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EU's EES deployment to be delayed until after the Paris 2024 Olympics
The European Union's planned deployment of the new Entry Exit System (EES) has been delayed until at least May 2024, though likely until November 2024.The system, which takes biometric data of travellers upon entry and exit of the Union, was due to be implemented in November 2023 but it is thought that the system isn't yet ready. 

Croatia has joined the Eurozone 
On 1 January 2023, Croatia became the 20th member of the Eurozone, adopting the Euro. Croatian Kuna notes can be exchanged for the equivalent value in Euros at the Croatian National Bank until January 2026.

Travelling to the EU

Following the UK's departure from the European Union in 2020, some things have changed and new procedures continue to be implemented that you may not be familiar with. 

EES & ETIAS

From late 2024, you will need to apply for an ETIAS Visa Waiver to travel to Schengen member countries. ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a new system being implemented by the European Commission to strengthen the Union’s borders. All countries that do not currently need a visa to travel to Europe will need to apply for the waiver. The EU is also due to implement a new entry-exit system (EES). Don’t worry; we’ll provide further information about these schemes nearer to their implementation dates.

EES is an entry-exit system that ensures a proper record of the eligible citizens of third countries entering Europe, similar to passport stamping or using an e-Gate. Information that will be taken during this procedure will include: facial image, surname, first name, date and place of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and other data, valid ETIAS or Schengen visa, and biometric data such as fingerprints. You will be required to fill out an online form prior to travelling. This data, as well as the information collected at the e-Gate, will be encrypted and stored securely.

ETIAS is a visa waiver scheme, similar to the ESTA procedure employed in the United States and similar systems used in Australia and New Zealand. ETIAS will allow checks to be made before travellers depart, making border crossing a smoother process. Almost 1 in 5 people will need ETIAS to travel to the European Union without a visa. Your application will be screened prior to your entry into an EU country. It works in conjunction with the EES.

Passports

You can continue to travel to mainland Europe with your UK passport until it expires, as long as your passport is valid for the length of your stay, has at least six months of validity left and is less than ten years old. This includes all current passport designs, including burgundy covers, those with ‘EUROPEAN UNION’ printed on the front, and the new-style blue passports. These rules don’t apply to travel to the Republic of Ireland.

You can no longer use the EU/EEA/Switzerland fast-track lanes at passport control at airports and travel terminals. You should use the other lanes or eGates where available. However, some countries that see large numbers of British holidaymakers have made special arrangements which will be made clear on arrival.

Visit the UK Passport Office for more information. If you are not a British Citizen please contact the appropriate consulate or embassy for advice.

Visas

UK citizens will be able to visit the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Multiple holidays within this period will count towards your 90 days.

Travel insurance and GHIC

It is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to your holiday. Alongside your travel insurance, you may wish to use an EHIC or GHIC but be aware that changes have been made to how UK citizens receive free or low-cost healthcare while in the European Union.

Whereas previously, the holder of an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) was entitled to healthcare at little, to no cost while on holiday, that is no longer the case. If you have an EHIC that is still valid, you can continue to use it in the EU until it expires. You can still apply for and use an EHIC if you are a British state pensioner residing in the EU or an EU national living in the UK.

The UK Government has launched a replacement scheme called GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can use a GHIC to get “necessary healthcare” from state services when you’re visiting an EU country. Necessary healthcare means healthcare which becomes “medically necessary” during your stay, and you cannot reasonably wait until you’re back in the UK to get it.

The NHS website provides information about healthcare abroad.

Driving in the EU

Driving in the EU has been largely unaffected and won’t require any extra paperwork, an International Driving Permit or a Green Card.

You will need to hold a valid UK driving licence if you plan to drive in the EU including Ireland, Andorra, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Serbia or Switzerland. You will also need to display a UK sticker regardless of any registration plate identifiers.

If you’re towing a caravan, you should check if you need to register your trailer before entering some EU countries. You can find out more at GOV.UK.

Check gov.uk/driving-abroad for a step-by-step guide, and any requirements specific to the country you’re driving in.

From 28th September 2021, new national vehicle identifiers were introduced. It is now illegal to display a GB sticker on the rear of your vehicle. Instead, you should display a UK sticker if your number plate has any of the following:

  • a GB identifier with the Union flag (also known as the Union Jack)
  • a Euro symbol
  • a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales
  • numbers and letters only - no flag or identifier

If you have a GB sticker, cover or remove it and replace it with a UK sticker.

