The ever-evolving travel landscape brings about changes in airport regulations, tourism restrictions, and paperwork requirements, often leaving travelers confused about the implications and necessary actions. In 2026, the travel scenario is expected to shift once again, particularly affecting Brits traveling to or from the EU. The potential introduction of a visa waiver and a new entry and exit system are on the horizon, raising questions for holidaymakers.
Here’s a breakdown of some crucial travel regulations to keep in mind if you have upcoming travel plans:
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a novel visa waiver initiative for exempt travelers heading to the EU, akin to the ESTA system in the United States. Brits planning an EU trip will soon need to complete an ETIAS application for pre-screening, enabling entry into the Schengen Area without a visa. While the process is straightforward, the visa comes at a cost of €20 per individual, approximately £17, with exemptions for individuals under 18 and over 70.
Once approved, the ETIAS remains valid for three years or until the passport expires. Although the official launch date for ETIAS is pending, it’s advised to stay updated on any developments. Spain recently announced a delay in the enforcement of the system, extending the deadline to April 2027 from the initial expectation of October 2026 due to operational issues.
As with any visa application, using the official ETIAS website is strongly recommended to avoid third-party platforms.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is scheduled to be fully operational by April 10, requiring individuals from outside the Schengen Area to provide fingerprints and a facial image when entering Schengen countries. This transition aims to streamline border processes and enhance identification of overstays, eliminating manual passport stamps.
Car passengers departing from the Port of Dover were initially expected to undergo EES procedures from October but the implementation date has been postponed to early 2026, with a precise date yet to be confirmed.
Certain countries are introducing additional charges to address overtourism issues. Several destinations are implementing tourist taxes, which, although minor, can accumulate for extended stays or larger groups. English local authorities may also impose tourist taxes, potentially adding expenses to domestic vacations.
In 2026, new tourist taxes are anticipated in Edinburgh, where a 5% surcharge will be added to hotel bills starting in July, and Thailand, which will impose a 300 baht fee (approximately £7) on air travelers.
Travelers from the UK may encounter higher entry fees than locals at popular attractions abroad. For instance, the Louvre Museum in Paris is set to implement differentiated pricing from early 2026, with EEA residents paying €22 (about £19.15) for admission, while non-EEA visitors, including Brits, facing a higher €32 fee (around £27.86).
U.S. National Parks are planning to introduce a dual-tier pricing model for American citizens and tourists, imposing an additional $100 fee on top of standard charges for access to renowned parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. The fee may apply per person or vehicle, depending on park regulations.
For instance, a visit to the Grand Canyon typically costs $35 (roughly £25.87) for a private car. Under the new non-American regulations, this fee could surge to $135, potentially amounting to nearly £100 for tourists entering the park.
France has enacted stringent laws against unruly passengers, with fines of up to €10,000 and flight bans of up to four years for rule violators flying through French airspace. Repeat offenders risk increased fines up to €20,000, emphasizing the importance of adhering to aviation regulations.
UK airports are phasing out the 100ml liquids rule with advanced scanners, eliminating the need for strict liquid restrictions. While some airports have completed the transition, others are still in the process, prompting travelers to verify individual airport guidelines.
The UK government advises on liquid restrictions at airports, highlighting that most airports prohibit liquids in containers exceeding 100ml through security. Some airports may permit liquids in containers up to 2 liters.
Passengers at selected UK airports like Birmingham, Gatwick, and Edinburgh can now carry up to two liters of liquids in their carry-on luggage due to upgraded scanning technology. At Luton Airport, while the 100ml rule remains, separating liquids from hand luggage is no longer necessary, expediting the security process.
It’s essential to note that liquid regulations may differ at the destination, potentially requiring travelers to store larger containers in checked baggage for return trips.
Several popular Spanish holiday destinations frequented by Brits are contemplating stricter rules on smoking and vaping in public areas. Proposals for a 2026 enforcement could include a blanket ban on smoking and vaping in outdoor spaces like beaches and bar terraces across Spain, accompanied by immediate fines for offenders.
In the Canary Islands, penalties for breaching anti-smoking laws range from €
