travelling to europe from uk 2023

The Essential EU Travel Checklist For UK Travellers In 2023.

travelling to europe from uk 2023

Travel to the EU has changed for UK travellers in 2023, but not as much and not as badly as many feared. If you are planning to go to Europe in 2023 here is a useful checklist to make sure you are ready for your next trip.

Thanks to the ridiculous delays and border closures caused by Covid, this summer will be the first time many have travelled fully since the UK left the EU, and it is essential to understand the minor but important admin changes that have happened since then. Despite the doom mongers predicting that the world would end and Brits would never be able to travel to Magaluf again, the actual fact is nothing much has changed at all in real terms. Many reciprocal arrangements remain unchanged for the most part, visas to work or stay longer in EU countries require a little more paperwork but still exist, and your passports will get stamped, well, until they finally bring in the much delayed new entry/exit system which will see stamps go the way of the dodo anyway. Hardly the barriers to travel that everyone predicted.

What these changes essentially amount to is a bit of admin and visa rule changes, nothing that international travellers aren’t used to dealing with changes in destinations outside of the EU anyway, and nothing that can’t be easily dealt with.

But still, there have been some slight changes and with all the confusion and bad advice from the UK Government around passports as well as certain Airlines making rules up as they go along,  it is important you know exactly what you need to sort out before you travel to the EU, so make sure you go through this simple checklist before your next EU trip and know before you go.

Check The Foreign Office Advice.

Often o ut of date and almost redundant with an overabundance of extreme caution, the FCDO advice should still be your first port of call to find out up to date entry requirements for the countries you are visiting as these have been changing frequently with covid guidelines. You can also sign up to get country specific email alerts if there are any changes. Use this information as a starting point to do your own research on what the situation is actually like and take safety precautions as necessary.

Check Visa Requirements.

For the majority of travellers on short trips to the EU there will be no difference. Britain and the EU  have agreed visa-free travel for short visits , meaning UK passport holders can spend up to 90 days in the Schengen zone during any 180-day period, but you will need a visa if you plan to stay more than 90 days in any 180-day period or wish to work as you travel.  

This 180 day period can be in a series of short visits or one long visit, and it applies to all EU countries with the exception of the non-Schengen countries Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania, and also Ireland which allows unrestricted travel from the UK as part of a common travel area for British nationals.

Applying for a specific visa (there are a lot of options depending on your specific need) isn’t difficult to do, it just involves an online application and a small fee, the same as many other countries around the world. Hardly a major imposition (and certainly not a loss of the ability to do so as many scaremongerers shouted about), just check your destinations specific requirements before you go.

Buy An ETIAS.

One of the biggest outright changes is that the EU are bringing in a European Travel Information and Authorisation System , or ETIAS, which is similar to the ESTA permit required for the US. This is not a visa, but a permission to enter, and will cost around 7 euro. Of course, like everything else it is heavily delayed and not likely to be here before the end of the year but always check before you fly just in case.

Check Your Passport.

This is perhaps the biggest change for many people who aren’t used to navigating passport requirements, but it isn’t as confusing as many have made out. Those used to travelling beyond the EU will be more than familiar with it.

Very basically to travel in the EU your passport will need to have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least 3 months left on the passport from the date you leave your destination.

Your passport will also be stamped, which makes almost no difference to you as a traveller unless you enjoy seeing the various different stamps each country has, but remember, passport stamping is expected to become fully automated soon through the new Entry/Exit system (EES) anyway to help process travellers quickly and efficiently, which is a bit ironic as it is likely to be delayed again!

That is it. Really. That is all it takes. If your passport is more than 10 years old, get a new one, and using the international norm of renewing it before it has 6 months left (instead of the previously required 3) is just common sense.

Get Your Global Health Insurance Card.

Those travellers who were worried about losing reciprocal health arrangements with the EU with the loss of the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) were worried over nothing because it has now been replaced with the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Same thing, different letter. Remember I said there was a panic over nothing?

If you haven’t applied for your GHIC yet, make sure you do in plenty of time before your next trip.

Check Your Insurance Policy.

I know no one likes paying out for insurance but it is essential. There is just no getting round that, even if you have a GHIC. The GHIC does not cover everything and some policies will not cover basic expenses if you don’t have one.

Check Your Phone.

Since leaving the EU many UK phone operators are bringing back roaming charges, so don’t get caught out with expensive bills. This is easily solved by getting a local sim when you arrive or even better, getting an eSim like AloSIM .

Plan Your Big European Trip!

And that is really it. Nothing too onerous at all. Yes visas are a bit of a pain but they aren’t too bad once you get used to them and they certainly shouldn’t stop you planning your trip to Europe !

Did you enjoy this article? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below or on my  Facebook  or  Twitter  pages and please feel free to share it with any or all of the social media buttons. If you want to get more great backpacking tips, advice and inspiration, please subscribe to updates via email in the box to your right.

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Michael Huxley is a published author, professional adventurer and founder of the travel website, Bemused Backpacker. He has spent the last twenty years travelling to over 100 countries on almost every continent, slowly building Bemused Backpacker into a successful business after leaving a former career in emergency nursing and travel medicine, and continues to travel the world on numerous adventures every year.

27 comments on “ The Essential EU Travel Checklist For UK Travellers In 2023. ”

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Thanks for clearing a lot of this up, I’m a pretty experienced traveller and I don’t mind admitting it all confused me a bit!

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To be fair it was confusing for everyone Neil, it didn’t help that they were essentially just making it up as they went along 😂

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I’m travelling to Germany and then Greece in a couple of months, will I need a visa or etias from the UK?

As of yet Paul no. The ETIAS still isn’t in place yet and they keep pushing he implementation date back, so keep an eye out over the next year or so but for now you’re grand

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Great, more things to thank brexit for. The problems just keep piling up. Well done everyone.

The ETIAS and other changes would have happened regardless of Brexit. As for everything else for the vast majority nothing has changed. The only real difference is for those who want to live or work in the EU they now have to apply for a visa. A bit more paperwork. Hardly the travel ban many were prophesising is it? Were you planning on living or working in the EU? Ever? Or is this a political rant?

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I travel around Europe regularly and haven’t run into any problems. I got through the E-gates at Rome Airport really quickly last week whilst many passengers from elsewhere had longer queues. Same in Barcelona. Same in Berlin. All of these supposed problems are in peoples head.

Exactly, everyone pretending that long queues and annoying immigration staff never existed before, or there are plenty of instances of pot luck where you travel through easily!

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Arriving at Luton last week, EU and other passports got through Border Control in no time. U.K. passport Q the longest by miles.

Arrived in Manchester a couple of weeks ago, UK queue was almost non existent. A couple of weeks before that coming back through the same airport there was a queue but I wasn’t waiting more than 5 minutes or so. Want to keep comparing experiences or do those not fit your narrative?

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None of these changes should be needed at all. Thanks Brexit.

These changes would have been made regardless, and are hardly world ending.

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I’ve travelled to Europe multiple times per year since Brexit and ridiculous Covid restrictions were the only real difficulty. Yes there are a few more changes ad checks but I see it as being no more of a problem than travelling anywhere internationally.

Exactly! It really is a non issue. I mean ‘check your passport is in date’, such a hardship! Those covid restrictions were ridiculous though I agree.

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You might think it a little bit more of a problem if you owned a property in Europe or lived there, but I guess its okay because the retardes masses got their brexit eh? Who needs free movement when we can spend hours in immigration queues?

