Brexit and its implications for British, HU and any other citizens

Dover:
IT issues cause Christmas getaway delays at Dover

French IT problems. Brexit anyone? - @fluffy2560

Chaos at Schiphol yesterday; the baggage conveyor system in Terminal 2 stopped working.  They reckon they'll take until after the new Year in order to get everyone's baggage to them; never mind bloody Brexit, where's my goodies for Xmas?

Dover:IT issues cause Christmas getaway delays at DoverFrench IT problems. Brexit anyone? - @fluffy2560Chaos at Schiphol yesterday; the baggage conveyor system in Terminal 2 stopped working. They reckon they'll take until after the new Year in order to get everyone's baggage to them; never mind bloody Brexit, where's my goodies for Xmas? - @Cynic

Yes, chaos reigns.  I expect the EES will be delayed.  There's supposed to be a tranche of countries implementing early next year.   They say 3h queues will not be unusual.  Not good.  Lack of staff, technology breakdowns and blah-blah.  Apparently only 10% of travellers will be able to use EES.  There's going to have to be a way of bringing UK passport holders into the e-gate system.  They can do it in the UK, so why not elsewhere?  It might not help us who have Residence Permits - these are scanned as well by humans.

Your goodies must be hanging about at the airport deteriorating.  I'd be really unhappy if my vla or vlaai was missing or ruined.   I loved that stuff.  Maybe they'll forward it in a taxi. 

Dover:IT issues cause Christmas getaway delays at DoverFrench IT problems. Brexit anyone? - @fluffy2560Chaos at Schiphol yesterday; the baggage conveyor system in Terminal 2 stopped working. They reckon they'll take until after the new Year in order to get everyone's baggage to them; never mind bloody Brexit, where's my goodies for Xmas? - @Cynic
Yes, chaos reigns. I expect the EES will be delayed. There's supposed to be a tranche of countries implementing early next year. They say 3h queues will not be unusual. Not good. Lack of staff, technology breakdowns and blah-blah. Apparently only 10% of travellers will be able to use EES. There's going to have to be a way of bringing UK passport holders into the e-gate system. They can do it in the UK, so why not elsewhere? It might not help us who have Residence Permits - these are scanned as well by humans.

Your goodies must be hanging about at the airport deteriorating. I'd be really unhappy if my vla or vlaai was missing or ruined. I loved that stuff. Maybe they'll forward it in a taxi. - @fluffy2560

EES is turning out to be the clusterf**k many have expected; not helped by the French going on strike every time someone tries to fix it;  I understand from former colleagues that nobody seems to have discovered how to get around the 3-pin plug syndrome, when some "person" trips/pulls out the wire from the plug/socket in the wall, midway through a ship/aircraft/train offloading the poor souls on board into that nations' bureaucracy.  I have no expectation that the UK version for 3rd country nationals staying for 90 days or less (coming to a port of entry near us all) is going to fare any better, as it's based on the same computer system the EU are using.

The goodies have arrived and are being distributed as I sit here typing.

EES is turning out to be the clusterf**k many have expected; not helped by the French going on strike every time someone tries to fix it; I understand from former colleagues that nobody seems to have discovered how to get around the 3-pin plug syndrome, when some "person" trips/pulls out the wire from the plug/socket in the wall, midway through a ship/aircraft/train offloading the poor souls on board into that nations' bureaucracy. I have no expectation that the UK version for 3rd country nationals staying for 90 days or less (coming to a port of entry near us all) is going to fare any better, as it's based on the same computer system the EU are using.
The goodies have arrived and are being distributed as I sit here typing. - @Cynic

Yes, looks like it's a real fustercluck.   The 3h delay was noted on a Euronews video article - click here.  The video looks like it was shot at Budapest airport.    Video seems to imply that everyone has to queue up there if they are visa exempt.   It doesn't mention those with Residence Permits.  We've already been fingerprinted and scanned at immigration. So we should be able to skip the queues and go straight to a Passport Jobsworth.  Generally, it's probably best to avoid going, particularly now.

In probably late Jan, I'll be on the move outside of Schengen but I think I'll be going from Hungary, not another country within Schengen and I doubt it'll be major trouble.  Going is always easy but coming back, usually of major annoyance.

EES is turning out to be the clusterf**k many have expected; not helped by the French going on strike every time someone tries to fix it; I understand from former colleagues that nobody seems to have discovered how to get around the 3-pin plug syndrome, when some "person" trips/pulls out the wire from the plug/socket in the wall, midway through a ship/aircraft/train offloading the poor souls on board into that nations' bureaucracy. I have no expectation that the UK version for 3rd country nationals staying for 90 days or less (coming to a port of entry near us all) is going to fare any better, as it's based on the same computer system the EU are using.
The goodies have arrived and are being distributed as I sit here typing. - @Cynic
Yes, looks like it's a real fustercluck. The 3h delay was noted on a Euronews video article - click here. The video looks like it was shot at Budapest airport.  Video seems to imply that everyone has to queue up there if they are visa exempt. It doesn't mention those with Residence Permits. We've already been fingerprinted and scanned at immigration. So we should be able to skip the queues and go straight to a Passport Jobsworth. Generally, it's probably best to avoid going, particularly now.
In probably late Jan, I'll be on the move outside of Schengen but I think I'll be going from Hungary, not another country within Schengen and I doubt it'll be major trouble. Going is always easy but coming back, usually of major annoyance. - @fluffy2560

