director, Azamara Cruises, said: “It is clear from our conversations with agents and customers that Alaska remains a bucket-list destination for many travellers, so we are delighted to be announcing our return in summer 2026. These enhanced itineraries and land experiences will take our guests to less-visited ports and hidden gem destinations, from Kodiak to Dutch Harbor, giving them the opportunity to truly connect with the communities and cultures of this fascinating region.”

18/10/2024

Universal Reveals Opening Date for New Epic Universe Park

Universal Orlando Resort’s new theme park Universal Epic Universe will open on 22 May 2025, with initial tickets going on sale from Tuesday 22 October 2024. The resort’s fourth park will feature more than 50 experiences across five themed ‘worlds’ – Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.

Epic Universe will also feature the 500-room Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which will overlook the park and will feature a dedicated entrance.

Ticket options available include the 2025 Explorer Ticket, which will include one day at Epic Universe alongside 14 days at the other three Universal Orlando parks, and the All Parks Ticket, which will allow 14 days’ access to all four theme parks and will be available for travel from 1 January 2026.

Reservations for Universal Helios Grand Hotel will also open on Tuesday for stays beginning on May 22, 2025, while annual passholders will have the option to purchase single-day tickets for the new park from Thursday 24 October 2024. More details and ticket options for Universal Epic Universe will be released in the months ahead.

Karen Irwin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Orlando Resort, said: “This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we are thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year. With the addition of this spectacular new theme park, our guests are going to embark on an unforgettable vacation experience comprised of a week’s worth of thrills that will be nothing short of epic – and our Universe will never be the same.”

Alison Montague, Vice-President of International Sales & Marketing EMEA, Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “This is a monumental moment for Universal Orlando Resort. This brand-new park represents the next generation of theme park experiences, offering more thrills, more excitement, and more immersive worlds than ever before. We know how much UK and Irish visitors love Universal Orlando Resort, and with Epic Universe, we are raising the bar even higher.

“Our new park is a ‘game-changer’. Our re-imagined destination is filled with fun and exciting year-round innovations and unforgettable experiences designed to captivate visitors of every age. With tickets going on sale this month, and the opening date being revealed, it is the perfect opportunity to plan and secure holidays that will be talked about for years to come.”

17/10/2024

Package Holidays “not key to our future” – Sandra Corkin

Oasis Travel’s Managing Director Sandra Corkin has told Travel Weekly’s Future of Travel conference that the agency is trying to place greater focus on tailor-made trips and reduce its proportion of package holiday bookings. “We will continue to sell package holidays, but I find myself less and less invested in that as the future of our business,” she said. “It is more about what we can create and how we can inspire our customers. It’s about the long-haul stuff and the exciting stuff.”

Oasis Travel has been moving away from mainstream package trips for the past decade or so, partly driven by the need to cut into commission earnings in order to match direct pricing from operators that do not offer price parity.

“We have our own ATOL and we use it, and we have our net deals with the cruise companies and try to be creative about what we are offering people pre- and post-cruise,” said Sandra. She does not view package holidays as key to Oasis Travel’s future because “anybody” can book them.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, Chief Executive, The Advantage Travel Partnership, which recently ran a survey asking for views on the term ‘travel agent’, said agents had to be recognised for the “full professional service” they deliver. The term ‘travel consultant’ emerged as the favourite in the survey. “‘Travel agent’ has a very old-fashioned connotation to it,” she said. “The world has evolved since the term’s creation and travel professionals are much more innovative these days.”

(Photo credit: Alex Maguire Photography)

16/10/2024

London Stansted Unveils £1bn Terminal Investment

London Stansted Airport has unveiled a five-year £1.1bn investment programme, of which the centrepiece is a £600m extension to the existing terminal to create a more spacious environment, with more seating areas plus new shops and bars. Planning permission for the extension was granted last October.

