The European Union is introducing two important changes for travel to Europe. These are:
1. EU Entry/Exit System (EES), is expected to roll out a staged launch from Autumn 2025.
2. European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), due in mid-2025.
For more information, visit ABTA's website or the European Union travel pages on the EES and ETIAS.
Since Britain left the European Union, there have been some minor changes when travelling to Europe.
Leaving the EU means that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is being phased out. If your EHIC is still in date, you can continue to use this and you should ensure that you have this with you when you travel. When your EHIC expires you will need to replace it with a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This should also cover you for medical treatment in EU countries but neither card is a replacement for good ski travel insurance.
For more information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
What you need to know: From 8th January 2025, visitors from non-EU countries will be required to purchase an ETA before they travel to the UK.
An ETA will cost £10 per applicant and will be linked to your passport.
It will permit multiple journeys and will be valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.
If this applies to you, you'll need to complete this process online yourself. Please visit GOV.UK and make sure you have the correct documents before you travel.
If you arrive at the airport without the correct documents, you might not be able to fly.