I'll check out Dutch TV over Xmas to see if there are any updates; they seem to have a lot of those fly on the wall documentaries from places like Schiphol.  The wife is going to see her sister around Easter time, so it's worthwhile keeping up to date on the latest nonsense; she has the best of both worlds, EU passport and ILR in the UK; she seems to be able to just walk through.

I'll check out Dutch TV over Xmas to see if there are any updates; they seem to have a lot of those fly on the wall documentaries from places like Schiphol. The wife is going to see her sister around Easter time, so it's worthwhile keeping up to date on the latest nonsense; she has the best of both worlds, EU passport and ILR in the UK; she seems to be able to just walk through. - @Cynic

Well, clearly the inbound to Schengen is where it all goes wrong.  UK always surprises me as the e-gates seem not to be working properly many a time.  But it's OK at major airports generally. I specifically cite LPL (Liverpool) as a weird one.  No e-gates incoming.  None at all. All manual checking.  And nothing going out as is normal.

I've never truly understood why I - as a British person - even have to even show my passport at the UK border.  Showing your UK passport means you're not subject to UK border controls. And as a British person, I'm definitely not subject to UK border controls.  All it does is confirm it's a non-event, a contradiction and illogical.  Of course, to complete the conundrum, they have to ask you if you are subject to border controls. And then answer is No. So when then?

I remember reading about building permits in Italy.  There's a permit to show you don't need a permit.   Yeah, right, who thought of that then?

I rest my case m'lud.

We travelled from Vienna > Amsterdam > Cardiff (22/12/25)

I might as well tell you the whole story. Our flight was at 7:15 am, so we arrived at our car at 4 am, and the key in the ignition wouldn't turn. Had to call a cab to the airport. (cost €100 including tip).

Get to the airport, our luggage for the hold had not been registered as we paid for it on check-in. So, paid again, due to the flight being full, we had to put our hand luggage in the hold.

My laptop, in its carry case, had to go through the X-ray machine twice, gawd knows why, and my belt was swabbed for the detection of drugs, so was the laptop.

Arrive in Amsterdam, and get our assistance (without it, we wouldn't have made our connecting flight (tbh I'm not sure anyone else would.) Going through immigration was not a problem, just flash my passport and Article 50 Card, and they asked the reason for travel. (visit family)

Arrive in Cardiff. The E-gates, what a joke, didn't work. (just like self-service tills got someone going back and forth trying to fix the issue.) Well, it didn't work for me, so I had to see a physical person. My wife worked on the 2nd attempt.

Then finally through all that. Our luggage never made it to our plane; also, there were quite a few others who had the same issue.

We got €100 from KLM to buy essentials, so it wasn't all bad, and we had our luggage delivered the next day to our house.

Our return flight was so relaxed that, security staff at Cardiff and Amsterdam asked the reason for our travel. Home, and said safe journey, guys.

We travelled from Vienna > Amsterdam > Cardiff (22/12/25)I might as well tell you the whole story. Our flight was at 7:15 am, so we arrived at our car at 4 am, and the key in the ignition wouldn't turn. Had to call a cab to the airport. (cost €100 including tip).Get to the airport, our luggage for the hold had not been registered as we paid for it on check-in. So, paid again, due to the flight being full, we had to put our hand luggage in the hold. My laptop, in its carry case, had to go through the X-ray machine twice, gawd knows why, and my belt was swabbed for the detection of drugs, so was the laptop. Arrive in Amsterdam, and get our assistance (without it, we wouldn't have made our connecting flight (tbh I'm not sure anyone else would.) Going through immigration was not a problem, just flash my passport and Article 50 Card, and they asked the reason for travel. (visit family) Arrive in Cardiff. The E-gates, what a joke, didn't work. (just like self-service tills got someone going back and forth trying to fix the issue.) Well, it didn't work for me, so I had to see a physical person. My wife worked on the 2nd attempt. Then finally through all that. Our luggage never made it to our plane; also, there were quite a few others who had the same issue.We got €100 from KLM to buy essentials, so it wasn't all bad, and we had our luggage delivered the next day to our house. Our return flight was so relaxed that, security staff at Cardiff and Amsterdam asked the reason for our travel. Home, and said safe journey, guys. - @SimCityAT

Be thankful you don't go to LPL (Liverpool).  No e-gates there at all.  I don't know about MAN (Manchester) as I haven't been there for some years but I will go in March. I assume all e-gated.  MAN I believe is a more serious airport. I have not been there for 20+ years but I think it's got 3 terminals now.  It had 1 terminal when I was there before.  I've found e-gates are regularly broken in the UK.  When I could use them in the EU, I found they all mainly worked, 99% of the time.  UK, I reckon maybe 80% of the time.