Oh I’m sorry, is waiting in a different line keeping you from your property portfolio? Do you need to ask your accountant what extra form to fill in? 😀 There is nothing stopping me or anyone else still moving to Europe if I so wish, just as there wasn’t before. Remoaners are such lovely people.

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These are all the big changes everyone is crying about? Really? Oh no, how did the Americans, Canadians, Australians and dozens of other countries cope with third country status before now? No wonder Europe has no tourism. 😂

Nope, definitely no third country tourists in Europe before this. I don’t know how we’ll cope never being able to visit Europe again! I guess my upcoming trips to to Greece and Paris will have to console me.

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So basically the same as travelling to the US?

Pretty much. Eventually anyway.

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Great news and very useful.

Glad you found it helpful.

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Great Post, thanks for this. Glad the doomsayer remainers were wrong 😂

As if there was ever any doubt!

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And, this article wouldn’t exist, if it wasn’t for the thick right wing Brexiteers who inflicted the most stupid act of self-harm on a country in human history. Moronic and pointless. The fact you have to highlight ‘it’s not that bad’ only exemplifies what a mealy mouthed thick Tory apologist you are; you absolute melt.

Ah the typical, foot stamping, insult filled bile of the remoaner, full of nastiness and devoid of fact, still crying after all these years whilst the rest of us were proven right and are still travelling around Europe as if nothing really changed. Because it didn’t. Greetings from Paris btw. Keep crying ;D

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It always seems to be those who voted to remain who seem to be the most intolerant and nasty. You just can’t get over the fact you lost a vote whilst everyone else just gets on with their lives safe in the knowledge that it didn’t really affect much at all, just as this article says. 😂

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How will travel look in 2023?

Passengers waiting at Hong Kong International Airport.

The great ‘return to travel’ in 2022 was not the big break we’d been waiting for. “To say that last summer was a shambles would be an understatement,” says Ben Clatworthy, transport correspondent for The Times. With last-minute cancellations, huge airport queues and lost luggage, many passengers heading off on their first travels since 2019 faced problems at almost every turn. “Airports passed the blame: to the Cabinet Office, in charge of security vetting, and to ground handling companies. Airlines blamed just about everyone. And almost everyone across the aviation sector complained of staff shortages and blamed the tight labour market.”

So, what happens next? “Issues are already starting to ease,” says Clatworthy. “Airlines, airports and ground handlers have all managed to steadily increase their headcounts, getting new employees vetted, trained and onto rotas.” Pressure should also be eased during winter months which see lower traveller numbers. Will this allow travel companies time to recover? 

The Passport Office experienced unprecedented demand, a staffing crisis and a backlog of 500,000 documents which caused record delays to passport applications and renewals last summer, but an ongoing recruitment drive looks set to ease wait times this year. Supply issues that beset hire car companies also look set to improve. Having sold off stock during the pandemic, limited car numbers drove prices up last year. But things look more positive for this year. “When the industry makes excessive profits one year, companies tend to ramp up capacity the following year, and prices eventually revert to sensible levels,” explains travel journalist and broadcaster, Simon Calder.

Boosting capacity is broadly the recipe for success. Last summer saw huge queues at UK airports amid shortages of ground and air staff. Airlines advised travelling with hand luggage only, while many of those who checked in bags didn’t find them on arrival at their destination. Heathrow, the UK’s largest airport, saw luggage pileups over summer 2022 largely due to baggage handlers and airlines unable to operate fully due to staff shortages. A recent statement from Heathrow noted that to meet demand at peak times, businesses across the airport ‘need to recruit and train up to 25,000 security-cleared people’ — a huge logistical challenge for these businesses.

travelling to europe from uk 2023

Travellers checking in at Copenhagen Airport.

Automating certain airport procedures may help. “One of the results of Brexit was the removal of our right to freedom of movement throughout the EU, and we are now treated the same as all non-EU citizens, by the rather old-fashioned method of physically stamping passports,” says Sean Tipton, spokesperson for the travel association, ABTA. “This process is expected to become fully automated in 2023 through the new Entry/Exit System (EES) and this should help process passengers quickly and efficiently and reduce queuing.” 

With fuel prices rising and the cost of living increasing, travel pricing looks difficult to predict in 2023. Like individuals, travel companies are also affected by fluctuations caused by factors such as exchange rates and fuel costs. “A way of guarding against this is by buying fuel or currency in advance, and many companies do this to provide themselves with a degree of certainty,” says Tipton. “Inevitably, though, at some stage, rising costs lead to higher prices. One way to guard against this unpredictability is to book now and lock in the price of your trip.”

Rail strikes

If any element of 2022’s travel chaos looks set to continue into this year, it’s rail strikes. Mick Lynch, general secretary of rail union RMT has said strikes could go on “indefinitely” with industrial action continuing “until a negotiated settlement is reached”. There currently seems to be little chance of a breakthrough but British travellers are finding workarounds. 

“Our data suggests that rather than the train strikes causing a drop in UK travel, people are adapting their plans around the disruptions,” says Axel Hefer, CEO of hotel comparison site Trivago. “We’ve seen a rise in travellers looking for destinations closer to home. This could be as a result of needing an emergency hotel for the night, or people simply not wanting to venture too far from home and  risk getting caught in the commotion.”

How to deal with it: With staycations potentially seeing an uptick, if you’re planning a UK break this summer, book well ahead. The same goes for using coaches and airport parking on strike days and, if you have to take the train, it’s worth noting that even during last year’s national strikes — the biggest since 1989 — trains were not always cancelled across the board and most operators offered either a refund on tickets (even if your train isn’t cancelled) or the option to rebook. 

Book ahead and look out for sales is the expert consensus  for summer 2023.

Book ahead and look out for sales is the expert consensus  for summer 2023.

Industrial action at airports

Airports across Europe saw thousands of flights delayed and cancelled by industrial action in summer 2022. This continued into autumn with strikes by budget airline unions in Italy and Spain, including Vueling and Ryanair, and air traffic control strikes in Italy.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, the travel industry was one of those most severely affected, with over 190,000 European aviation workers being made redundant or placed on furlough,” says Nicky Kelvin, head of travel news website The Points Guy. “With post-pandemic hiring being affected by factors such as labour disputes and airport logistics constraints, many of the current airport staff are striking to avoid being overworked. 2023 will be challenging for the aviation sector, as airlines and airports will need to invest in higher numbers of staff to ensure untimely departures do not cause unnecessary delays.”  

How to deal with it: If you’re travelling with a UK or an EU airline — or from either of these regions — and your airline cancels your flight due to strikes, its legally obliged to offer you a full refund or a rerouting as soon as possible. If your flight gets cancelled within 14 days prior to travel, or your flight is delayed for three hours or more, you may be entitled to compensation. caa.co.uk

Staff shortages at airlines 

Along with strikes, the number of planes taking to the skies last year was curtailed by airlines going bust. “There’s been a significant reduction in flight numbers and routes which has negatively impacted the smooth running of air travel,” says The Points Guy’s Nicky Kelvin. “Virgin Australia, Flybe and Alitalia are just a few of the many airlines which filed for bankruptcy following the financial constraints of the pandemic passenger decline.”

