Since Britain left the European Union in 2021, things are now a little different when travelling on holiday to Europe.
For your holiday to the EU, please check the information below:
1. Check to see if your passport will still be valid?
If you have a British passport and are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.
From 12 October 2025, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin. This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area.
What is the EES?
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new electronic system that will replace the current manual stamping of passports when you enter an EU or Schengen Zone country.
What does this mean for me?
You do not need to do anything before you travel and there's no cost involved. The Advanced Passenger Information (API) form you already complete will be used by the airline to send your details. The first time you enter the EU may take a little longer than usual to pass through border control as you will be asked to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and facial image). Children under 12 years won't have their fingerprints collected. You can find out more by visiting EU Entry/Exit System - GOV.UK
What is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an upcoming change affecting travel to EU countries. This means that UK and other non-EU passport holders will need to apply online for authorisation to enter any EU or Schengen Zone country. This will be a bit like an ESTA that you'd apply for when travelling to the USA. It is not a visa, but if you're visiting an EU or Schengen Zone country for a short stay (up to 90 days in a 180 day period), you'll need to register your details before you travel via a quick and easy online form - it will cost just €7 and will be valid for three years. The form is currently unavailable and the EU has indicated that the ETIAS is likely to be operational by the last quarter of 2026, so at the moment you do not need to contact us or take any action. You can find out more by visiting ETIAS - What is ETIAS.
Your passport must meet two requirements. It must be:
- less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the 'date of issue')
- valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave (check the 'expiry date')
You can use the Government’s passport checker to see if you need to renew your passport.
2. Ensure you have travel insurance with adequate healthcare cover
We always advise travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance with sufficient healthcare cover for your individual requirements.
If you have a European Health Insurance Card it will be valid up to its expiry date. If you apply for a card now, you'll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. More details here.
3. Make sure you have all the correct documents you need to drive in Europe
A UK driving licence will be valid in the EU and you will not need to obtain an International Driving Permit, except in some instances where you are only in possession of a paper licence or your driving licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu.
4. Check your mobile phone company's policy on data roaming?
Rules around mobile data roaming are changing meaning you may face charges when using your phone abroad, including for making calls, sending messages or using the internet. Check with your mobile phone provider about their data roaming policy.
Other things to be aware of when travelling to Europe
- If you are going on holiday you won't need a visa for short trips to Europe.
- At border control you may need to show a return ticket and that you have enough money for your stay.
- When going through passport control you may not be able to use the EU or EEA lanes.
- You won't be able to take any meat, milk or products containing these items into the EU. There are exceptions for powdered baby milk or baby food required for medical reasons.
