Travel Confidence in 2024: ABTA's Advice on Airport Security, Passport Rules and Upcoming EU Border Changes

Airport security advice had to reflect an uneven rollout

ABTA said travellers could face confusion because UK airports were not moving to the new scanner regime at the same pace. Its practical advice was simple: follow the existing hand-luggage rules unless your departure airport clearly says otherwise, and check both outbound and return airport guidance before you travel.

Passport validity remained a key post-Brexit issue

The association also highlighted renewed confusion about passport validity for trips to the EU. ABTA's position was that travellers should rely on clear passport and visa guidance rather than headlines, and that members could help by sharing accurate information before customers reached the airport.

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EES and ETIAS were presented as the next major changes to watch

ABTA said other important post-Brexit developments were still ahead, notably the EU's Entry/Exit System and ETIAS. While those systems were not yet in force, the association said it was preparing fresh information for both members and consumers so travellers could understand the next stage of Europe travel rules without unnecessary alarm.