BEACH Best Escape Anyone Can Have
PARK Peaceful (Amid Rowdy Kids)
FOREST Finding Outdoors Rather Eerie, Scary and Tiresome
MALL Money Accepted, Long Lines
HOME House Of My Errands
Acronyms (abbreviations formed from the initial letters of a multi-word phrase) play an important, and serious, role in today’s world of travel.
After the UK ETA we now have EES and ETIAS.
Initially, they were a shock — and some readers who are still cautious and confused contact us about these — so here’s a recap . . .
EES
EES is the European Union Entry/Exit System that has been causing delays, and which we have been covering in these pages.
This is because the first time you have to go through the system, it takes time.
There’s nothing you can do about this (and nothing you have to do beforehand). Just leave plenty of time for that first entry.
The Federal Government’s Smartraveller warns: “The EES is currently causing delays of up to four to six hours in some European airports.
“Travellers have missed flights as a result. Take delays into account when booking your travel.”
The team there suggests:
+ Allow extra time between connecting flights.
+ Choose flexible flight options.
+ Arrive well before your flight is due to leave.
+ Queues to access EES self-service kiosks are long. Be prepared to stand for an extended time. Take food and water if needed. If you have mobility or health concerns that limit how long you can stand, talk to airport support staff.
It adds: “The process may be quicker if the country you’re in lets you give your initial data using an EES mobile app. But still be prepared for delays.
smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/european-union-entry-exit-system-coming
ETIAS
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System hasn’t started yet.
ETIAS is scheduled to begin operation in European Union countries in the last quarter of 2026.
It is a travel authorisation which will be required to visit 30 European countries, including all 27 Schengen Zone member states as well as Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania.
Most travellers with an Australian passport will need an ETIAS — though there is nothing you can do at the moment, just wait and be prepared.
To apply for it, your Australian passport will have to be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
If it expires sooner, you will need to renew it before applying.
You will need an active email address, as you ETIAS approval or any status updates will be sent by email.
You will need a debit or credit card to pay the €20 ($32.80) application fee (free for applicants under 18 or over 70).
And you will have to provide your full name, nationality, date of birth and passport details. You may also need to indicate your first Schengen country of entry.
The application includes questions about any criminal history, and about past travel and health status.
There’s more information here: etias.com/etias-requirements/etias-for-australian-citizens
And this is where travellers will apply: travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias
ETA
The United Kingdom’s ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation.
It is a mandatory digital travel permission for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months. Most travellers with an Australian passport will need an ETA or a visa.
It applies to travellers from over 85 countries who could previously enter the UK completely visa-free, including those from Australia. Most visitors need an ETA or a visa.
It costs £20 ($38), is digitally linked to your passport and lasts for two years (or until your passport expires). And it allows you multiple visits for tourism, visiting family, business or short-term study.
(If you have a British or Irish passport, you won’t need one.)
It is easiest to get through the UK ETA app, which is available free from App stores.
But here is more information and the website: gov.uk/eta
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