And many of the airlines that soldiered on did so with reduced schedules due to staff shortages, having laid off staff during the pandemic. Last July, an understaffed Heathrow airport made the decision to limit departing passengers to 100,000 per day — 4,000 fewer than originally expected. British Airways, Heathrow’s dominant carrier, placed a sales freeze on short-haul flights from the airport, cutting over 10,000 flights over the wintertime alone. “This is not going to be a quick fix,” said the airport’s CEO John Holland-Kaye last July, adding, “It’s absolutely possible that we could have another summer with a cap still in place.”

The rising cost of fuel looks set to push up  airfares this winter. Along with the cost of living crisis, this will “likely stymie passenger demand,” says The Times’ Ben Clatworthy. “In theory, this will take the pressure off airlines and airports... But it will be vital aviation doesn’t make the same mistake again and emerge this summer with too few staff.”

How to deal with it: For now, last-minute flight deals are largely a thing of the past. So, your mantra for air travel in 2023 is: book as far in advance as you can. Most airlines release tickets around a year ahead of departure, with the exception of some budget airlines including Ryanair, which sells up to six months ahead.

Airports across Europe saw thousands of flights delayed and cancelled.

Airports across Europe saw thousands of flights delayed and cancelled.

Port & border delays

“As with aviation, so with ferries; the new realities of Brexit have been harder to adapt to because of staff shortages” said travel journalist Simon Calder in a feature for National Geographic Traveller last year. “Those should ease by this coming summer, but from late 2023, the outlook is actually worse. The new European Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Authorisation and Information System (EITIAS) are due to take effect in 2023. For airline travellers to the EU, this will constitute a minor inconvenience, but officials at the Port of Dover are expressing alarm at how travellers in vehicles will be processed, fearing they may have to get out in the middle of an area busy with traffic to have their biometrics taken.”

How to deal with it: Sail to and from the UK Monday-Thursday, and avoid travel on bank holidays or school holidays if you can. “Avoid Dover and go for longer sailings to France and Spain from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth, and to Belgium and Netherlands from Newcastle, Hull and Harwich,” recommends Calder, cautioning “prices may go up as people avoid the tailbacks and delays in Kent.”

Post-Brexit staffing

We’ve seen a dearth of staff in numerous industries including hospitality, aviation, ports and airports with the post-Brexit exodus of European workers. This has added to delays at ports and airports, and seen overstretched staff strike over working conditions. But the impact has also been felt overseas. 

“One of the logistical impacts on British travel companies of Brexit is that they are no longer allowed to employ UK nationals overseas without a work permit from the relevant country,” says ABTA’s Sean Tipton. “This has meant that travel companies may have had to either replace the services of staff such as reps or chalet workers through other means such as helplines or apps, or by employing local people and outsourcing to local companies. Not ideal for the travel companies or their UK staff, but they will have done their best to minimise the impact on their customers.”

Various travel organisations, including ABTA, have been lobbying EU and British governments to implement a mobility scheme that makes it easier for 18 to 34 year olds (younger workers dominate the seasonal travel job market) to find short-term employment in European countries, with a reciprocal deal in the UK.

How to deal with it: Reliant on seasonal workers, the ski industry has perhaps been most heavily impacted. Catered ski chalets, traditionally a popular option for British travellers taking winter breaks in the Alps, may be harder to come by via mainstream tour operators as the industry shifts towards self-catering and hotel accommodation. For the widest choice of catered chalet options, choose one of the smaller operators specialising in chalet accommodation and book well in advance. 

Passengers were forced to wait for up to six hours at the Port of Dover in ...

Passengers were forced to wait for up to six hours at the Port of Dover in July.

Post-Brexit red tape

The European Entry-Exit System (EES) is due to take effect in May 2023, while the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) should be operational by November 2023. EES will record the entrance and exit of all third-country nationals travelling to Europe (this includes British nationals), replacing manual passport stamping. In theory this will quicken entry for non-EU nationals, who will be able to access self-service kiosks similar to those available currently for EU citizens at Schengen entry ports, where a passenger’s full name, passport number and fingerprint is recorded, and passport photograph verified against their live facial image.

ETIAS is a visa-waiver travel authorisation which applies to third-country nationals travelling to Europe (including British passport holders). It is a pre-departure arrangement requiring travellers to complete an online ETIAS form. The application will cost €7 (£6.17, free for under 18s), and is valid for three consecutive years, for stays of no more than  90 days in a 180-day period. 

Increased airfares

As travel bounced back in 2022, the surge in demand for flights, combined with the lack of supply, also saw air fares increase. Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), has warned of further price hikes: “Flights are getting more expensive because of the high price of oil and it’s becoming clear to everybody that that will be reflected in higher ticket prices.”

The industry expects to see a change in consumer habits as a result. “With the cost-of-living crisis taking full hold, Brits will be cautious about where they holiday, particularly during peak seasons,” says The Points Guy’s Nicky Kelvin. “Many travellers will be looking to fly with lower-cost airlines or go shorter distances. Many airlines are rushing to combat this. For example, EasyJet announced a huge sale in autumn 2022, with flights available to book in advance up to early 2024. Many destinations included in the sale are significantly reduced, with a variety of beach destinations coming in at under £100 return.”

And as for rising fuel costs? “Flights operate using kerosene fuels, the price of which is extremely volatile,” says The Times’ Ben Clatworthy. “To make it easier to plan for the swings in the cost, airlines take out fuel hedging — a sort of insurance, or bet, against future price increases. Many airlines ‘locked in’ their summer fuel long before Russia invaded Ukraine and the price of jet fuel soared. But those airlines have now burnt the fuel. As of October 14, jet fuel in Europe was 46% more expensive year-on-year. And the value of the pound has tanked against the dollar. The result? Almost guaranteed higher airfares come the winter.” 

How to deal with it: Book in advance and look out for sales. “Passengers can monitor flight prices and deals using Google Flights (or any preferred flight search engine) and receive alerts with updates for price drops and deals to ensure they get the best value for money they possibly can,” advises Kelvin.  

Published in the Jan/Feb 2023 issue of   National Geographic Traveller (UK)  

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ETIAS.COM logo - EU Travel Information & Authorisation System

ETIAS for British Citizens

Welcome to the essential guide on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for British citizens.

This page is designed to provide comprehensive information about the ETIAS application process, tailored specifically for British nationals planning to travel to Europe.

As the ETIAS introduces new regulations and requirements, understanding these changes is crucial for a smooth travel experience.

Our guide offers a step-by-step breakdown of the application process, eligibility criteria, and useful tips to ensure you are well-prepared for your European journey.

ETIAS Eligibility for British Citizens

Detailed etias requirements, etias application process explained, understanding the etias program, benefits of etias for british travelers.

  • Practical Tips for ETIAS Application  

Navigating the ETIAS eligibility criteria is a crucial step for British citizens planning to travel to Europe.

Here, we outline the key eligibility requirements to help you understand if you can apply for an ETIAS:

  • Nationality : As a British citizen, you are eligible to apply for ETIAS. This includes holders of a full British Citizen Passport.
  • Travel Purpose : The ETIAS is designed for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes. It is not applicable for study or employment-related travel.
  • Duration : Your stay in the Schengen Area should not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Passport Validity : Your British passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
  • Criminal Record : Applicants must not have a serious criminal record. ETIAS aims to enhance security; therefore, a background check is a part of the application process.
  • Health Risks : Applicants must not pose a health risk to the Schengen Area. Disclosing relevant health information might be required.
  • Travel History : Prior visa refusals or deportations may affect your ETIAS application. Honesty in disclosing such information is essential.

