Key Changes & Rules for UK Travellers

Here’s a summary of current UK affairs relevant to Brexit and how they’re affecting holidays and travel what’s changing, what people need to know, and what the challenges are:

1. New EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
   From 12 October 2025, the European Union begins implementing the Entry/Exit System. This introduces biometric checks (fingerprint, facial scanning) for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area. British travellers will need to register on first entry under EES.
   This replaces the old system of passport stamping and aims to enforce the 90- day stay limit in a 180-day period.

2. Passport Validity Rules
   UK citizens travelling to many EU countries must ensure their passports are not more than 10 years old at the date of entry, and that there are at least three months remaining on the passport after the planned departure date from the EU. Failing these conditions can lead to being denied boarding.

3. UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) & EU’s ETIAS

   • UK introduced an ETA requirement for many foreign visitors (excluding Irish citizens) coming to the UK. This is an advance authorisation system which adds extra cost and administrative work.

   • The EU is planning ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) for non-EU travellers, including Brits, expected in or around 2026. This will require advance registration and a fee.

Impacts & Concerns

• Delays & Border Queues
  With the introduction of the EES, there are concerns that travellers will face longer delays at borders, especially at busy ports and during peak holiday seasons.

• Travel Industry & Tourism
  The UK’s tourism sector has been hit by a combination of Brexit-derived red tape, rising costs, and labour shortages. Some of the effects:

  • EU citizens must now have passports rather than identity cards to enter the UK, which has reduced spontaneity and discouraged short or group trips.

  • UK workers wanting to take seasonal roles (e.g. holiday reps, chalet hosts) in EU destinations are facing greater difficulty due to visa/work permit requirements. The number of UK workers in such roles has sharply dropped.

  • UK tourists are also concerned about foreign exchange rates, trip costs, insurance coverage under new post-Brexit rules.

• Uncertainty & Travel Planning
  Many holidaymakers are confused or unsure about what rules apply, passport requirements, whether insurance will cover issues arising from Brexit or post-Brexit regulations, which border checks will happen. This uncertainty is influencing travel decisions.

What Travellers Should Do

• Check the validity of passports well in advance (renew if older than 10 years or if expiry is close).

• Be aware of the EES registration requirement if travelling to the Schengen Area – make sure to have all biometric/data requirements ready.

• Make sure travel insurance covers post-Brexit risks, delays, and border issues.

• Plan for possible delays at airports and border checkpoints, particularly during peak travel times.

These developments show that Brexit’s impact on holidays and travel continues to evolve, and while some changes increase friction, knowing the rules ahead of time helps travellers avoid surprises.