If you ever used Ryanair (I think they go to Bristol), it's compulsory to use the App now to get the boarding cards electronically.   I really don't like the idea of phone only boarding cards.  I like to have paper ones as well, just in case the phone isn't working properly - I also store them in a Google Wallet as well as having access in the App.    I always check in online before going to the airport.  30 days before flight time is useful to do. Then it's sure I have my selected seat.  I always sit in the same seat on every Ryanair or Wizzair seat (I don't really use others in Europe).   Once checked in,  the baggage is just queueing at drop off as they already know it all. I weigh my bags before going to the airport to ensure it's in the limits.

Good you got 100 EUR from KLM. I am owed 400 EUR from Brussels Airlines but they are arguing about it.  I flew a lot on KLM but since I don't go to NL anymore, I just don't bother with AMS as a stopover.  It's an expensive country and I avoid driving through it too back to ports. 

Ryanair Grrrrr, once was enough and never again or will my family. My sister got told she had to pay extra for a Bum bag (€60), as that was extra luggage, she removed it and put it into her laptop bag. While boarding the plane, she took it out of her bag, and someone came running across the tarmac, instructing her to place it back in her bag or she would be refused on the plane.

KLM are a dream; there were hiccups, but they refunded and apologised. In all I would rather pay a little bit more than to have Ryanair service.

Ryanair Grrrrr, once was enough and never again or will my family. My sister got told she had to pay extra for a Bum bag (€60), as that was extra luggage, she removed it and put it into her laptop bag. While boarding the plane, she took it out of her bag, and someone came running across the tarmac, instructing her to place it back in her bag or she would be refused on the plane.KLM are a dream; there were hiccups, but they refunded and apologised. In all I would rather pay a little bit more than to have Ryanair service. - @SimCityAT

There's a lot of stupidity with Ryanair and Easyjet isn't much better. 

A technique with Ryanair is to wear a big coat and stuff all your stuff in the pockets.    Another one is to get a duty free bag and put things in that as one is allowed duty free.   They usually cannot be bothered arguing BUT they do get money for "catching" people.

Easyjet has this bizarre rule that priority passengers (or something) can only use the overhead bins.  How they can tell once everyone is piled on, the bins jammed full, I do not know.

Wizzair I liked, 32kg luggage and a good level of hand luggage.  But now they aren't flying where I want to go.  They used to but they stopped it a few months back.  So that was the end of me and them.  They keep hassling me with special offers but I don't want to go to Gdansk or Yerevan.

Ryanair thinks price is the most important aspect and clearly it is for some people, but for perhaps older people or in need of assistance, we want that extra bit of care. 

I'm sometimes using a stick now and I've found I usually get ushered to the front without anyone questioning it or being in the company of a helper.   I do need to go a bit slower and I do need to sit down sometimes.   I didn't get any special treatment in Brussels.   They made me stand queueing up for an hour.  And they were rude about it.

I really am not sure if this rumor is true or not.

My husband mentioned today that the UK is considering making it illegal to drive for people over age 70.

Sounds like just a crazy scare tactic but these days... who knows.If it does happen in the UK, it will soon spread everywhere.

I really am not sure if this rumor is true or not.My husband mentioned today that the UK is considering making it illegal to drive for people over age 70.Sounds like just a crazy scare tactic but these days... who knows.If it does happen in the UK, it will soon spread everywhere. - @Marilyn Tassy

That's half the story.  It's just introduction of mandatory eye tests each year for those over 70.  Nothing that doesn't happen here more often.  I have to go here to the docs every 2 years if I want to keep my truck license.  I renew it as a matter of principle as I see it as a freedom I am entitled to rather than any need to drive a truck.

In the UK, it used to be, pass your test at 17 (legal driving age), then you're good to go until 70.   Long time. If one wears glasses or has some condition, then there's a renewal of the license photo every 10 years, and one is supposed to tell the DVLA (US: DMV).  They then put a note on your license which says eyeglasses have to be worn.  It's on my HU license too (as it was created from my UK EU format license - I was forced to swap. Bloody Brexit).   

I'm not supposed to drive without my glasses on which is a good idea as I can only see clearly about 10ft without them.  I can recognise objects like cars easily more than 10ft.  I can see people further away of course but I cannot tell who they are.

The upside is that I do not need glasses to read.   I usually take my glasses off.   That might be changing.  But I've got weak varifocals. I need to wear glasses driving so I can look down to see the instruments using the reading part of the glasses and look up to see the stronger part to see the road.

I would never drive without my glasses at night but I could do it during the day (but I don't).  Driving without glasses at night is just asking for trouble.

I really am not sure if this rumor is true or not.
My husband mentioned today that the UK is considering making it illegal to drive for people over age 70.
Sounds like just a crazy scare tactic but these days... who knows.If it does happen in the UK, it will soon spread everywhere. - @Marilyn Tassy

It's a discussion document at the moment; the thing that may screw it up is they've included Digital Driving licences in the discussion and the Brits just don't like these things.