Understanding these criteria is the first step in your journey to obtaining an ETIAS authorization. Meeting these requirements ensures that your application process will be smooth and successful.

To successfully apply for ETIAS as a British citizen, it’s important to be aware of and adhere to the detailed requirements:

  • Valid Passport : Your British passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
  • Email Address : A valid email address is required for communication regarding your ETIAS application.
  • Payment Method : A credit or debit card is necessary to pay the ETIAS application fee.
  • Honesty in Application : Full disclosure of information regarding your background, including travel history and any criminal record, is crucial.
  • Purpose of Travel : Specify the purpose of your trip, be it tourism, business, transit, or medical reasons.

Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful ETIAS application. Ensure you have all the necessary information and documents ready before starting the application process.

The ETIAS application process for British citizens is straightforward and primarily online:

  • Access the Official ETIAS Website:   Begin by visiting the official ETIAS application portal through your laptop, desktop computer, or phone.
  • Fill in the Application Form:   Complete the form with personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
  • Answer Security Questions:   Respond to a series of security and health-related questions.
  • Payment of Application Fee:   Pay the fee using a credit or debit card.
  • Await Application Review:   After submission, the application will undergo a review process.
  • Receive ETIAS Authorization:   Once approved, you will receive the ETIAS authorization via email.

The entire process is designed for efficiency, with most applications processed within minutes. However, some may require additional time for a detailed review.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a key initiative aimed at enhancing security within the Schengen Area.

It’s essential for British citizens to understand its purpose and scope:

  • Objective:  The primary goal of ETIAS is to improve border management and security. It pre-screens travelers from visa-exempt countries, identifying potential risks before they arrive at Schengen borders
  • Scope:  ETIAS applies to citizens from countries that do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. British citizens, post-Brexit, fall under this category.
  • Validity : Once issued, an ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
  • Coverage : ETIAS covers short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) in the Schengen Area for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.
  • Functionality : ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization. It’s simpler and faster than a visa application process but serves a similar purpose in terms of security.

Understanding ETIAS helps British travelers prepare adequately for their trips to the Schengen Area, ensuring compliance with new travel regulations.

The implementation of ETIAS brings several benefits for British travelers visiting the Schengen Area:

  • Increased Security:   Enhances travel safety by pre-screening visitors.
  • Streamlined Border Crossings:   Reduces waiting times and facilitates faster entry.
  • Multiple Entries:   Allows for multiple entries into Schengen countries during its validity.
  • Wide Coverage:   Valid for all Schengen Zone countries.
  • Long Validity:   Remains valid for three years or until the passport expires.
  • Convenience:   Easy online application process without the need to visit an embassy or consulate.

These advantages make traveling to the Schengen Area more secure and convenient for British citizens.

Practical Tips for ETIAS Application

When applying for ETIAS, here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth process:

  • Check Passport Validity:   Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay.
  • Gather Necessary Information:   Prepare all required information beforehand, including travel dates and passport details.
  • Accuracy is Key:   Double-check all entered information for accuracy to avoid delays.
  • Be Honest:   Answer all questions truthfully, especially those related to health and security.
  • Keep Track of Your Application:   Save your application number to track its status.
  • Read the Requirements:   Familiarize yourself with ETIAS requirements specific to British citizens.

Following these tips can greatly enhance your chances of a hassle-free ETIAS application experience.

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Wait, do you need a visa to go to Europe now? The new ETIAS requirements, explained

Emily Olson

travelling to europe from uk 2023

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements Andrea Pattaro/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

St. Mark's basilica in Venice is one place U.S. passport holders may not be able to get to without approval under the new ETIAS requirements

Already thinking about next summer's vacation plans? If Europe is on your short list, there could be one extra step to take before boarding that plane.

Starting in 2024, American passport holders traveling to 30 European countries will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

Though it may sound complicated, the ETIAS and the reasoning behind it are quite similar to existing travel requirements and reflect increasing fear of terrorism in the U.S., Europe and around the world.

Here's what you need to know.

What is ETIAS? Is it a visa?

While some media outlets are taking a cue from the European Union's travel site and calling this a visa, in truth, ETIAS is more like a travel authorization form.

Summer air travel could be expensive and chaotic. Here's how to avoid trouble

Summer air travel could be expensive and chaotic. Here's how to avoid trouble

"It's definitely not a visa," said Dan Hamilton, a senior non-resident fellow for foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. "It's an electronic entry-point, an authorization for countries that are currently visa-free."

Even the European Commission has said as much (and in bold letters) , writing this is "not a visa" but rather an "automated IT system" in a press release on the discussions around it back in 2018.

Whatever you want to call it, the ETIAS form is not what you'd seek if you're trying to work or live in Europe, but rather what you'll need for short-term trips — up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Why is it being implemented?

These new requirements have been years in the making, stemming back to a rise in terrorism fears following 9/11. It's very similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization — or ESTA — program that the U.S. implemented in 2008 .

At the heart of ETIAS is an electronic database system to better track who's coming and going. According to the EU's latest report on terrorism data , EU law enforcement authorities arrested about 388 suspects for terror-related offenses in 2021, more than half of whom were accused of being associated with Jihadist groups based abroad.

The European Commission says ETIAS may have the added impact of cutting down on "irregular migration" (i.e. illegal immigration), but one thing the form is definitely not aimed to do is deter tourism in general.

'Revenge travel' is surging. Here's what you need to know

'Revenge travel' is surging. Here's what you need to know

Crowded cities, inflated airfare and extreme heat disasters may all be making headlines this summer, but many of these European countries are still depending on tourism revenue to help them bounce back from pandemic slumps, Hamilton said.

And the pandemic is another one of the many reasons this new requirement has been delayed by decades — there was no need for ETIAS when countries closed their borders to all travel amid fears of spreading COVID-19.

"Another part of it is simply the pace of the way this parliament and European commission works," Hamilton explained in an interview with NPR. "They're ending their term and pushing through a lot of these directives because parliamentary elections happen next June."

"And getting 30 countries to agree on anything takes a long time," he added.

When does it take effect?

The European Union's website says the new authorization will start in 2024 but hasn't clarified a specific date. A press spokesperson for the union's travel arm did not respond to NPR's request for information.

And, similarly, a spokesperson for the State Department told NPR that the U.S. government website for international travel (travel.state.gov) would be updated "once the regulation goes into effect," but didn't specify when that would be.

"Frankly, I'd be surprised if this starts on time," Hamilton said. The rollout of ETIAS has already been delayed at least once.

But it couldn't hurt to plan ahead for any 2024 travel just to be safe.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS approval?

Basically, all passport holders from 60 countries who can currently travel to most European destinations without a visa — and that includes American passport holders — will now need to get ETIAS authorization for the same trip. That's about 1.4 billion people, by the European Union's estimation.

There are 30 European countries in total on the impacted destination list , including those in the "Schengen Area" — 27 European countries, many that are part of the European Union, that agreed to ease border restrictions to facilitate the movement of people within Europe.

Planning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro

Planning a trip? Here's how to pack like a pro

Those Schengen countries include top vacation spots like France, Italy and Spain.

The other three countries on the list are Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, which are all trying to become a part of the Schengen Area soon.

You can check the full list of both impacted passport holders and affected European destinations here.

How can you apply for ETIAS approval (and does it cost money)?

