Motorhome owners are being warned of serious consequences if they do not prepare themselves for new European Union rules being introduced within weeks.
Drivers could be refused entry to the European Union if they fail to comply with the new Entry/Exit System, which is set to be introduced on October 12.
While the EES system was originally meant to be introduced in 2022, the system is finally being introduced, with experts urging motorists to familiarise themselves with the new rules.
British citizens will see their requirements changed if they want to travel to the Schengen area, which includes popular tourist destinations like France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
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Drivers are being urged to prepare for the incoming changes in October
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If someone wants to travel to the EU for a short stay using a UK passport, they need to register their biometric details when they arrive.
This will include fingerprints and a photo. However, drivers do not need to do anything when they arrive at the border, nor are there any charges.
Once it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when a visitor arrives in the EU.
Mark Sheppard, senior trading manager at Safeguard, said anyone taking their vehicle to the EU from October 12 for up to 90 days within a 180-day period would be impacted.
The Entry/Exit System machine will be introduced on October 12, 2025
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Britons can expect to have information collected from their passports, as well as the date and location of each entry and exit point, biometric data and whether they were previously refused entry to the EU.
Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein will also adhere to the new EES rules, although this is being rolled out gradually, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026.
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."
Motorists may also need additional documents when travelling to Europe or further afield this year with the International Driving Permit (IDP).
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While drivers do not need an IDP when driving in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, they are needed in popular hotspots for Britons like Albania, Australia, Mexico and South Africa.
Even when travelling in Europe, an IDP may be necessary if they have a paper licence, or the licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
International Driving Permits can be purchased from certain stores that contain a PayPoint counter for £5.50, provided they have a full UK driving licence and live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
There are three different types of IDPs, including 1926 and 1949, which last for just 12 months, and the 1968 permit, which lasts for three years.
Drivers could also require an International Driving Permit when travelling abroad
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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