UK Registration plates
Dashcams & Sat Navs

Dashcams are something of a grey area in some parts of Europe as they potentially break privacy laws, especially if the footage captured is shared online or with your insurer without the consent of those in the video. Because of this, using your dash cam in Austria, Luxembourg and Portugal is illegal. In Belgium, France, Germany, Norway and Switzerland they are legal but with strict conditions so it’s best to research this before you travel. Dashcams are unrestricted in Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and, of course, the UK.

Sat Navs are a useful tool in helping you get from A to B. But the use of navigation systems to give directions isn’t the issue here. Some models can actively search for mobile and fixed speed cameras or interfere with police equipment. Models that offer this option are illegal in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland. Make sure you disable this feature in the listed countries.

Breathalysers & fire extinguishers

Once a legal requirement in France, breathalysers are now not a requirement but it is advised that you have one to hand. Make sure your breathalyser is NF approved.

Although not compulsory, carrying a vehicle fire extinguisher is recommended in the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Oversized outfits

Travelling in Spain? Does your outfit exceed 12m? If yes, you are required to fit marker boards to the back of your vehicle. You can either have two small boards or one large board but they must be placed at the back of the outfit between 50cm and 150cm off the ground. The marker board must have a plain yellow centre with red outline, be made of aluminium and manufactured to the ECE70 standard.

Travelling in France? Does your vehicle exceed 3,500kg? If yes, you must have a sticker showing the position of blind spots, visible on the sides and at the rear of your vehicle. This regulation has been in force since January 2021.

Travelling with pets

You can no longer use the Pet Passport scheme to travel with your pet to the EU. Instead, you must get your pet microchipped and then vaccinated against rabies before it can travel. For some countries, you must also get your dog tapewormed.

You will also have to obtain an Animal Health Certificate from your vet no more than 10 days before you travel. The certificate needs to be signed by a vet and will be valid for 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU and Northern Ireland and four months for onward travel and re-entry to the UK.

You can find the full requirements for taking pets to the EU at GOV.UK.

Data roaming and using your mobile phone abroad

Some UK mobile networks have reintroduced roaming charges.

The amount that EU mobile operators can charge UK operators for providing roaming services will no longer be regulated. This means that surcharge-free roaming is no longer guaranteed however, a new law introduced in 2019, means that you’re protected from getting mobile data charges above £45 without you knowing. Once you reach the £45 limit, you’ll need to opt in to spend more so that you can continue using the internet while you’re abroad. Your phone operator will tell you how you can do this.

Package travel regulations

Customers who book a package holiday with a UK travel company enjoy comprehensive consumer protection. If you book a package, your holiday will be protected under the Package Travel Regulations, meaning you have a right to a full refund if your holiday can no longer be provided.

Your consumer rights in regards to travelling will remain mostly unchanged following the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

You will have the same rights under UK law in the event of denied boarding, cancellation or long delay of passenger air, rail, road or sea services.

EU law will continue to apply for EU registered passenger transport operators in respect of journeys to and from the EU. The EU regulations on rail passengers’ rights, bus and coach passengers’ rights and maritime passengers’ rights are now enshrined in UK law. They will continue to protect passengers on cross-border rail services, bus and coach travel and ferry and cruise travel. Your rights as a passenger using Eurotunnel’s cross-border shuttle services will remain unchanged. Passengers can continue to use Eurotunnel’s existing complaints procedure.

Bringing food into the EU

The rules on bringing food, animal produce and plants into the EU from the UK have changed.

You are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products into the EU. You can bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products and honey. Limited amounts of fish and fish products are also allowed.

Further information can be found at europa.eu

Schengen Area

The Schengen Area consists 26 European countries that have relaxed internal border controls, allowing for free movement. Not all countries in the EU are part of this agreement, so it's worth checking before you embark on your journey.

Low Emission Zones

Major cities across Europe have implemented special areas that restrict certain vehicles in a bid to reduce pollution. These are known as Low Emission Zones or LEZs. Other countries have taken it a step further, bring in Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZs) and Zero Emission Zones (ZEZs). These zones may affect your travel plans so it's best to plan ahead. Further information can be found at alanrogers.com

Accessible Travel

We firmly believe that travel should be accessible to everybody. To be able to explore a place, journey somewhere new, feel a sense of adventure, discover new cultures and learn about local history is a very special experience. But for some, travel can be challenging. Please let us know if you have a mobility issue and we will do everything we can to make sure your holiday is as easy and comfortable as it can be. Read more about our Open to All initiative at alanrogers.com

Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office offers advice about travelling abroad. Visit GOV.UK for further information about the FCDO.

ABTA Membership

We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. All the package and Flight-Plus holidays we sell are covered by a scheme protecting your money if the supplier fails. Other services such as hotels or flights on their own may not be protected and you should ask us what protection is available.