The application isn't open yet, but the European Union says that when it is, all necessary forms can be filled out via a web portal or mobile phone application.

You'll be asked to share personal information such as your date of birth, parents' names and details about your current occupation and previous criminal convictions. You'll also need to share a passport that is not set to expire in less than three months.

Oh, and you'll have to pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8).

When is the right time to apply?

If you want to play it safe, apply well in advance of your trip — no later than a month out.

ETIAS says most applications "are processed within minutes" and decisions are delivered within four days. But that wait could take up to 14 days if you are requested to supply additional information and up to 30 days if you're invited to interview.

Presenting 'Life Kit': Making the most of travel and your time off

It's Been a Minute

Presenting 'life kit': making the most of travel and your time off.

Those denied an application can appeal, but that process could be even lengthier.

The European Union says ETIAS approval will stay valid for three years or until the passport you used in your application expires.

Naturally, you'll also need to follow the ETIAS rules to stay in good standing.

Those with ETIAS approval can stay in the European countries on the list for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. So you can leave and come back, but you can't stay in the confines of the countries on the list for 91 days or more non-stop.

Welcome to the official ETIAS website

  • ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications are collected at this point.

What is ETIAS

What is ETIAS

The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting in mid-2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.

Who should apply

Who should apply

Find out which European countries require an ETIAS travel authorisation, who needs to apply and who is exempt.

ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity

ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity

Learn about when to request an ETIAS travel authorisation with limited validity and what implications it has for your travel.

What you need to apply

What you need to apply

Find out what travel documents can be used to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation. Learn about what information needs to be included in the application form and how much it costs to apply.

Applying on behalf of others

Applying on behalf of others

Learn how to authorise someone to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation on your behalf and what to be careful about.

Your right to appeal

Your right to appeal

Find out how to appeal against a decision related to your ETIAS travel authorisation or data protection rights.

Report abuse

Report abuse

Be aware of possible abusive and fraudulent practices by commercial intermediaries and learn how to report them.

FAQs ETIAS

Find answers to the most common questions about ETIAS including how to apply, how much it costs and how long it will be valid for.

News corner

News corner

Find the latest updates and facts about ETIAS.

Share this page

ETIAS Requirements for UK Citizens

Do british citizens need a visa for europe.

British citizens do not need a visa to travel to Europe short term. Passport holders can continue to travel to countries in the EU without applying for a visa, even following Brexit.

Like nationals of all other visa-exempt non-EU countries, British citizens will need to apply for ETIAS from 2025. Registering with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is mandatory to cross the external Schengen border.

Why do British citizens need ETIAS?

British citizens need ETIAS because the United Kingdom is not in the European Union . Since Brexit, you do not have freedom of movement in the EU as a UK passport holder.

ETIAS is being introduced for all visa-exempt non-EU nationals and therefore applies to travellers from the UK.

Citizens of over 60 countries including Australia, Canada, and the United States will also need to apply for ETIAS.

What you need to know about ETIAS for UK citizens

With the introduction of ETIAS, the requirements to travel from the UK to Europe will change. You will need ETIAS for holidays and business trips to Schengen countries .

Here is the essential information about ETIAS for UK citizens.

  • You can stay in Europe for up to 90 days per 180-day period with ETIAS. A visa is required for longer stays.
  • You can visit Europe multiple times with the same authorisation. You do not need to apply and pay each time you travel—ETIAS is valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires.
  • You can go to any of the countries in the Schengen Area with the same ETIAS permit. No need to get separate authorisations for each country you plan to visit.

What you need to apply for ETIAS from Britain

As a British citizen, you need just a few items to apply for ETIAS. To meet the ETIAS requirements you must have:

  • UK passport valid for at least 3 months after you will exit the Schengen Area
  • Debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS application fee
  • Email address to be notified when your request is approved

The ETIAS application process for UK citizens

The ETIAS application for UK citizens is 100% online . You can apply for your visa waiver from anywhere outside the Schengen Area. It’s quick and simple to fill out the electronic application form for UK nationals. You will be asked to provide the following information:

  • Personal information —name, date and place of birth, gender
  • Contact details —including an email address
  • Passport data —number, issue date, and expiry date
  • Travel plans —travel dates and country of arrival

You also need to answer some  security questions . This information is checked against Schengen security systems . Potential threats to public health and safety can be detected before reaching the Schengen zone.

ETIAS approval rates for UK nationals

It is expected that over 95% of ETIAS applications will be approved following automatic processing.

You are notified by email when your application is approved and the ETIAS is linked to your UK passport electronically.

If there is an alert in any of the security systems, the application is reviewed manually by the ETIAS National Unit responsible.

Applicants whose ETIAS is denied are given the right to appeal the decision.

Note that ETIAS does not guarantee entry to Europe for UK nationals. International visitors must meet all the Schengen entry requirements.

What are the aims of ETIAS?

ETIAS improves Schengen security and border management.

The travel authorisation system detects people who pose a potential threat to the Schengen Area public before they arrive. This could be a security, illegal immigration, or high epidemic risk.

The new system allows UK nationals to maintain their visa-free privileges whilst making Europe safer for residents and visitors . British passport holders can enjoy top European holiday destinations with greater peace of mind than ever before.

Several countries around the world have similar visa waiver systems. UK passport holders already need ESTA to visit the United States visa-free.

Visiting Europe after Brexit: latest news

Here UK citizens can find the latest Brexit travel news. Since leaving the UK, the way British nationals travel to European destinations has changed. Here are some useful links to help you familiarise yourself with the latest rules and regulations.

  • UK reveals US-style visa waiver for EU Citizens
  • How Brexit could impact Europe’s tourist industry
  • Will British Citizens Need ETIAS to Travel to Gibraltar?

Make sure you check all the latest information before your next trip to Europe.

  • International edition
  • Australia edition
  • Europe edition

A train on Italy’s Cinque Terre coast.

Four long-distance, good-value rail trips from the UK to Europe

Our rail travel expert picks the best routes for exploring mainland Europe by train and ferry London to Morocco by train | Why rail is the best way to travel

T wenty years ago, as my partner and I prepared to launch Hidden Europe magazine , we both thought we knew Europe pretty well. It was only after we swapped planes for trains that we discovered how much we still had to learn. Two decades on, I am still routinely making long journeys across the continent that rely entirely on trains, ferries and buses.

Those who do likewise will discover that journeys matter. There is something recuperative about spending a day or two in transit. It reshapes our appreciation of time and distance. I have learned to escape the tyranny of too much planning and no longer see the journey as something merely to be endured between leaving home and arriving at my destination. I have also discovered that fine journeys don’t need to cost the earth. Here are four favourite slow travel ideas.

To Tuscany and beyond

Take the 9.31am Eurostar from St Pancras, with an onward connection from Paris’s nearby Gare de l’Est via Stuttgart to Munich. An early evening arrival in Munich allows for a comfortable connection to the overnight train to Tuscany. That direct Nightjet link from Munich to Florence is restored from 10 September. Arrival in Florence is at 6.36am, giving a travel time from London of under 24 hours. Or stay on the Nightjet beyond Florence to reach Rome at 9.10am.

Use this itinerary via Munich to join direct overnight trains to other Italian destinations, including Venice, Milan, Genoa and the Cinque Terre coast. For those who value overnight comfort on the Nightjet train, it’s worth upgrading to a sleeping car, but hardy souls on a budget can opt for a normal seat and hope to catch glimpses of the Alps by moonlight.