I really am not sure if this rumor is true or not.
My husband mentioned today that the UK is considering making it illegal to drive for people over age 70.
Sounds like just a crazy scare tactic but these days... who knows.If it does happen in the UK, it will soon spread everywhere. - @Marilyn Tassy
It's a discussion document at the moment; the thing that may screw it up is they've included Digital Driving licences in the discussion and the Brits just don't like these things. - @Cynic

The Digital DL is just cover for ID cards.   It'll be like the US where DLs are proxies for ID cards.

And nope, totally against ID cards for the general population.  That's despite all of us having them here.

I really am not sure if this rumor is true or not.
My husband mentioned today that the UK is considering making it illegal to drive for people over age 70.
Sounds like just a crazy scare tactic but these days... who knows.If it does happen in the UK, it will soon spread everywhere. - @Marilyn Tassy
It's a discussion document at the moment; the thing that may screw it up is they've included Digital Driving licences in the discussion and the Brits just don't like these things. - @Cynic
The Digital DL is just cover for ID cards. It'll be like the US where DLs are proxies for ID cards.
And nope, totally against ID cards for the general population. That's despite all of us having them here. - @fluffy2560

The elephant hiding over there behind the door is personal registration.  Unlike the rest of Europe, the UK does not have a national registration system.  I can recall attending some grown up meetings a long time ago where it became a bone of contention and some men in suits just dismissed it out of hand.  For those of us who have carried ID since we were teenagers, we couldn't work out why;  it was muted around the lunch table that there are some people who just don't want to be recognised.

I really am not sure if this rumor is true or not.
My husband mentioned today that the UK is considering making it illegal to drive for people over age 70.
Sounds like just a crazy scare tactic but these days... who knows.If it does happen in the UK, it will soon spread everywhere. - @Marilyn Tassy
It's a discussion document at the moment; the thing that may screw it up is they've included Digital Driving licences in the discussion and the Brits just don't like these things. - @Cynic
The Digital DL is just cover for ID cards. It'll be like the US where DLs are proxies for ID cards.
And nope, totally against ID cards for the general population. That's despite all of us having them here. - @fluffy2560
The elephant hiding over there behind the door is personal registration. Unlike the rest of Europe, the UK does not have a national registration system. I can recall attending some grown up meetings a long time ago where it became a bone of contention and some men in suits just dismissed it out of hand. For those of us who have carried ID since we were teenagers, we couldn't work out why; it was muted around the lunch table that there are some people who just don't want to be recognised. - @Cynic

Plenty of countries don't have ID cards and they manage just fine.

Canada, NZ, Australia, UK - no ID cards.

No-one needs to know who you are, what you are doing, who you are with, how fast you're going and where you're going.

US is moving to voter ID just like the UK which is no doubt going to become a proxy for ID cards.  Back door surveillance.

Government needs to mind its own business.

Freedom is becoming a thing of the past.

On Maui in the 70,s my husband with his long Hippie hair, surf board on the roof of an old rusty Toyota was stopped by the police for some traffic thing.

No ticket was given just a reminder; When asked for his driving license, he left it at home, no biggie, just told next time to carry it when he drove.

Now days, that would never happen§ Arrested and car put in impound if you were lucky to not get shot as a domestic terrorist.

My US driving license expires next Dec.

I suppose if I ever move back there, I will have to take the written and road test, bummer.

Easy enough, just a hassle.

I am suppose to wear glasses to drive too.

That last eye exam in NV was before I had eye surgery though; Now perhaps the eye exam would be OK without glasses?

Freedom is becoming a thing of the past.On Maui in the 70,s my husband with his long Hippie hair, surf board on the roof of an old rusty Toyota was stopped by the police for some traffic thing.No ticket was given just a reminder; When asked for his driving license, he left it at home, no biggie, just told next time to carry it when he drove.Now days, that would never happen§ Arrested and car put in impound if you were lucky to not get shot as a domestic terrorist.My US driving license expires next Dec.I suppose if I ever move back there, I will have to take the written and road test, bummer.Easy enough, just a hassle.I am suppose to wear glasses to drive too.That last eye exam in NV was before I had eye surgery though; Now perhaps the eye exam would be OK without glasses? - @Marilyn Tassy

Being stopped by the cops usually resulted in a warning but with the automation (in the UK), they just fine you and the bill comes in the post.   And to make it worse (in the UK), if you oppose it, the amount is doubled.  Something like that.

I was caught speeding in the UK a few years ago in my UK car.  They had to give up trying to fine me because they couldn't handle the HU DL to add the points.  They'd lost the ability due to Brexit and could follow it up.   An upside!

My DL says I have to wear glasses which is good as things are a bit fuzzy without them.   I don't really need them for reading or using the computer which is somewhat unusual given I'm 65.  I do need good light so we have a lot of brighter bulbs and more of them in our house.   

