The UK has expanded its ETA requirement to visa-exempt travellers from 55 countries, making pre-travel authorization a key step before departure. For many passengers, including some in transit scenarios, early document checks are now essential for smooth travel.
In August 2024, European Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed that the Entry/Exit System was on track for a November 2024 start, with ETIAS to follow six months later. This article reflects the reporting at that time — note that the EES eventually launched in October 2025 and the ETIAS fee was confirmed at €20, not the €7 cited here.
Discover the security procedures and checks that apply to different categories of travellers entering or leaving the Schengen Area, and how systems like EES and ETIAS streamline the process.
Discover how ETIAS affects your land travel plans by bus, train, or car across Europe.
British travellers still enjoy visa-free short trips to much of Europe, but the rules are no longer as simple as they were before Brexit. Passport validity, the 90/180-day limit, and upcoming ETIAS and EES checks now shape every journey.
The EU’s long-planned Entry/Exit System is meant to modernize border control, but travel industry groups say uncertainty, weak public awareness and operational risks could still delay the rollout and disrupt tourism.
The UK is preparing to increase the cost of its Electronic Travel Authorisation from £10 to £16, while exempting some transit passengers. The proposed change has triggered concern across the travel industry and could affect how visitors plan UK trips in 2025.
European travel in 2025 comes with more rules, fees and capacity controls. From Spain's tighter rental policies to new taxes in major destinations, travellers should plan ahead to avoid unexpected costs and access restrictions.
From drone incursions shutting airports to airlines going bust mid-trip -- flight disruptions are becoming more frequent. Here is your complete guide to knowing your rights and getting home.