News

Passport Control
Some UK travellers have experienced passport validity issues when trying to enter the EU. Problem arose after the Brexit leaving date requirIng UK passports to be less than10 years old with at least 3 months validity remaining after returning to the UK. The 10 year-old rule centres around the issue and expiry dates and caught out travellers who had renewed passports before Brexit and before they had expired with unused months added as an extension to their new passport. Issue and Expiry dates therefore exceeded the 10 year validity rule. Others fell foul of the 3 month validity after leaving the EU . . .30/03/24.  

ETS
From the beginning of 2024, sea and air passengers into the EU have faced a surcharge on their ticket prices. Known as the European Trading System, it is levied on carriers operating into the EU and is based upon greenhouse gas emissions. The small surcharge on ticket prices enables carriers to recoup the amount they pay and is under review. Less certain is where the revenue will go. . .30/03/24.

ETIAS
The European Travel and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is due to come into effect sometime in mid-2025. Similar to the U.S. ESTA system for pre-travel authorisation, it will apply to non-EU citizens visiting the Schengen area for a period up to 90 days. Costing approx €7 for an online application and valid for three years, it is designed to be carried with travel documentation and speed up formalities when entering the EU. The implementation date has already been delayed several times and was due later this year but the mid-2025 start date now seems the more likely. . .30/03/24. 

From EHIC to GHIC
Many European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) which gave subsidised access to urgent public healthcare in the EU have or are likely to expire shortly bringing participation in the scheme to a close. The Global Health Insurance Card(GHIC)which is the replacement scheme will apply to the 27 EU countries, Montenegro and Switzerland. Travel insurance is recommended to cover other vital services like repatriation not covered by the scheme. Applications should be made on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/. . .04/08/22.

Stamp Collection?
Visitors to the EU Schengen Area who are not EU nationals, residents or have visa status can only visit for a maximum stay of 90 days(single visit of 90 days or multiple visits  totalling 90 days)in any 180 day period. Passports are date stamped on arrival and departure to calculate days stayed in the EU and the days remaining. It is important that exit date stamps are made otherwise days remaining could be lost, resulting in a 90 day wait before entitlement restarts. . .04/08/22.  

France and Spain Covid Travel Restrictions Updated
France and Spain have removed entry restrictions for the fully vaccinated from the UK but restrictions remain for the unvaccinated. France no longer requires pre travel Covid testiing or completion of the sworn statement before journeying to France. For the unvaccinated, pre Covid travel testing remains but the essential reason for travel has been dropped. Spain will accept fully vaccinated passengers or unvaccinated passengers that have recovered from Covid(with documentation) but will not accept the unvaccinated.. Fully vaccinated passengers no longer need to complete the Spanish Health Form Spa before travel.

For the latest information check the UK Government website pages:

France  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements

Spains https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements. . .08/04/22.

2021 Brexit Changes Updated
Once seamless travel now comes with added formalities. From 1 January, passports must be less than 10 years old with at least 6 months validity for stays up to 90 days in any one 180 day period.  Although European Health Insurance Card(EHIC) issued before 1 January 2021  remains valid, travel insurance is advisable. Once on EU soil, UK nationals will use separate lanes to EU citizens and might be asked to show a return or onward ticket and adequate money for the duration of stay. Motorists will need a valid driving licence(an international driving permit in certain cases), the vehicle registration document, an insurance green card and display a UK sticker and Union Flag on the rear of the vehicle. The EU symbol and GB on existing plates should be covered up. Pet owners cannot use existing pet passports and will need to arrange an animal health certificate(AHC), allowing at least 1 month for relevant vaccinations before travel. Rule changes forbid the carriage of meat and milk products into EU countries apart from infant feed and free mobile roaming across the EU has ended(check with network provider before setting off). For further details check with the UK Government website at  https://www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein .. . 30/09/21.