Driving is a bit strange. I cannot see distances. Myopia - short sightedness.  When I drive, I cannot see clearly into the distance but I can see easily the instruments.  So I use varifocal lenses which are graduated lenses.

I've had eye surgery for a torn retina. Actually twice for the same tear.  I haven't noticed any change in my sight because of the surgery but it was quite small.  I also have some damage due to the diabetic retinopathy but again, I cannot tell there is anything different.   

Maybe they'd just issue you another license in NV? 

In the US to renew a driving license you must show 2 prove of resident documents. Like a rental agreement, bill of some sort.

Also after 70 they want an in person eye test.

I just briefly looked it up.

NV gives a 30 grace period on expired license, which is nice I suppose;

Every state is different some will make you just pay a late fee while other states make you take the entire test again even classroom work!

I was going to renew it before Dec; if we went for a visit but getting the 2 forms of residency is not going to happen.

It was easy when my son lived there, had him write out a rental slip for us and I had one bill in my name, cable bill.

No one is going to give me those.

It,s OK, just a bit of a drag.

Called oncology, of course it is not ready yet!

Might look into how to get a HU license. If it is just a road test  and turning in my US one then maybe?

I really do not want to drive here in the city.

In the US to renew a driving license you must show 2 prove of resident documents. Like a rental agreement, bill of some sort.Also after 70 they want an in person eye test.I just briefly looked it up.NV gives a 30 grace period on expired license, which is nice I suppose;Every state is different some will make you just pay a late fee while other states make you take the entire test again even classroom work!I was going to renew it before Dec; if we went for a visit but getting the 2 forms of residency is not going to happen.It was easy when my son lived there, had him write out a rental slip for us and I had one bill in my name, cable bill.No one is going to give me those.It,s OK, just a bit of a drag.Called oncology, of course it is not ready yet!Might look into how to get a HU license. If it is just a road test and turning in my US one then maybe?I really do not want to drive here in the city. - @Marilyn Tassy

Possibly you could swap your US license for a HU one.  It depends if it's recognised.  There are various conventions regarding it and it would depend on whether the US is a party to that. 

I Googled it and it looks possible.  One has to go to the central Okmanyiroda.  Phone call should suffice to understand the procedure or feasibility.

When I changed my license, I went to the local office but I had an EU version, so it was a straight swap plus the medical thing plus address card etc.  I drove on my UK license for years as there was no need to change it. 

Brexit made me change to HU as that twit Boris Johnson couldn't tell anyone if DLs would be valid post-Brexit.

Good to know that it may be possible to get a HU one without a huge hassle.

Wait ,did I just say no hassle, in Hungary??

I do not plan on driving anytime soon but if ever needed it is handy to be legal.

Hate to go backwards and drive without proper documents.

I will look into it further.

Good to know that it may be possible to get a HU one without a huge hassle.
Wait ,did I just say no hassle, in Hungary??
I do not plan on driving anytime soon but if ever needed it is handy to be legal.
Hate to go backwards and drive without proper documents.
I will look into it further. - @Marilyn Tassy

I would.  If you have it, it's always useful in an emergency. 

I rarely drive at night these days as it's more stressful.  I've held a license since I was 17, 48 years now.

But one has to recognise one's limitations.

Mrs Fluffy received this e-mail.  First time UK authorities have acknowledged they even know about her! Taken them years. I don't think we'll do anything about it.  If the UK rejoins the single market, the other EU members will demand freedom of movement. And quite right too. Events may overtake us.

Dear EU Settlement Scheme status holder,

You are receiving this email because Home Office records show that you have status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

Please read this important information for all EUSS status holders about

·        keeping your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account details up to date; and

·        changes to the residence requirement for people applying for settled status

·        changes to the process for automatically granting settled status

Why keeping your UKVI account up to date matters

As you have EUSS status, you already have a UKVI account and do not need to create a new one. From early next year, additional checks will be in place to confirm your UK immigration status when travelling. If your details are not up to date in your UKVI account, you will experience delays or difficulties when travelling to or from the UK, and a carrier may deny you boarding.

You should update your details now to avoid future delays.

If you have pre-settled status, you may also have problems when applying for settled status if your identity document is not up to date.

What you need to do

Got a new passport or identity document since you first applied?

Update your UKVI account with the new document details now at: https://www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immi … nt-details

Planning to travel?

Make sure the document number, expiry date and nationality of your travel documents match those in your UKVI account.

Applying for settled status?

If your passport or identity document has changed, update your UKVI account before you apply.

If you have problems signing in to your UKVI account you can get help at https://update-your-details.homeoffice. … very/help.

For more information or to check your eVisa details, visit: https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status

A video on how to update your UKVI account is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati … ount-video

For latest information on the move to eVisas, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati … -to-evisas

Thank you for helping us keep your status updated and your travel smooth.