How to do it Eurostar to Paris from £51 single or £88 return. Paris to Munich from €39.90 single. Nightjet from Munich to Florence (or other Italian destinations) from €29.30. So the lead-in single fare from London to Tuscany is £114, with returns starting at £198.

Newcastle to Germany

City Hall at the Marienplatz in Munich

The DFDS overnight ship from Tyneside to the Netherlands is a godsend for travellers from the north of England and Scotland bound for the continent. It’s simple to use that ferry to travel in style from almost anywhere in mainland Scotland to distant German cities with just one night en route. From Glasgow, for example, it’s a short hop to Edinburgh for the fast train to Newcastle. It is then a quick ride on the metro to Meadow Well and an interesting one-mile walk to the ferry terminal at Royal Quays, where passengers board the DFDS ship.

I use this route several times a year on rail-sea journeys from Scotland to Germany and the long ferry ride is a joy. Disembarkation from the 5pm ferry in the Dutch port of IJmuiden is around 10am next morning.

There is a transfer coach to Amsterdam, but I usually skip that and walk to the Oranjestraat bus stop for the 74 local bus to Beverwijk station. There are then good onward rail connections to cities across Germany; I can arrive in Munich or Berlin by about 8.30pm, which is a travel time of about 33 hours.

Fare facts A return trip from Scotland to Germany is best made using Interrail, allowing two days outward, and three days homeward, giving scope for an overnight stop in the Rhineland. A pass for five days’ travel within a month costs £256. Passage from Newcastle to Amsterdam and back costs from £102. With an allowance for port transfers (metro and bus) that gives give an overall fare of about £410 return. The price per person tumbles with more travellers. For a family of four (two adults and two children under 12), passes will cost £520 in total. Add the ship and transfers to give a total price from £820 return travel for four.

To Corfu via Padua

Corfu’s turquoise sea seen from above.

Of course there are plentiful direct flights from across the UK to Corfu. But that’s the boring option. Better to travel by rail and ferry, stopping off along the way. Make your way to London to connect to an afternoon Eurostar to Brussels, continuing on a German ICE to Cologne. You’ll have time to wander through Cologne before boarding the Nightjet to Innsbruck at 10.16pm.

Have a leisurely breakfast in Innsbruck, before continuing on local trains to Padua, changing along the way in Brenner and Verona. You’ll have a night in Padua, then, next morning, hop on the local train to Venice to board the weekly Anek Lines sailing to Corfu. Assuming you leave London on a Friday afternoon, you’ll be stepping ashore in Corfu at lunchtime on Monday after a night on a train, a night in a hotel and a night on a ship.

How to do it An Interrail pass valid for seven days in a month will cover the outward journey from most British stations to Corfu and allow for a much more leisurely return, with stops on the inbound journey. A day or two in the Alps perhaps? The pass costs £304. Allow €30 each way for the passholder fare on Eurostar, €13.90 for the Nightjet to Innsbruck and then €38 on the Anek ship, with a special fare for holders of Interrail global passes. All in all, reckon on total travel costs of £440 for that return journey from the UK to Corfu.

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To Poland’s Baltic coast

Świnoujście, in north-west Poland, can be reached easily with a €49 Deutschland Ticket.

How about a return trip from London to Poland for just £144? It’s possible by using Germany’s €49 Deutschland Ticket. This allows unlimited travel on local and regional public transport for a calendar month. You do, however, have to avoid any fast long-distance trains, where this cheap ticket isn’t valid.

This wonderful deal is sold as an ongoing monthly subscription, but you can cancel without penalty after getting the first monthly ticket. Check the small print and you’ll discover that the Deutschland Ticket allows cross-border adventures into southern Denmark, to Basel and Schaffhausen in Switzerland, to Salzburg in Austria, to two towns in Alsace (France) and to selected stations in Poland and the Czech Republic close to the German border. One of those Polish stations is Świnoujście Centrum on the island of Uznam (Usedom).

For price-conscious travellers from Britain heading to Świnoujście, the best option is to use Eurostar’s great-value return fare, the Any Belgian Station (ABS) ticket to travel from London to Athus in Belgium. Athus is included in Luxembourg’s national free travel scheme, so from Athus you can ride for free through Luxembourg to start using the Deutschland Ticket when you enter Germany at Igel in the Moselle valley.

How to do it Book in advance and you can pick up Eurostar’s ABS ticket for £102 return. This covers return travel on Eurostar to Brussels with onward connections to Athus (or any other Belgian station) on domestic SNCB trains. Then there’s just the cost of your Deutschland Ticket (£42).

So for £144 you can roam Germany for a whole calendar month, and enjoy a few cross-border hops. Or just make a simple out-and-back trip from London to the Polish seaside at Świnoujście.

Nicky Gardner is co-author of Europe by Rail: the Definitive Guide , available from Guardian Bookshop for £16.71

  • Europe holidays
  • Rail travel
  • Public transport trips
  • Adventure travel

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New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

PHOTO: Tourists with umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun at Colosseo area (Colosseum), during the ongoing heat wave with temperatures reaching 40 degrees, on July 19, 2023, in Rome.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

PHOTO: In this undated file photo, a tourist visa is stamped on a passport.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

MORE: European heat wave breaking records with little relief in sight

The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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travelling to europe from uk 2023

  • Visas and immigration
  • Travelling to the UK

Entering the UK

Your identity document (for example your passport or identity card) will be checked when you arrive at a UK port or airport to make sure you’re allowed to come into the country. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

You may also need a visa to come into or travel through the UK , depending on your nationality.

Check which documents you’ll need to come to the UK .

You do not need to take any Coronavirus (COVID-19) tests or fill in a passenger locator form. This applies whether you are fully vaccinated or not.

What you can bring with you

What you can bring with you depends on where you’re travelling from. You must declare to customs:

  • anything over your duty-free allowance
  • banned or restricted goods in the UK
  • goods that you plan to sell
  • more than €10,000 (or its equivalent) in cash, if you’re coming from outside the EU

You and your baggage may be checked for anything you must declare.

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The Jack Russell Terrier Blog

A comprehensive guide to travelling with a dog to Europe from the UK – 2023

A post Brexit guide to travelling with a dog to Europe. Are you thinking of taking a dog to France, or travelling from the UK to Italy with a dog? This guide takes you step by step through how to travel to Europe with a dog.

This post may contain affiliate links:  Read more here .

Taking a dog to Europe from the UK used to be easy, but since Brexit things have gotten a little complicated. Pet Passports are no longer issued and if yours has run out, or if you have a new pet to take to Europe, you will need to follow the new rules for travelling to Europe with a dog.

Can you travel to Europe with a dog?

The short answer is yes, there are a few hoops to jump through but traveling by ferry or using the Eurotunnel are easy options for travelling to Europe with a dog from the UK.

If you want to know how to travel with a dog from the UK to Europe, you can read about travelling from UK to Europe with a dog on the governments official website, but they don’t cover everything.

That’s why we’ve created this easy to read guide from personal experience and countless hours of research, to help more dog owners to travel to Europe with their pets.

How to travel with a dog to Europe

There are now 4 key things you need if you want to take your dog to Europe from the UK, read the legal requirements further down the page.

There are also other things to consider depending on the country you are visiting, like sand flies, water quality, and food quality. Of course it’s always best to check with your vet for these specific issues as it is country dependant, but we do have some tips below.

