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Everything you need to know about travel to Europe after Brexit

Do you need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit? Here’s how the rules are looking in 2024

Huw Oliver

Way back in 2020, the UK left the EU and Brexit took effect. Since then, a hell of a lot has changed about how we travel. There’s now plenty of extra stuff to think about when planning a trip overseas to Europe (especially if it’s for longer periods). So, we ’ve rounded up all the changes to the rules that we’ll have to follow, now that we’re no longer EU citizens. Here is everything you need to know.

RECOMMENDED: 🌤️The best city breaks in Europe for 2024 🏩The best hotels in Europe 🚄The best European sleeper trains launching in 2024 🏂The best affordable ski resorts in Europe

You should probably check your passport

Up until January 2021, all UK citizens with a valid passport were able to travel freely throughout Europe. Now, though, you may need to renew your passport much earlier than you might think. On the day you travel, your passport must have at least six months left before it expires, or you might not be able to travel to any EU countries, or the EEA states of Iceland , Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland . (The old rules still apply for travel to Ireland.)

You can check if you need to renew your passport before travelling using this tool from the British government, and you can apply for a new one here . Make sure you renew it at least a couple of months before you’re planning to travel, as it may take several weeks to process applications in busy times (including right now).

You can no longer apply for an EHIC

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will remain valid until its expiry date, but you can no longer apply for a new one. In 2021, the UK government launched a replacement scheme, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) , which will entitle you to necessary state healthcare for free or at reduced cost in Europe and other countries with reciprocal arrangements such as Australia and New Zealand . You can apply for one on the official GHIC website .

Free mobile roaming is a thing of the past

The guarantee of free mobile roaming throughout the EU, the Schengen area and the Norway, Iceland and Liechenstein, came to an end on December 31, 2020. It ’s best to c heck with your phone operator to find out about any charges you may incur in the country you’re travelling to.

Border checks may feel a little different

At border control, you will now need to use separate lanes from EU citizens when queuing. Officials may also be more inquisitive than before, asking you to provide a return or onward ticket and prove that you have enough money for the length of your initial stay.

Your driving licence will still be valid – but you’ll need a ‘green card’ proving you have insurance too

Despite reports British drivers would soon have to apply for an ‘international driving permit’ before travelling to the Continent, according to the terms of the Brexit deal, UK licences will still be valid within the EU.

According to this advice by the Foreign Office , you do not need a ‘green card’ (proving you have car insurance cover when driving abroad) when driving in the EU. However, countries where they do apply include Albania, Azerbijan, Moldova, Türkiye and Ukraine. 

Visas are now required for longer stays

If you’re a tourist, you won’t need a visa for short trips to most EU and EEA countries. You will be able to stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. To stay for longer than 90 days, or if you ’re working,  you will have to get a visa or travel permit.

The EU has set up this short-term stay visa calculator to help travellers calculate how much longer they can stay in Europe. Visit the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s ‘travel advice’ pages  to find out the application process for each country.

The rules for Bulgaria, Croatia , Cyprus and Romania will be different (this is because they aren ’t in the Schengen area ): visits to those four countries will not count towards the 90-day total. 

These arrangements are up to date as of January 2024. They may change, so check back soon for the latest updates on travel to Europe.

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EU Entry/Exit System 2024: what will it mean for my holiday?

A new entry/exit system is set to be introduced at border crossings in the schengen area in october 2024. here’s what you need to know.

europe travel rules from uk

S ince the UK left the EU, there have been a number of significant changes for travellers , including additional validity requirements for passports and restrictions on the number of days you can visit EU member states without needing a visa. To enforce the latter, the EU plans to introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated IT system that will track border crossings. This should make entering and leaving the EU much easier and quicker for Brits, as it replaces the cumbersome manual checks. It’s now slated to be in operation by October 2024, after the Paris Olympics. Here’s what you need to know.

Main photo: passport control at Malpensa Airport, Milan (Getty Images)

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES is an automated IT system designed to track travellers from third countries, such as the UK, entering and leaving EU member states. It was due to launch in 2022, but was delayed until May 2023. The new launch date is October 2024, after the Paris Olympics.