Changes to settled status residence requirements

The Home Office has simplified the residence requirements that pre-settled status holders must meet to obtain settled status. You can now qualify for settled status, if:

·        you have pre-settled status and been resident in the UK for at least 30 months (2.5 years) in the 5 years before you apply for settled status; and

·        you arrived in the UK at least 5 years ago.

Other important information

·        You don’t need to explain any time spent outside the UK, as long as you meet the new 30-month rule.

·        Any applications not yet decided will be assessed against this new rule.

·        If you were previously refused settled status or were granted leave under another immigration route, you may now qualify if you still have pre-settled status and meet the new requirements.

·        If you spent more than 2 years in a row outside the UK before 21 May 2024, your pre-settled status will have lapsed. We’re working on changes to help you qualify if you meet the new requirements and will provide an update soon.

Automated grants of settled status

Who is eligible?

We are automatically converting pre-settled status holders to settled status, where possible, using UK tax and benefit records. You’ll hear from us by email if this applies to you. You’ll be granted settled status automatically if:

·        you are an EEA or Swiss citizen who was resident in the UK by 23:00 on 31 December 2020; and

·        your UK tax and benefit records show you lived in the UK for 5 years with absences of less than six months in total in any 12-month period. From early 2026, we’ll update our system to use the new 30-month rule.

Who still needs to apply for settled status?

You’ll need to apply for settled status if any of these apply. You:

·        have not paid UK tax or received benefits for at least 30 months in the last 5 years

·        are a family member who is not from the EEA or Switzerland

·        are a joining family member who began residence in the UK after 31 December 2020

·        are under 18 years of age

·        have other eligibility requirements (e.g. derivative rights)

Encourage your family to apply for settled status if they are eligible. You can apply for them if they can’t do it themselves (for example, they are a child).

Need help?

Visit https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families for information.

Visit https://ukimmigration-support-webchat.h … ov.uk/euss for support.

Yours sincerely,

Home Office EUSS team

Update:

I was at the airport today (BUD - T2B, leaving HU) and there's a new sign which points to a new exit queue labelled Residence Permit. 

It seemed to point to the HU e-gates and no-one was there so I tried it. 

But the "helpers" said it was not that queue but an entirely separate one for RP holders leaving HU. Unfortunately as it was quiet, I couldn't use that queue as it was blocked so I ended up in the ordinary queue  but no-one was there so no queueing.

Of course, the e-gates should allow you to put your RP in for scanning, then it should ask for the passport.   The e-gate machine just beeped and showed an error.  Thank you Brexit.

Strangely, the passport dude seemed almost disinterested and it seemed he paid no attention to the screen and I wondered if they didn't scan my passport as it's all cross referenced anyway. I wonder if they don't care any more.  Or something,

This isn't the first time we've seen changes at the airport borders.  They installed a load of scanners and then they were removed, then there was nothing and suddenly they've got cameras on articulated arms now.   

I've never seen any of these registration kiosks for EES being used.  When I come back, maybe I will see queues there. 

@fluffy2560

I used EGates at Cradiff; half the time, they kept on screwing up and had to be reset. So saw an actual person.

@fluffy2560
I used EGates at Cradiff; half the time, they kept on screwing up and had to be reset. So saw an actual person. - @SimCityAT

I should have said I was exiting Hungary for elsewhere.   So it was HU border control.

No e-gates for us Brexit-challenged in HU despite RPs.

No e-gates at my arrival airport.  All manual.

Two things:

Post: Received an Xmas card from the UK, posted 17 December 2025.  Only taken just over a month to arrive.  Previously post would take 2-3 days.  Answer is to plan ahead.  A lot.

BUD Airport:  The EES machines are not in operation but British people are being photographed and fingerprinted.   It's taking anywhere between 30s and 1m to process each person.  They are still stamping passports.   

British people are being photographed and fingerprinted. It's taking anywhere between 30s and 1m to process each person. They are still stamping passports. - @fluffy2560

This deliberate delay for Brits shows exactly why the UK was right to escape the EU.

Nasty, petty, and vindictive governments are best avoided.

British people are being photographed and fingerprinted. It's taking anywhere between 30s and 1m to process each person. They are still stamping passports.  - @fluffy2560
This deliberate delay for Brits shows exactly why the UK was right to escape the EU.
Nasty, petty, and vindictive governments are best avoided. - @Fred

Gawd, you make me laugh. You have no bloody clue, Fred. Please keep out of things you have no idea about.

British people are being photographed and fingerprinted. It's taking anywhere between 30s and 1m to process each person. They are still stamping passports. - @fluffy2560 This deliberate delay for Brits shows exactly why the UK was right to escape the EU.Nasty, petty, and vindictive governments are best avoided. - @FredGawd, you make me laugh. You have no bloody clue, Fred. Please keep out of things you have no idea about. - @SimCityAT

No-one was complaining as they are at an EU Schengen border at an airport once in blue moon. 

Unlike me.

I just have to queue up with the rest of them but I don't need my photo or dabs taken.

Waste of everyone's time.

Should Remainers GROW UP about Brexit?

