Systems in detail
Deep explainers on the big border systems travellers meet: the EU Entry/Exit System, ETIAS, the UK ETA, the US ESTA and the ICAO Public Key Directory.
ESTA: how the US travel authorisation for Visa Waiver Program visitors worksHow the US ESTA works: Visa Waiver Program countries, the $40.62 fee, two-year validity, the questions, the social media proposal, refusals and fake sites.ETIAS: the EU travel authorisation for visa-free visitors, and where its start date standsWhat ETIAS is, who will need it, the €20 fee, validity, the checks it runs, its start-date status as of 19 October 2026 and how to spot fake sites.The EU Entry/Exit System explained: fingerprints, face scans and the end of passport stampsHow the EU Entry/Exit System works: what it records, who registers, rollout dates, retention, exemptions, kiosks, the app and who sees the data.The ICAO Public Key Directory: how ePassport chip signatures are checked at the borderHow the ICAO Public Key Directory works: certificates, chip signature checks, who takes part, why borders need it and what happens when a chip fails.The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation: who needs one, what it costs and how refusals workWho needs a UK ETA, the £20 fee, two-year validity, the UK ETA app, rollout dates, transit rules and what happens if your application is refused.