Since Brexit, UK passport holders are only permitted to stay in EU countries for a cumulative total of 90 days of a 180-day period without a visa or other permit. The EES will tally up this number each time a passport is used at border crossing and detect those who have exceeded their allowance; a refusal of entry is also detected.

To make this possible, the system will distinguish between short-stay visa holders and visa exempt visitors through their travel document and collate information such as name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprint and photographs) and the date and place of entry and exit. It will also work in conjunction with the Etias (the visa waiver required to travel to Europe) in future.

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Under EES passengers will have to submit biometric data including fingerprints (Getty Images)

Where is EES required?

EES will be in place for 25 of the 27 EU member states — Ireland and Cyprus will continue with manual checks — as well as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein, as they’re part of the border-free Schengen Area. Where EES is in place, you’ll just need to scan your passport at the automated gates, as you would when entering the UK.

Within the UK, EES gates will also be installed at the Port of Dover, and Eurostar and Eurotunnel terminals where passports are checked prior to travel.

Passengers should have more space in their passports when stamps become unnecessary (Alamy)

What does EES mean for my travel?

In theory, it should speed things up at border crossings and make entry into and exit from EU countries much easier. For regular travellers, it should also mean more space in their passports as it won’t be stamped each time they make a border crossing.

However, the first time you use the EES, you will be required to supply your fingerprint and have your photo taken at the crossing, which will cause extra delays. This will then be kept on file for three years so you won’t need to do this extra step each time. If you refuse to supply this information, you’ll be denied entry.

Where might the worst delays be when EES launches?

The border checks at Port of Dover, and Eurostar and Eurotunnel terminals have the biggest potential for delays — an issue raised by operators based at these locations, based on the time it takes to process cars. The chief executive of the Port of Dover has warned that it could take up to ten minutes to process one car when the measures are implemented.

Once introduced, however, the EES shouldn’t be any more arduous than the passport checks that currently exist.

• Etias: the new entry form you will need to complete when visiting 30 European countries • When will airports lift the 100ml liquid rule?

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

Related articles

14 of the best European city breaks with kids

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When you need to renew a passport to travel to Europe

  • Wednesday 27 March 2024 at 12:10pm

europe travel rules from uk

Since Brexit , passport rules for UK visitors to the European Union (EU) have tightened up.

But many people may not be aware of the finer print, and some families are finding themselves thousands of pounds out of pocket when they have been banned from boarding flights due to the rule changes.

So what exactly are the rules for British travellers to the EU, and how can you avoid a passport disaster if you're jetting off for the Easter holidays?

How have the rules changed?

When the UK was a member of the EU, British passports remained valid up to and including their expiry date for travel to other EU countries.

But post-Brexit, British passport holders wishing to travel to EU countries in the Schengen Area are treated as non-EU nationals. This includes popular tourism destinations such as Portugal and Greece.

As such, they must meet two key requirements, as outlined on the EU's Your Europe website . If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:

which is valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting;

which was issued within the previous 10 years.

This means you should really be looking at the date of issue when checking if you need to renew, as well as the expiry date.

It may appear that your passport is within date, but if it hasn't been issued in the past 10 years you could be stopped from boarding your plane or ferry.

Have you heard our new podcast Talking Politics? Every week Tom, Robert and Anushka dig into the biggest issues dominating the political agenda…

According to the government's website, for some Schengen countries, once the three-months-remaining rule is taken into account, a passport needs to have been issued no more than nine years and nine months ago.

What is the Schengen Area?

The border-free Schengen Area is made up of 27 countries and guarantees free movement to more than 400 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists.

It is comprised of most EU countries, except for Croatia, Cyprus, and Ireland. Bulgaria and Romania will be part of the Schengen Area as of March 31 2024. The non-EU countries Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are also part of the area.

Aren't all passports only valid for 10 years?

Until September 2018, the UK had a policy that meant you could claim credit on 'unspent' time when renewing your passport, so you could be issued with a passport that was valid for up to 10 years and nine months.