Travelling to Europe with a dog after Brexit

The hard part is getting to Europe from the UK, once there it’s relatively easy to move around within your 90 day visa allowance.

There are no additional requirements for crossing EU borders with a dog, including Andorra, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and Vatican City State.

The only exception to this is the requirement of a tapeworm treatment if you are travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Northern Ireland or the UK.

The pet passport after Brexit

Pet passports issued in the UK including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are now invalid for any travel to any EU country or Northern Ireland (pet passports issued in the EU are still valid).

Legal requirements of travelling to Europe with a dog from UK

A microchip is a legal requirement anyway in the UK.

Rabies vaccine

Once your pet is 12 weeks old or older they can have the rabies vaccination. Depending on the brand this will usually last around 3 years and cost about £60.

  • Get the Rabies vaccine at least 21 days before you can travel.
  • It’s valid for 3 years, then you will need to get a booster.

Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

Only certain vets can issue AHC’s and prices vary wildly. Once the health check and certificate is completed it will be valid after the date issued for:

  • 10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
  • 4 months for onward travel within the EU
  • 4 months for re-entry to the UK

Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland from the UK.

Top Tip – If you are travelling from Folkestone or even Dover have a look at Abbeywell Vets , they have an extremely well organised and specialised AHC service that costs just £99. Additional pets can be included on the same AHC for an additional fee of £30 per pet. Then it’s just £69 for repeat visits (a bit different to the £250+ our vet quoted us)! Animal Health Certificate Online

Tapeworm treatment

A tapeworm treatment must be administered 1-5 days before returning back to the UK from Europe. There are some great Facebook groups that review vets across Europe for this purpose.

  • Be administrated by a vet
  • Contain Praziquantel to be effective against Echinococcus tapeworm
  • Not be; Stronghold, Advocate, Frontline or Frontline Combo, Nexgard or Nexgard Spectra (these will not be accepted and will result in the animal being refused travel)

You should treat your dog again within 28 days of returning to Great Britain.

If you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway, your dog will need a tapeworm treatment before you leave the UK.

Optional things to think about when travelling with a dog from UK to Europe

Travelling with a dog to Europe

Do you need a muzzle when travelling with a dog to Europe?

Many European countries will require you to carry a muzzle, especially when on public transport. Get your dog used to wearing one before you go just in case you need to use it.

We never needed it, but our dog is very small and very friendly!

Other parasites and diseases not covered by UK law

Depending on the region in Europe that you are travelling to, you may want to consider other risks that may affect your dogs health when travelling.

ESCCAP is the main resource for animal parasites in Europe – they have maps of each country, broken down by specific regions, detailing the possible risks of infection (always consult your own Vet about your dogs specific requirements).

We chose to take preventative measures for two common parasites found in Southern Italy.

Heartworm in dogs

Most commonly found in Portugal, Spain, South of France, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Bosnia, Czech Republic, Turkey, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania.

Treatment is complicated and not always successful so prevention is better.

Many dogs infested with heartworm show few signs, while others will develop a cough or complications that can lead to heart failure.

Vets recommend Milbemax or Milbeworm tablets for this purpose. They must be administered before travel and reapplied monthly while in known problem areas.

Sandflies and mosquitos in Europe

Sand flies and other biting insects like mosquitos are common in southern regions in Europe, they can carry harmful diseases like Leishmaniasis . Although more common in the Mediterranean, it’s thought climate change is now bringing these risks to the northern regions too.

As ever, prevention is better than a cure.

You can buy a Scalibor Collar to protect your dog from biting insects like mosquitos and sand flies in Europe.

O ur vet confirmed this collar can be used at the same time as our regular flea and tick prevention collar that we use in the UK (the Seresto collar ) .

Regional issues

Is the water drinkable? Even if it is it may be best to stop your dog from drinking water from communal dog bowls as they may spread disease.

Are there any dangerous animals to consider? Snakes, livestock, and stray dogs are all things to take into consideration. It’s always best to keep dogs on a lead if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Are you allowed to take dog food into Europe from the UK?

rules for taking dog food from the UK into the EU

Brexit has also changed the rules for taking dog food from the UK into the EU. You are no longer allowed to take meat or milk-based dog food. This includes dried food, dog treats and chews.

If your pet has special dietary requirements you can ask your Vet to give you written confirmation that your pet requires a certain dog food for medical reasons.

With this written permission from a Veterinarian, you may take packs that weigh up to 2kg. Either sealed or open food that is currently “in use”.

A way around this is to change your dog to a fish or plant-based diet, and slowly get them used to it before travelling. Vegan dog chews like Whimzees would also be allowed.

Fish or vegetarian dog food can weigh no more than 10kg and should be sealed in the original bag.

You can read the full details here on the official EU site here .

Travelling with a dog to Europe – Our experience

We drove 2000 miles from Northern England to Sicily, taking the Eurotunnel to France. We made plenty of comfort stops for Pablo the dog, and found lots of dog friendly hotels along the way – although generally found staying in privately owned B&B’s in the countryside much less stressful with a noisy Jack Russell.

We had no problems as we did our research, like you are, and Pablo managed to check 6 countries off of his bucket list (France, Italy, San Marino, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium)!

In fact the only panic we had was that our SIM cards had stopped allowing EU roaming (thanks Brexit), and we didn’t realise you need snow chains for driving pretty much anywhere in Europe in winter – but they are cheap and easy to buy on the road.

Pablo was a model traveller and was of course loved by all who met him – nothing new there!

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Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now? Latest travel advice

Egypt is building a buffer zone on the border with gaza. however, travel advice for the region has not changed — here’s what you need to know.

A driver feeds his camels near the Pyramids of Giza

T he main tourist resorts of Egypt — Cairo, Nile cruise stops including Luxor and Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh — are all still considered safe to travel to by the UK government. However, there are several regions along its borders where the Foreign Office advises against travelling to. This includes the border with Gaza at Rafah, where Egypt is currently building a buffer zone in anticipation of Israel’s ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah. More generally, you should stay vigilant for things like petty crime, and avoid protests and demonstrations. Here’s what you need to know.

A local man relaxes in Luxor

What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Egypt?

There are no travel advisories in place for popular tourist spots in Egypt such as Cairo, cities along the Nile including Luxor and Aswan, and resorts by the Red Sea such as Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.

However, the Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai, which includes the crossing at Rafah, and within 20km of the Egyptian/Libyan border (excluding El Salloum, where it advises against all but essential travel).

It also advises against all but essential travel to the following areas:

• The northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai beyond the St Catherine-Nuweiba road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula • The eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez canal • The area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, excluding Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings, the Governorate of Faiyum, the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh, the Marsa Matruh-Siwa Road, the oasis town of Siwa, the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis, the road between Giza and Farafra (except the road between Bahariya and Siwa where all but essential travel applies), Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, and the White Desert and Black Desert • The Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

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Following US and UK strikes on Houthi bases in Yemen in January and February 2024, the Foreign Office said: “Military activity is currently under way in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor travel advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.”

In addition, terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt, according to the Foreign Office, and targets could include destinations popular with tourists. Most attacks are in the North Sinai region, but they may take place in other parts of the country too.

The risk is heightened during public holidays and festivals, such as Christmas and Ramadan, and is particularly high around religious sites, large public gatherings and places frequented by foreigners. Stay vigilant and carry your photo ID with you at all times.