Should Remainers GROW UP about Brexit? - @SimCityAT

He's not wrong about why Brexit is a nonsense.

Now, it seems even more insane to leave.  That's after the invasion of Ukraine and the election of Trump when European solidarity is even more important for the survival of the continent.

I think not this UK parliament but the next one, minimum is that we'll be looking at a referendum.

Boris and the Conservatives should be in jail.    There should have been a second referendum on it once we knew what Brexit looked like.  And every British person living in the EU should have been included in that referendum.  Brexit would never have happened.

British people are being photographed and fingerprinted. It's taking anywhere between 30s and 1m to process each person. They are still stamping passports.  - @fluffy2560 This deliberate delay for Brits shows exactly why the UK was right to escape the EU.Nasty, petty, and vindictive governments are best avoided. - @Fred

Sounds great but in reality,what can a person do if their gov; has gone insane?

On paper a one world gov.sounds great but in reality, someone with power is going to profit from taking rights away from citizens.

Like Michael Jackson said, They don,t really care about us.

Sounds great but in reality,what can a person do if their gov; has gone insane?On paper a one world gov.sounds great but in reality, someone with power is going to profit from taking rights away from citizens.Like Michael Jackson said, They don,t really care about us. - @Marilyn Tassy

Maybe we're also thinking of Donny and Co.   Definitely insane.   It's like the US is participating in a ludicrous thought experiment for no good reason other than Donny's ego.   The fact that that loon was elected really has damaged many people's view of the US, possibly for a couple of generations.

I talk to US citizens a fair bit through work and I don't see any real engagement with the process of monitoring and engaging in the political process.  It's like the Federal government is for other people.   It's like people leave their brains at home and it does not have anything to do with them.  It's just really weird.  I hope everyone becomes an activist and doesn't wait until it directly affects them. Too late then. 

But I do agree, fundamentally, they (the government) do not really care about us.

Despite all that, I'm very much in favour of the EU asserting itself as a world power.   Macron said that today.

Why could the EU's new border system mean holiday delays?

The next time you travel from the UK to Europe, you might notice some changes.

The EU's new digital border system, the Entry/Exit System or EES, is being gradually introduced, to strengthen security and ultimately make travel smoother.

However, there have been incidents of long queues at European airports and warnings that things could get worse during busy holiday periods.

Will I need to use EES when I go on holiday?

The gradual introduction of EES began on 12 October. The plan was to phase it in over six months.

EES should be active at every Schengen border crossing point in all 29 participating countries by 10 April.

When you first encounter EES will depend on where you're travelling to, and when.

If you're flying, you will go through the process when you land at European airports. However, only about a third of non-EU passengers are required to do so at the moment.

There have already been hours-long queues at pinch points. Airports have warned that things could get worse over the upcoming holiday periods.

However, the European Commission has indicated that suspending EES checks to help ease queues will be allowed at busy times until September.

What do passengers have to do to use EES?

The first time they use the new system, people from most non-EU countries will have to register biometric information while having their passport scanned.

Flight passengers will register at their destination airport.

But if you are crossing the English Channel by ferry from the port of Dover, taking the Eurotunnel shuttle to France, or getting the Eurostar train, it will be done as you leave the UK.

At these places, most passengers will have to follow the instructions at special kiosks.

The machines will scan each passport, then take fingerprints and a photo.

Children under 12 won't have to provide fingerprints. Staff should be on hand to help.

The screen will also present travellers with four questions about their trip, such as confirming where they will be staying and that they have enough money.

However, at Eurotunnel, those questions will be asked by border officers, on a discretionary basis.

The EES registration will be valid for three years, with the details verified on each trip during that period.

At Dover, ferry passengers in coaches started using the new system in October. Other tourist traffic was initially meant to follow on 1 November.

However, people in cars have still not begun using it, with no date yet confirmed.

Eurotunnel, which runs vehicle shuttles through the Channel Tunnel, is also introducing the EES in stages.

At the port of Dover and Eurostar's London St Pancras terminal, the questions will also not be presented on the machines during the introductory period.

Big changes have had to be made at Dover. The port has reclaimed some land from the sea to create an additional processing area.

People will head to this new area, a mile from the ferry terminal, to do their EES checks.

Because the French border has in effect been moved to a coach processing building in this new area, coaches will be sealed after passengers have completed their checks. They will then drive over to catch their ferry.

The port's boss says groups of schoolchildren will be able to do some of their registration in advance, so they will only need to present their passports at the border.

Eurostar has installed 49 EES kiosks in three areas around its London St Pancras terminal. Passengers will use them before presenting their ticket at the departures area.

However, checks are currently being completed manually by border officers, not at the machines. Eurostar says it will bring in the kiosks "once the operational software and the activation timetable are confirmed and approved by the French Ministry of Interior".

Eurotunnel has installed more than a hundred kiosks at each side of the Channel.

Customers who are travelling in cars will be directed to drive up to a kiosk bearing their registration number, and provide their biometric information there. Coach passengers will go through the process with a border officer.