People who took advantage of this policy could now find themselves caught out.

Do the rules affect children's passports?

Passports for under-16s are usually valid for five years, so there should be no chance of breaching the 10-year rule.

But be careful of the three-months-remaining rule, which states your passport must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave the country. Children's passports are more likely to get caught out by this rule as their passports don't last as long.

Am I covered if I get caught out?

Unfortunately, if you don't make sure your passport will be accepted before you travel, you are unlikely to get back any money you lose.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, told ITV News: “There has been confusion over guidance for travel to the EU. Passports must be issued within 10 years of entry into your destination country and remain in date for at least three months after the day you plan to return to the UK.

“It is essential to ensure your passport is valid when you are due to travel and return home. Otherwise you risk losing the money for your flight or holiday as your provider will not refund you, and insurance will not cover you for the error.”

Do the rules apply anywhere else in the world?

These rules are specific to Schengen Area countries. If you are travelling to the rest of the world you should check the individual rules for entering those countries on the government website .

When should I renew my passport?

To be on the safe side, it's best to apply to renew your passport before it is nine years and nine months old.

You should allow up to 10 weeks to receive your passport, so you should apply for it at least 10 weeks before you're due to travel. The Passport Office say people usually get their passports within three weeks.

You can apply online (£82.50) or by post with a paper form (£93). Passport costs are set to increase by more than 7% in April, the Home Office announced this month.

If you need a passport urgently, you can pay more for the fast track service . The one-week service costs £155 for an adult passport and £126 for a child passport, while the one-day premium service costs £193.50, or £204.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…

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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europe travel rules from uk

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

When do I renew my UK passport and what is the 10-year rule?

  • Published 19 hours ago

Woman holding passport and smiling at airport desk

Some British holidaymakers have been turned away at the airport because their passports are not valid for EU travel.

The rules for UK passport holders travelling to Europe changed after Brexit.

Can I travel in the EU on my passport and what is the 10-year rule?

UK travellers used to be able to carry up to nine months left on an old passport over to a new one.

This meant that a passport could be valid for more than 10 years.

This did not matter when the UK was a member of the European Union (EU).

But the rules changed after Brexit, and the majority of EU countries no longer accept British passports which were issued more than 10 years before the date of travel.

This is known as the "10-year rule".

To enter those countries now, your UK passport must:

  • have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the EU country (ie the "date of issue")
  • be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave (ie the "date of expiry")

If your passport does not meet these requirements, you will be refused entry.

Mock up of passport

The rules apply in all 27 EU countries, except Ireland, which has its own separate travel arrangements with the UK .

They also apply to passengers traveling to Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein - which are part of the European Economic Area (EEA) - and Switzerland .

  • Holidaymakers caught out by 10-year-passport rule
  • Passport rule meant my family flew off without me

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

When should I renew my passport?

You must renew your passport before you travel if either:

  • your passport has expired
  • your date of issue was more than ten years ago (if travelling to countries with the ten-year rule)
  • your passport does not have enough time left before it expires

How much time you need on your passport depends where you are going.

You can check entry requirements for individual countries on the UK government's website.

How do my I renew my passport?

You can renew online at HM Passport Office or by filling in a paper application from certain Post Offices.

You'll need your old passport and any valid passports you hold from a different country.

New UK passport

For online applications, you'll also need a digital photo which meets specific requirements. For paper applications, you need two identical printed photos.

The rules are different if you are renewing a passport for a child, your passport has been lost, stolen or damaged , or you need to change your name or personal details .

  • First British passports issued with King's name

How long does it take to renew a passport?

It should take up to three weeks to renew a passport in the UK, but it can take longer during periods of high demand, such as before school holidays.

To get a passport issued urgently in the UK, you can book an appointment at your nearest passport office , subject to availability. It then takes up to a week to be issued.

You can get more information on the Passport Office website or you can call the helpline on 0300 222 0000. The line is open 08:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday, and 09:00 to 17:30 on Saturday, Sunday and UK bank holidays.