The terminal development will help enable the airport serve up to 43 million passengers a year. Also included in the programme are projects to enhance the passenger journey, including:
Enlarged security hall and installation of next-generation security equipment
14.3MW on-site solar farm to supply current and future energy needs
New and additional terminal and gate area seating
New wayfinding kiosks across the terminal
Gate room reconfiguration to create more space for passengers pre-boarding their aircraft
Flooring and seating upgrades across satellite two plus new bar area
Refurbishment of terminal toilet facilities
Airfield taxiway upgrade

15/10/2024

Visit Florida Outlines Hurricane Tourism Recovery Plans

A multi-million dollar crisis recovery plan is being implemented by Visit Florida in the wake of devastation in parts of the state caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. A two-week social media campaign using a ‘Sunshine is Shining in Florida’ message, and images and video taken immediately after Helene, was initiated on Monday for areas that escaped the twin storms or incurred minimal impact.

Dana Young, Chief Executive, Visit Florida, said: “We are also working with content creators to help showcase unaffected areas, and will resume paid search and promotional media programmes. Several previously planned press trips to Florida are moving forward this week while our regional campaign with Expedia is live, and the ‘Gift of Florida’ campaign will continue as scheduled in November and December.

“In the coming weeks, we will roll out a larger crisis recovery initiative, with several million dollars in planned investment, to further support impacted destinations. Organic social media campaigns featuring ‘Stronger than the Storm’ messaging went live last Friday for people in the state and ‘Florida is Resilient’ for US domestic markets, signalling our commitment to recovery.

“To better tailor our marketing efforts, we have sent a survey to all DMOs to assess the impact on their destinations and determine when they estimate they will be ready to welcome visitors back.”

Tampa International Airport re-opened at ‘near-full’ operational strength on Monday with a full schedule of about 500 flights, with regular commercial flight operations expected all week. All flights were suspended on the morning of 8 October ahead of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane the following evening near Siesta Key, about 50 miles south of the airport.

John Tiliacos, Operations and Customer Service Executive Vice President, Tampa Airport, said: “Thanks to careful planning, preparation, and ex*****on ahead of this historic hurricane, Tampa International Airport was able to rapidly rebound to serve the needs of this region and state, as well as our travellers. The airport plans and practices in anticipation of these storms all year, and that effort has served us well in recovering first from Helene and now Milton.”

Orlando International Airport resumed full commercial passenger operations last Friday following extensive clean-up from the debris left by Hurricane Milton. Melbourne Orlando airport also resumed services on 11 October. Key West and Florida Keys Marathon International Airports were unaffected and remained open and operational.

The Florida Keys & Key West tourism infrastructure was reported to be intact throughout the 125-mile-long island chain after Hurricane Milton brought tropical storm wind gusts but “no significant” impact. The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, including all 42 bridges, is fully open.

12/10/2024

EU Again Delays Start of EES System for Border Checks

The European Commission has again decided to delay the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), the EU’s automated registry for short-stay travellers that was expected to come into force on 10 November 2024. The announcement was made by Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Home Affairs, at the end of a meeting of EU interior ministers on Thursday.

“Germany, France and the Netherlands had declared their unreadiness,” she said, “so 10th of November is no longer on the table. I hope we can start as soon as possible but there is no new timeline so far. This also depends on the legal assessment that we will do and we are working on it right now. There are some concerns when it comes to the resilience of the system.”

As an alternative, she said, the EU could introduce the EES in a phased-in manner “with a little step-by-step going into the system, not a big bang of all border crossing points at the same time”. However, that approach is not foreseen under the current regulation and ‘targeted amendments’ to the legal text would be required to make it happen.

The Entry/Exit System
The EES is a comprehensive reform that dates back to 2016 and had been repeatedly delayed. Its main purpose is to modernise checks at the EU’s external borders and replace the traditional physical stamping of passports. It will apply to non-EU citizens who enter the EU for visits, holidays, or business trips and stay for a total duration of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Once the system goes live, visitors will have to provide their passports on arrival, alongside having a photo of their face taken and their fingerprints scanned electronically. All entries and exits from the passport-free Schengen Area will be recorded. The collection of biometric data and the sharing of information in real time are meant to help authorities crack down on those who overstay their short-term visas and commit identity fraud.

All member states, except Cyprus and Ireland, and four Schengen-associate countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland – will take part in the scheme. Passports in Cyprus and Ireland will continue to be stamped manually.

Ireland’s Travel News

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