A mobile phone app has been developed to enable passengers to do part of the process before reaching the border. However, this isn't being widely used at the moment.

Concerns have repeatedly been raised that the extra couple of minutes it takes for each traveller to complete the registration process could lead to big queues, particularly at space-constrained Dover.

However, bosses at cross-Channel travel hubs hope that the decision to introduce EES gradually, instead of with a "big bang" start, will reduce the risk of disruption.

Eurotunnel chief executive Yann Leriche says there will be no "chaos" or queues at the Channel tunnel and that his company is fully prepared.

Similarly, Eurostar hopes its decision to limit EES initially to some business travellers before expanding its use will help prevent queues.

What is ETIAS and when is that coming?

The EU is also introducing a new visa waiver system linked to passports called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will build on the EES.

Citizens of non-EU countries who don't need a visa to enter the EU - including people from the UK - will be able to apply online for authorisation before they travel.

ETIAS isn't due to start until the end of 2026, but the final date has not yet been confirmed.

It will cost €20 (£17.47) per application, and will be valid for three years.

People aged under 18 and over 70 will need to apply, but won't have to pay.

Source: BBC News

Ryanair:

Here's a weird effect.   

I tried to check-in online for a Ryanair flight to the UK from BUD and while I could check in for the return journey, and get an electronic boarding card,  I could not check in for the BUD to UK leg.

Ryanair say they are waiting to find out if I am authorised to travel to the UK.  That's really weird as I am, of course, a fully British passport holder and I always have been.

Like WTF?   I am fully registered in their app and they know I am a British citizen.  I've been on Ryanair loads of times.

They say I can only get my boarding card, 48h before travel by going to a check-in desk.  This has never happened before.

I actually feel insulted and diminished by having to prove who I am in this case.

What is going on? Some kind of weird change going on in the UK?

BTW, there is a warning message on the web pages but not shown in the app:

"From 25 February, your flight to the UK requires an approved ETA or eVisa. Without a valid ETA or eVisa, you will not be permitted to travel. Please ensure you have obtained your ETA before attempting to check-in. All eVisa holders should ensure their details are up to date. To apply for an ETA, click here. For more information, see our FAQ."

Obviously I don't need an ETA or an eVisa.

There's online discussion about dual nationals being shut out of the UK if they do not hold a British passport.  This is just weirdness as some dual nationals would have to renounce citizenship if they obtain a British passport.  Unless they do it on the sly.   There's a ridiculous ~£600 fee for a certificate of entitlement to prove British nationality without having a passport.

Hungary allows dual nationality but places like Spain and Netherlands do not.   I can see this causing a lot of chaos and confusion.

Ryanair:
Here's a weird effect.

..........................................................

Hungary allows dual nationality but places like Spain and Netherlands do not. I can see this causing a lot of chaos and confusion. - @fluffy2560

Frustrating.  Just a point on Dutch dual nationality; there are occasions when they do permit it, for example our 3 kids are all dual NL/UK nationals and have both passports.  This happens when the citizen concerned has gained the nationality through no fault of theirs, i.e. by birth to parents, where the granting of nationality is automatic.

Ryanair:Here's a weird effect. ..........................................................Hungary allows dual nationality but places like Spain and Netherlands do not. I can see this causing a lot of chaos and confusion.  - @fluffy2560Frustrating. Just a point on Dutch dual nationality; there are occasions when they do permit it, for example our 3 kids are all dual NL/UK nationals and have both passports. This happens when the citizen concerned has gained the nationality through no fault of theirs, i.e. by birth to parents, where the granting of nationality is automatic. - @Cynic

I thought they didn't allow that in NL and presumably they just don't tell NL they've got UK passports?   Isn't that just like "active" citizenship by having a passport?

My own kids are dual HU/UK nationals with both passports so they should be fine.  But if they go to the UK, they have to use their UK passports now and not use their HU passports.  I've always told them to use UK passports going into the UK, use them to leave and present their HU passports on entering Schengen/EU.

I'm reading stories of people getting screwed taking their babies/kids to the UK with UK Embassies refusing to help.  Kids cannot renounce UK citizenship until they are 18 and need to travel on their foreign passports.  And of course, UK Embassies no longer issue passports, something which has annoyed me for some years.  Passport pricing is already a con.

Anyway, I never knew anything about this change in rules.  It was complete news to me.  HMG has been bleating that it's been advertising this change since 2024.   Yeah, right.

Gosh back in 2019 we landed at the airport in Las Vegas.

If anyone has done an 18 hour plus trip then may understand.

They advertise a 14 to 18 hour arrival time but do not add the lay over time so your time clock is going bonkers with a min; 24 hour mix up plus the difference in time  zones. We were almost the last to leave our flight and for some reason I could not find my passport fast enough.

I could Give a àààà and just sat down to dig into my bag to locate it. Right there in the line for passport control. Thinking I am home and all is good, no, all is bad!

Triggered Homeland security protocols.

The took a every scan known to man on us.

I am defo in the system!

NWO stuff!