How much does it cost to renew my passport?

It currently costs £82.50 to renew or replace your passport if you apply online and £93 if you fill in a paper form. A child's passport costs £53.50 if you apply online, or £64 if you apply by post.

It costs more if you apply from abroad, or if you require a passport urgently. Passports are free for people born on or before 2 September 1929.

Passport fees are going up on 11 April .

A standard online application for an adult will cost £88.50, or £57.50 for a child. Postal applications will cost £100 for adults or £69 for children.

The increased fees apply to both new passport applications and renewals.

Related Topics

  • Passport Office
  • European Union

More on this story

  • Published 16 hours ago

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How many months do I need left on my UK passport before I travel?

Many countries across the world require you to have a few months left on your passport at the time of travel – here are the main holiday destinations to watch out for, article bookmarked.

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You might think that you can just hop on a plane with an in-date passport and travel the world. In fact, many countries demand that visitors have months left on their passport before it expires.

Some – including Australia , Canada and the US – only require your travel document to be in date for the duration of your trip.

But others give a more restrictive time frame, with no real pattern from region to region – while most of Asia requires six months on your passport, for example, different Caribbean islands demand different time frames.

In some destinations, you can also be caught out for not having enough space left in your passport for new immigration stamps.

Here are the key passport validity rules for British passports for the world’s top holiday destinations.

  • Barred from Europe: 2.4m Brits caught in post-Brexit passport chaos
  • When do I need to renew my passport for travel to Europe?
  • This is the best time to renew your passport to save money

Valid for the duration of your stay

These countries only ask that your passport is valid until the day you leave the country.

*While this is technically the rule for Canada, if you have six months or less on your passport, it may take longer for you to get through immigration.

Valid for one day

Costa Rica requires Britons to have one day’s validity from the day of their departure.

Valid for three months

All EU countries, plus those in the Schengen Area (excluding Ireland) require you to have three months left on your passport from the day you plan to leave. Your passport must also be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country. This is true for the following countries:

  • Republic of Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Vatican City

These non-European countries also require three months’ validity on your day of departure:

  • British Virgin Islands
  • French Polynesia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea

Valid for six months

In most cases, this means valid for six months from the date you arrive in the country, but it’s worth checking the Foreign Office’s individual entry requirements for the country you’re visiting to make sure.

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • The Bahamas
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador (& Galapagos Islands)
  • Madagascar*
  • Philippines
  • South Africa*
  • United Arab Emirates

*South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya also require you to have two blank pages left in your passport; Namibia requires one blank page.

Valid for 180 days

India requires a more specific 180 days of validity from the date you arrive. It also asks visitors to have two blank pages available for their visa.

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Cars at a standstill on a motorway

Easter travel delays forecast for UK due to poor weather and rail disruption

Line closures and strikes coinciding with school holidays and turbulent weather are expected to hit travel plans

A long Good Friday looms for many drivers and rail passengers who are heading off for a UK getaway, as the Easter weekend collides with the start of school holidays, engineering works and turbulent weather.

With more than 14 million leisure trips planned by drivers over the coming days, motorists have been warned to expect delays on many routes. Additional cars could be forced on to the roads because of major railway line closures, with strikes hampering possible return train journeys next week.

According to the RAC, some car journeys could take twice as long as normal as many schools are breaking up at the start of the bank holiday weekend this year, leading to an increase in getaway traffic.

Meanwhile, all trains in and out of London Euston on the west coast mainline to cities including Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow will be cancelled from Friday to Monday, with passengers wishing to travel diverted via rail replacement buses to Milton Keynes.

Getaway hell was expected to kick off on Thursday afternoon, with the biggest potential for gridlock coming from the south-east after 2pm with many schools closing at lunchtime.

With normal commuter journeys contributing to the traffic, the RAC and transport analysts Inrix forecast peak jams between 4pm and 5pm on the western flank of the M25 motorway between the M1 north and the M23 for Gatwick, including the turnoffs for the west and south-west. A usual one-hour drive on that stretch of the London orbital motorway is expected to take 2 hours 10 minutes or more, they predict.

