Now we know this is not the most fun information to read, but it is vital that everyone who is looking to book understands the entry requirements (and the likely changes to those). So, please bear with us and read on.
Passports and Visas
British Passport holders can find full details regarding passport validity and visa requirements for UK citizens on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website where they offer full Travel Advice by Country. You should check regularly for updates or subscribe to update emails.
The Entry Requirements sections on the country pages cover all you need to know about the country (countries) you are visiting.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport validity meets the entry requirements for the destination you are travelling to. Currently, UK passport holders must have 3 months validity remaining on their passports, following their return date from any EU destination.
If you or any member of your party is a not a British passport holder, then you or they must check the requirements with the embassy or consulate of the relevant country or countries which you are intending to travel to, or with your own foreign office.
It is your own responsibility to ensure that you have all visas, paperwork and travel documents in place prior to travel. You must also ensure that these also cover any countries in which you may be transiting.
All costs incurred in obtaining this documentation must be paid by you. We sadly cannot accept any responsibility if you are refused entry into any country or onto any transportation due to your failure to carry the correct documentation. We will not be responsible for providing a refund of any costs or arrangements which are missed in this situation.
If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly.
Insurance
Travel insurance has always been a prerequisite for travelling with us and investing in a comprehensive travel insurance policy is something which we recommend doing immediately after, or ideally prior to booking. We would also suggest choosing a policy which would allow you to claim for any elements of the holiday you were not able to take part in for any reason, not just for cancellation and medical care cover.
Following Brexit, the European Health Insurance Card for UK passport holders has been replaced by the GHIC card. Please apply well in advance of travel.
New European entry requirements for UK passport holders
Following Brexit, some significant changes are being made to entry requirements for British nationals travelling to the EU and Schengen Area.
You may have heard about the new changes to the EU/Schengen area entry requirements for non-EU passport holders travelling from both non visa (including the UK and US), and visa requiring countries. These are due to be implemented towards the end of 2025.
If you have already booked a holiday with us, as soon as the roll out dates and final requirements have been confirmed, we will of course provide you with all the information you require, so there is nothing additional for you to do at this time.
The most important thing to do at this stage if you are a UK passport holder is to ensure that you have 3 months validity on your passport following your return date from the Schengen Area. This is already an entry requirement, but also means that as soon as any new authorisations come into place, you have the ability to complete them straight away. Full details on passport validity when travelling to Schengen area countries can be found here: Passport Validity Requirements
Please note that the information below is given in relation to UK passport holders. If you are a non-UK passport holder, please contact the embassy/consulate of the EU country you are intending to visit, and visit the EU’s website for the relevant information: EU travel advice
So, what are the new EU entry requirements for UK passport holders?
The UK government has been working closely with the European Union in order to prepare for the new entry requirements which will apply to anyone visiting the Schengen Area with a non-member state passport.
The initial roll out of the Entry/Exit System (EES) will take place in late 2025, with the exact start date still to be confirmed. The second phase called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will follow in the latter part of 2026 we believe.
Under the EES, if you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details such as fingerprints and a photograph. This will replace the manual stamping of passports which currently take place.
Your data will be held securely in line with GDPR.
How will it work?
On arrival in your first port/airport in the Schengen area, you will be required to submit your fingerprints and have your picture taken at a dedicated booth. Nothing will need to be provided in advance. Children under 12 will not have to provide their fingerprints, but everyone will have to have their photograph taken.
This is likely to increase queue times on arrival in your destination airport (which includes transiting for onward travel), or pre departure in ports such as Dover or the Channel Tunnel as the data will be collected before you leave the UK. Additional travel time should be allowed for these checks (the amount of time will become clear once the system has been rolled out and you will of course be informed). On departure from the Schengen area your exit will also be recorded.
The digital record is valid for 3 years and if you visit the Schengen area again in that time, you will only need to submit a photo or fingerprint at the border when you enter/exit, not fully register again.
What is ETIAS, the second phase?
When ETIAS is introduced in 2026 (implementation date TBC), you will also need to apply for authorisation to enter the Schengen area if using a UK passport. You will need to provide personal information and details about your trip. There will be a €7 fee payable as part of the registration.
Most authorisations will be processed within minutes. However, it may take longer, and a decision could be made within 4 days (this could be extended to up to 30 days if you are asked to provide additional documents).
The recommendation will be that you apply for the ETIAS authorisation well in advance of booking any travel, but it is understood that provision will be made for anyone who has pre-booked travel when the system is rolled out.
The authorisation is valid for 3 years (or until the expiration date on your passport if that is within 3 years). Your passport must be valid for 3 months following your intended departure from the ETIAS countries. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new authorisation.
ETIAS allows you to stay in the relevant countries for up to 90 days within any 180 day period.
Further details and relevant updates regarding EES and ETIAS for UK passport holders can be found here: EES/ETIAS UK passport advice
What are the Entry Requirements for non-UK passport holders
You should contact your own department of foreign affairs for the latest entry requirements. Failure to meet these requirements could result in you being refused entry to your destination.
For those coming from other countries, some useful links are below.
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Canadian Consular Affairs Bureau http://voyage.gc.ca/
The US Bureau of Consular Affairs https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
The EES and ETIAS will apply to all non-member state residents, but there may also be visas which need to be considered.
Please also be aware that as of April 2025 the UK government is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETA) for all visitors who do not need typically need visas. If you are coming to the UK before your holiday with us, or transiting in the UK, you must have an ETA in place before you book your travel.
Full details of who requires an ETA and how to apply, can be found by clicking here.
