PASSPORT VALIDITY RULES
Many people think that if their passport hasn’t expired, they can travel. But this isn’t always true. Most European countries require you have a passport less than 10 years old with at least 3 months left before it expires at the time you return home, if you wish to travel there.
This has caused problems for lots of UK travellers, especially those who renewed their passport early. Always check both the issue date and the expiry date well before you travel to avoid being stopped at the airport. |
LIQUID RESTRICTIONS
Some UK airports have new scanners that let you carry larger amounts of liquids in your hand luggage. Because of this, a few airports have removed the 100ml liquid rule, including Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London City, Teesside, Belfast International, Belfast City, and Newquay.
However, not all airports have made this change, the rules may be different depending on where you fly from. To be sure, always check the airports you are travelling to and from before you go and be ready to follow the 100ml rule if needed. |
NEW EU ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM (EES)
The EU is bringing in a new system called the Entry/Exit System (EES). This will record when you enter and leave Europe. Instead of stamping your passport, border staff will take your fingerprints and a photo of your face.
This system should make things faster in the future, but at first, it may cause longer queues, especially at busy times. For more information, you can visit the Gov.uk website. |
ETIAS TRAVEL AUTHORISATION
UK travellers will soon need to apply for ‘ETIAS’ before visiting most EU countries. This is expected to start in late 2026.
ETIAS is an online form you must fill in before you travel. It will be linked to your passport and will cost a small fee. If you don’t apply before your trip, you may not be allowed to board your flight. You can find more details on the European Union website. |
MOBILE ROAMING CHARGES
Since the UK left the EU, phone charges abroad have changed. Some networks still offer free EU roaming, but others charge daily fees or limit how much data you can use.
O2 is the only major UK network that still includes free EU roaming. However, some smaller providers like Tesco Mobile, Asda Mobile, giffgaff, SMARTY, and Lebara also offer this.
If you’re not careful, using your phone abroad could cost more than you expect. Check your provider before you travel and look at add-ons or local SIM cards if needed. |
AIRPORT ARRIVAL TIMES
Airports have been very busy in recent years. There are more passengers, and sometimes fewer staff, which can slow things down. Security checks can also take longer than before.
Most airports now suggest arriving at least 2–3 hours before short flights and even earlier for long-haul trips. Getting there early can help you avoid stress if there are delays. |
HAND LUGGAGE RULES
Airlines are getting stricter about hand luggage, especially budget airlines. Each airline has different rules for bag size and weight, and they are checked more often now.
If your bag is too big or too heavy, you may have to pay extra at the airport, which can be expensive. It’s best to check your airline’s rules before you travel and measure/weigh your bag to be sure, for help please refer to this Which article for some of the more common airlines. |
DIGITAL BOARDING PASSES AND APPS
Many airlines now use mobile apps for travel. You can store your boarding pass on your phone, get updates about your flight, and sometimes track your luggage.
This can make your journey easier, but make sure your phone is charged. It’s also a good idea to have a backup, like a printed boarding pass, just in case. |
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