A mosque in the city of Hurghada

Has Egypt been affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict?

Broadly, the Foreign Office warns that the border between Israel and Egypt (Taba) could close at short notice. Visitors should check with local authorities before trying to cross. It also warns that since fighting broke out in southern Israel and Gaza, demonstrations (often at short notice) have taken place. Tourists should be vigilant and avoid large gatherings and protests.

On October 27, 2023, an official confirmed that a drone fell near a medical facility in the Red Sea resort of Taba, near the Israeli border, injuring six people. Authorities are investigating.

Two Israeli tourists and their local guide died after a police officer opened fire on a group of Israeli tourists in Alexandria on October 8, 2023, according to reports by the Israeli foreign ministry. This has not been confirmed by Egyptian authorities.

• Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? • Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now? • Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now? • Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now? • Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now?

Is Cairo safe?

Yes, Cairo is considered safe to visit by the Foreign Office and this advice has not changed since the US and UK joint strikes on Houthi bases in Yemen in January and February 2024. In general, the same advice that applies to other parts of the country also applies to Cairo.

However, it’s a big and busy city so it’s still worth staying vigilant for petty crime. Female travellers should also take care — as in other parts of the country, harassment and sexual assault can and do happen.

Is it safe to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh?

Sharm el-Sheikh reopened to British tourists in October 2019, four years after a bomb exploded on a Russian plane carrying 224 tourists and crew. Security measures were increased at the Red Sea resort: x-ray scanners in hotels; security walls; and high perimeter fences around the airport were installed.

The area of Sharm el-Sheikh is now deemed safe to travel to by the Foreign Office. This advice has not changed since the US and UK launched joint strikes on Houthi bases in Yemen in January 2024.

Is it safe to travel to Hurghada?

Hurghada, a popular Red Sea resort, is also deemed safe to travel to by the Foreign Office. Again, travel advice has not been amended for the resort following the strikes on the Houthi bases in Yemen.

• Best hotels in Hurghada • Best things to do in Hurghada

Can you drink alcohol in Egypt?

Egypt is an Islamic country. While attitudes are more relaxed in tourist resorts, customs can be very different elsewhere and more strict during Ramadan. Public drinking, for example, can lead to arrest — alcohol is only permitted in a licensed restaurant or bar.

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to long prison sentences or even the death penalty. Visitors should be aware that what is legal in the UK may not be legal in Egypt. In 2017, for example, a British woman was jailed for three years for taking painkillers into the country. Tramadol, an opioid painkiller, is a prescription drug in the UK but is illegal in Egypt.

What about taking photos in Egypt?

Be aware of what you’re photographing. Taking pictures of military installations (strictly prohibited), embassies, government buildings, churches and even infrastructure such as train stations can lead to arrest. If you want to photograph any Egyptian citizens, you must have written permission from them; photographing children is not permitted.

Taking or sharing photographs that are perceived to be damaging to the country’s image is also forbidden. Similarly, making strongly negative comments about Egypt or its politics, including on social media, can lead to you being detained.

• Best all-inclusive hotels in Egypt

On the Montaza Palace bridge in Alexandria

What are Egypt’s entry restrictions?

Egypt no longer has Covid-related travel restrictions.

For entry into Egypt, though, you’ll need at least six months of validity on your passport. You’ll also need to apply for a tourist visa to visit most of the country. These can be obtained online before you travel or on arrival at dedicated desks inside the airport. This is valid for up to three months.

If you’re travelling to the resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, you can get a free entry permission stamp upon arrival for stays of up to 15 days. You’ll have to get a visa if you want to stay longer or visit other places.

Do I need vaccines for Sharm el-Sheikh?

There are no essential vaccine requirements for visiting Egypt. However, the NHS suggests that it’s advisable to have polio and tetanus jabs. You may also want to consider hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid.

General safety advice for travelling in Egypt

In terms of safety on the ground, it pays to be vigilant. Protests take place frequently and foreigners taking part in political activities in the country could be detained or subjected to other measures.

The Foreign Office says: “If you become aware of any nearby protests, marches or demonstrations, you should move away from the immediate area as the atmosphere could change quickly and without warning. Police have previously used water cannons, tear gas, birdshot and live ammunition for crowd control.”

At popular tourist spots, visitors can be harassed for money or to buy things. There’s also a risk of theft and mugging, even in taxis. Travelling as part of an escorted tour can help reduce the risks. If you are a victim of crime, you should contact the local tourist police who can help you make a report.

Public displays of affection can also be frowned upon.

Visitors to Egypt should take care when travelling in taxis

Is Egypt safe for female travellers?

In general, yes, it is safe for female travellers. However, there have been reported incidents of sexual assault and harassment in the country, including some affecting minors. Most of the reported incidents have taken place in the Red Sea region and, according to the Foreign Office, are often committed by someone the victim had already met, including hotel workers and excursion staff.

The Foreign Office advises: “Female travellers should exercise caution when travelling alone, particularly at night, in buses, taxis and microbuses. If you are travelling on public transport including microbuses, avoid being the last passenger left on board.”

• What can women do to stay safe while abroad?

Is Egypt safe for LGBTQ travellers?

It can be problematic. While homosexuality is not technically illegal in Egypt, according to the Foreign Office, the charges of “debauchery” and “sexual deviance” have been used to prosecute LGBTQ people in the past. Sixty-six people were arrested in 2017 on debauchery charges after waving a rainbow flag at a concert in Cairo, for example. Again, attitudes are more relaxed in tourist areas but public displays of affection are likely to cause issues.

• Is it safe to go diving in the Red Sea? • Best hotels in Egypt

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The EU in 2023: Succeeding amidst challenging times

Collage of pictures including a photo of a small robot; a photo of female scientist; a photo of rescue services; a photo of an old lady with a young girl; and a photo of a person on a wind turbine

At a time of increased geopolitical tensions, the EU has continued to successfully tackle the issues that concern Europeans most in 2023 , whilst remaining on track to deliver on the political priorities. That is according to the new edition of the EU General Report, which was published today.

The report looks at how we have responded to emerging and existing global challenges, with our ongoing, steadfast support for Ukraine being the highlight. We have provided over €88 billion in financial, humanitarian and military assistance, offered protection to over 4 million people fleeing from Ukraine to the EU and are ready to open accession negotiations.

It also looks to the Middle East and how we have responded to the drastic deterioration in the humanitarian situation of Palestinians, quadrupling humanitarian aid to over €100 million in the last year.

At home, the report emphasises the work done in staying the course on key EU priorities

  • continuing our economic recovery from the pandemic
  • boosting competitiveness and manufacturing capacity for the technologies and products required to meet our ambitious climate targets
  • putting in place the legal framework to cut emissions by 55 % by 2030 (a key milestone on the path to climate neutrality)
  • making progress in ending the EU’s reliance on Russian fossil fuels, thanks to the REPowerEU Plan, and in reforming the design of the EU’s electricity market, to protect consumers against price shocks
  • working on a first comprehensive law on Artificial Intelligence as part of Europe’s digital transition
  • strengthening social dialogue and progressing on new rules to improve working conditions of people working through digital market platforms
  • reaching an important milestone in overhauling our migration system.

The report is available in all official languages of the EU as a fully illustrated book and an online version which is available below.

Find more information

The EU in 2023: General Report on the Activities of the European Union

The story of the von der Leyen Commission

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