Activities & latest news in United Kingdom

EU Rolls Out New Biometric EES - 

Travellers to Europe, prepare to say "cheese"—and maybe give your fingerprints too! The European Union is finally launching its long-awaited Entry-Exit System (EES) on 10th November 2024, according to EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson. After years of anticipation and delays, the new system is set to add a high-tech twist to your European adventures, making border crossings a bit more like a visit to the DMV, but hopefully faster and with better scenery.

So what’s up with this new system? Well if you are coming from outside the EU—yes, that includes UK—soon you’ll have to provide a digital photo and fingerprints when you arrive at the border. EES is about enhancing safety and seeing that every person’s journey is as precise as any Swiss timepiece. According to Johansson these biometric tricks are meant for ensuring smooth flows of visitors while boosting border security across the continent.

The EES has not only been designed  for holders of short-stay visas. No, it casts its net wider. For instance if you are one of around 60 visa-free countries such as the UK, then before stepping onto any of the 30 participating European nations; you will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETIAS). This does not stop there though—the ETIAS would cost €7 between ages 18 and 70; however it expires after three years. If your plans include several visits across the Channel each year, then probably it could be your most useful expenditure at only €7.  The introduction of the ETIAS travel system for non-EU visitors is due to go live in the first half of 2025.

While it may sound like another layer of red tape, the EES promises to be a game-changer for international travel to Europe. The goal? To boost security without turning your holiday into a paperwork nightmare. So, get ready to strike a pose at the border and embrace the future of travel in Europe. With the EES in place, your next trip to the continent might just be smoother—and safer—than ever before.

Exceptions to the EES

There are some exceptions to the mandatory registration in the EES. These apply, among other things, to:

• Nationals of the participating countries, as well as Cyprus and Ireland.
• Non-EU nationals with residence cards related to EU nationals.
• Persons who are transferred within a company or travel for research, study, training, volunteer work, student exchange, educational projects or au pair work.
• Holders of residence permits, long-term visas and certain diplomatic passports.
• Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City, as well as persons exempt from border controls, such as heads of state and cross-border workers.

Where is the EES required?

The EES will be in place for 25 of the 27 EU member states — Ireland and Cyprus will continue with manual checks — as well as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein, as they’re part of the border-free Schengen Area. Where EES is in place, you’ll just need to scan your passport at the automated gates, as you would when entering the UK.

However, the first time you use the EES, you will be required to supply your fingerprint and have your photo taken at the crossing. This will then be kept on file for three years, so you won’t need to do this extra step each time. If you refuse to supply this information, you’ll be denied entry.

Within the UK, EES gates will also be installed at the Port of Dover, and Eurostar and Eurotunnel terminals where passports are checked prior to travel.

Key Highlights EU Rolls Out New Biometric EES:

• Launch Date: The Entry-Exit System (EES) will go live on November 10, 2024.
• Biometric Requirements: Non-EU travellers including UK must provide a digital photo and fingerprints when they cross the border.
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETIAS): Among 60 visa exempt countries travellers would require an ETIAS which is charged at €7 for those aged between 18 -70 and valid for three years. (Will launch at in the first half of 2025)
• Enhanced Security: The aim of EES is to enhance safety measures while ensuring that international visitors are processed efficiently through the boarders.
• Impact on Travel: Consequently, this system is anticipated to make travelling into and out of Europe a breeze hence millions of global tourists will enjoy smooth experiences across various border points.

Thinking of travelling to the EU for you next group trip? Let one of our fantastic DMCs help you with your itinerary, accomodation and travel plans. 

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Uganda Airlines Expands Regional and Long Haul Connectivity  -

Uganda Airlines, the national airline of Uganda, has announced a bold plan to develop its network by opening new routes to major cities in Africa; this is intended to create a strong regional network that will serve as feeder services for its long-haul flights including London, Mumbai and Dubai.

A relatively young carrier; Uganda Airlines is a revival of the original Uganda Airlines which was in operation from 1977 until 2001. The current version began flying in August last year and since then it has been taking steps towards widening its coverage within Africa. This growth of networks represents a significant turning point in the airline’s expansion strategy as well as cementing its status as an important connector on the continent.

New Routes & Timetable Uganda Airlines Expands Regional and Long Haul Connectivity:

• Abuja – Nigeria: From September 12th, 2024, there will be two weekly flights between Entebbe (Uganda) and Abuja (Nigeria). This will boost connectivity into this region which previously had little air service. In addition to Lagos flights operated by this carrier; Abuja becomes another gateway to Nigerian market for Uganda airlines.
• Lusaka – Zambia / Harare – Zimbabwe: Starting September 25th next year there will be direct flights linking Lusaka with Harare while each route experiences four weekly unique triangular operations on Entebbe-Lusaka-Harare sector; one city may be connected back through either Lusaka or Harare before returning back to base at Entebbe. Such arrangement ensures efficiency in terms of utilization of resources vis-à-vis demand patterns from traffic flows between these two countries.

Targeting Underserved Routes:

The other thing which Uganda Airlines is doing is concentrating on underserved destinations so that they can offer cheaper fares thus making travel more affordable for people who live in those areas. For instance, Abuja route will provide a link between East and West Africa thereby giving travellers an option that is less costly when compared with other options which are currently available. By focusing on these neglected markets; Uganda Airlines wants to position itself as one of the leading low-cost carriers in Africa that provides convenient connections throughout the continent by air.

Building Connections through Collaboration:

Apart from enhancing passengers’ seamless connectivity experience; this move will also lead to increased fleet effectiveness as well as profitability. It is with regard to its long haul flights that Uganda airlines seeks to establish a strong regional network.

One of the growth strategies for Uganda airlines among others has been entering into different interline agreements. By March 2021, the carrier had already partnered with Emirates Airlines while by August 2021 it had incorporated Qatar Airways, Hahn Air together with APG Airlines of France among others in this category. Talks were still ongoing over interline agreements with Air Tanzania alongside Precision Air where else South African Airways was under negotiation for interlining come July 2024.

Through such expansions coupled with strategic partnerships; Uganda airlines shows its commitment of becoming a key player in African aviation industry through provision of better connections thus triggering economic growth across the continent.

This move opens up Uganda making travel to and from there much easier and cost effective. Why not plan your next group trip to Uganda? Contact our marvelous DMC in Uganda to help create a customised plan.