Most long car journeys are expected to be made on Good Friday, with the lengthiest delays likely between 11am and 3pm. Two popular routes for holidaymakers – the M5 southbound between Bristol and Taunton and M3 between the M25 and the south coast – could take twice as long as usual.

One curveball is the British bank holiday weather , with changeable sun and rain either luring or deterring more in the coming days. The worst was forecast by the Met Office for Thursday afternoon, including strong winds and heavy rain at times, with a yellow warning for wind across the south of England .

The RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “If you do need to travel between the busiest hours of 2pm and 7pm, keep speeds appropriate to the conditions and leave plenty of extra stopping distance.”

She said anyone who could delay leaving until later on Thursday or set off as early as possible on Good Friday was likely to have a better journey, but lengthy queues could be expected.

Network Rail meanwhile has advised train passengers to check their journey details with £90m worth of engineering works scheduled to land awkwardly on the getaway plans of anyone fleeing London for the north in the coming days.

As well as the west coast mainline closure south of Milton Keynes, there will be disruption and closures around Glasgow and Huddersfield.

Network Rail’s network strategy director, Lawrence Bowman, said: “There’s never a good time to do the work we need to do but the four days of the bank holiday, when fewer people are travelling, give us the opportunity to do major work we couldn’t do in normal weekend.”

Rolling 24-hour rail strikes next week from 5 to 8 April by drivers in the Aslef union will halt most long-distance trains in Britain next Friday or Saturday, further hampering potential train holidays. The strikes affect different companies on different days but firms affected include Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry on 5 April and GWR, LNER, Northern and TransPennine on 6 April.

Tourist board VisitEngland said around 11 million people in the UK are nonetheless planning an overnight Easter trip, generating an estimated £3.2bn boost to the economy.

Two million of us are, however, not taking that chance, according to travel association Abta, heading overseas instead. The somewhat balmier Canary Islands, mainland Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Turkey are the most popular destinations for foreign travel.

The Port of Dover has warned holidaymakers they may face delays due to tighter French border security after the Moscow concert attack, including controls in Dover before passengers board cross-Channel ferries. About 20,000 cars are expected to travel through the port this weekend.

  • Rail transport
  • Industrial action
  • Road transport

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europe travel rules from uk

  • 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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IMAGES

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  2. Explaining Covid-Related Entry Rules and Restrictions for Traveling

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  3. Driving in Europe

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  5. Driving In Europe

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  6. New EU Travel Rules from 1 Jan 2021

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COMMENTS

  1. Travelling to the EU and Schengen area

    Travelling to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You can travel to more than one country in a 180-day period. How long you can stay in each country depends on ...

  2. Covid travel rules and measures for safe travel

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  3. Passenger travel to the EU by air, rail or sea

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  4. Everything you need to know about travel to Europe after Brexit

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    The UK has abolished all COVID-19 travel restrictions for all arrivals from other countries. The government recommends masks in busy, public places and you must wear still wear them in hospitals.

  7. Brexit: how the new rules will change your visits to the EU

    Last modified on Mon 4 Jan 2021 07.34 EST. Before Brexit, UK citizens could travel, live, go on holiday and work anywhere in the EU without any special permits or visas. As of 1 January 2021 that ...

  8. Welcome page

    System for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries ... Travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries (starting in mid-2025) Go to ETIAS website. Share this page New requirements to travel to Europe. This site is managed by: Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs.

  9. UK holidaymakers will need an 'e-visa' to visit the EU from 2024

    The Schengen Area is a travel zone where you don't need to show your passport to cross borders. The full list is: British travellers will need a visa-waiver to visit most EU countries from 2024, including Spain, France and Portugal. Holidaymakers will need to apply online and pay a fee of €7 (around £6) before travelling.

  10. Documents you need for travel in Europe

    Check what travel documents you'll need to cross the border into another EU country. And find out what documents you need for your spouse, children or other relatives if they are not EU nationals. More on: Travel documents for EU nationals. Travel documents for non-EU family members. Travel documents for non-EU nationals.

  11. Passport validity rules for entering the EU

    British travellers will need a visa-waiver to visit most EU countries from 2024. When the European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (Etias) launches, UK passport-holders will have to pay a fee of €7 (£6) for an electronic travel authorisation. Passport stamping is also due to be replaced by biometric checks next year.

  12. EU Entry/Exit System 2024: what will it mean for my holiday?

    What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)? The EES is an automated IT system designed to track travellers from third countries, such as the UK, entering and leaving EU member states. It was due to ...

  13. Visiting the UK and Europe

    Visiting the UK and Europe. Click here for the latest information about COVID-19 and travel to the United Kingdom and Europe. We recommend that all overseas travelers take the following steps: Check the Department of State's country specific guidance: click here for the latest UK information. Consult the Department of State's Traveler's ...

  14. Travel documents for UK nationals and their family members ...

    UK nationals with residence rights in an EU country under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement do not need a visa to enter their country of residence. Similarly, they do not need a visa when travelling to any other EU country for short stays, that is up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Non-EU family members of UK nationals covered by the Withdrawal ...

  15. When do I need to renew my passport for travel to Europe?

    1 January: enter the EU and stay for 90 days until the last day of March, when you must leave. 1 April: remain outside for 90 days, which takes you to 29 June. 30 June: enter the EU and stay for ...

  16. New system for international travel

    New system for international travel. Eight countries will move from the red list on 22 September and the rules for international travel to England will change on 4 October 2021. simpler, cheaper ...

  17. Travel to Europe: What are current passport expiration rules and have

    Since Brexit, the rules on passport validity for British visitors to the European Union have tightened. Gone are the days when you could travel to the EU at any point before your travel document ...

  18. When you need to renew a passport to travel to Europe

    To be on the safe side, it's best to apply to renew your passport before it is nine years and nine months old. You should allow up to 10 weeks to receive your passport, so you should apply for it ...

  19. Passport rules: Urgent warning for British red passport holders at risk

    Urgent warning for British red passport holders at risk of post-Brexit travel rules. On a typical day, 200 outbound travellers are prevented from departing because of EU rules on issue and expiry ...

  20. New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

    Jenny Kane/AP, FILE. 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 ...

  21. Urgent warning for British red passport holders at risk of post ...

    An estimated 32 million British passport holders could potentially fall foul of post-Brexit rules on validity for travel to the European Union, the BBC has found. In the Brexit deal, the UK ...

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

  23. Travel or do business in Europe: Brexit guidance

    Travel or do business in Europe: Brexit guidance. Find out how new Brexit rules apply to things like travelling, working, studying and doing business with Europe in or with EU countries. From:

  24. When do I renew my UK passport and what is the 10-year rule?

    It currently costs £82.50 to renew or replace your passport if you apply online and £93 if you fill in a paper form. A child's passport costs £53.50 if you apply online, or £64 if you apply by ...

  25. How many months do I need left on my UK passport before I travel?

    Valid for three months. All EU countries, plus those in the Schengen Area (excluding Ireland) require you to have three months left on your passport from the day you plan to leave. Your passport ...

  26. Easter travel delays forecast for UK due to poor weather and rail

    Tourists heading to Europe could face 14-hour queues at Dover from October 25 Jan 2024 Disbelief at plan to fix London potholes as part of Network North project

  27. Luggage restrictions

    Hand luggage and hold luggage. When travelling by plane from an airport in the EU, you should keep in mind certain security requirements when packing and boarding: Liquids carried in the aircraft cabin such as aerosols, drinks, toothpaste, cosmetic creams or gels must be carried in a transparent plastic bag - maximum capacity 1 litre - and no ...

  28. Need to renew your UK passport? Here's how much it will cost ...

    The earliest you can get an appointment is two days from when you apply and this service currently costs £193.50 (€226). Alternatively, you can get your renewed passport delivered to your home ...

  29. Entering the UK: Overview

    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 ...