Before travelling to an EU or Schengen zone country, make sure your passport is:

• Less than 10 years old on the day you arrive at your destination – check the date of issue

• Has at least 3 months left on the day you leave – check the expiry date

You can use our passport checker tool to make sure everything’s in order. If your passport doesn’t meet these rules, you won’t be able to travel. Renewing usually takes around 3 weeks, but it can take longer if extra info is needed.

Check the FCDO site for advice on passport validity.

From 12th October 2025, the EU is starting to roll out a new system called the Entry/Exit System (ESS). This will happen gradually across EU and Schengen zone countries over six months. During this period:

• You may or may not be asked to provide biometric data

• Your passport may still be stamped

What’s Changing?

Instead of having your passport stamped, your entry and exit will be recorded electronically. This means your details will be stored in a secure EU database when you cross the border.

Until 12^th October 2025, your passport will still be stamped as usual.

What do I need to do before travel?

Nothing new – just travel as you normally would. There’s no need to register or apply in advance.

What happens when I arrive?

The first time you travel under the new system, it may take a little longer at border control. That’s because your biometric data (a photo of your face and four fingerprints) will be collected.

• This only happens once – after that, it’s quicker next time

• Children under 12 won’t need to give fingerprints

Want to know more?

You can find out more details on the UK Government website or visit the official EU ESS site.

Since Brexit, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is being phased out and replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

Despite the name, the GHIC only covers emergency or necessary healthcare in EU countries – and it doesn’t cover everything. It’s not a substitute for travel insurance.

Why travel insurance matters

• It covers medical costs that GHIC doesn’t – like private treatment or getting you back home if needed

• It can protect you if your trip is cancelled, delayed or disrupted

• It can help cover lost luggage expenses and more

Easy ways to get covered

• Add TUI Travel Insurance (terms and conditions apply), provided by Allianz Partners, when you book a holiday with us

• Add a policy to your booking later through the TUI app or Manage my booking

• Or by visiting tuitravelinsurance.co.uk

• Arrange your own policy – just make sure it covers your destination and planned activities.

TUI Travel insurance is underwritten by AWP P&C SA and administered by AWP Assistance UK Ltd (trading as Allianz Partners).

Tip: Apply for your GHIC as soon as your EHIC expires. You can do this for free on the NHS website

Do I need a visa to travel to the EU?

For most UK travellers, you won’t need a visa to visit countries in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland – as long as your trip is less than 90 days or less within any 180-day period.

However, you may need a visa if:

• You’re planning on staying longer than 90 days*

• You don’t have a British passport

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System or ETIAS is planned to be introduced in the last quarter of 2026 – the date isn’t yet confirmed.

What’s ETIAS?

ETIAS is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) used when travelling to the USA. It’s not a visa, but a required pre-travel authorisation.

What you need to know:

• Required for short stays* in EU or Schengen zone countries

• Application will be through an online form

• Costs €20 (free for travellers under 18 or over 70 years)

• It’s valid for three years once approved (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first)

The form isn’t available yet, so there's no need to contact us or take any action at this time. If you're travelling after September 2026, please check the EU ETIAS website closer to your departure date.

*A short stay is classed as no more than 90 days in a 180-day period.

Learn more about ETIAS requirements on the official EU website.

You may need a visa if your stay will take you over 90 days in the previous 180.

For more information, visit the UK government’s travel advice pages and look under Entry requirements for your destination.

Most UK travellers don’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland — if you have a photocard driving licence.

You might need an IDP if:

• You have a paper licence

• Your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man

Tip: Rules vary by country, so it’s best to check the latest advice on the UK Government website – Driving in the EU.

Yes — charges for using your mobile phone in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland may now be different.

It’s best to check with your mobile provider before you travel to understand what’s included in your plan.

The UK Government has introduced protections to help avoid unexpected charges, including:

• A financial limit on mobile data usage abroad

• Alerts when you’re close to your data limit

For the latest details, visit the UK Government’s guidance on using your mobile in the EU and EEA.

You can bring some goods back to the UK without paying tax or duty, as long as they’re within your personal allowance.

For example, you can bring:

• Up to 4 litres of spirits and other liquors over 22% alcohol

• Up to 200 cigarettes

Allowances also apply to wine, tobacco, and other goods — but limits vary.

For full details and the most up-to-date rules, visit the UK Government’s duty-free guidance.

Yes — if you're planning to travel with your pet, there are a few important steps to follow.

Rules vary depending on where you're travelling to and from, so it’s important to check early.

For more information, visit:

• Can I take my pet with me?

• Travelling to an EU country with your pet – GOV.UK

When you book a TUI package holiday, you can relax knowing it’s protected by the Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL). That means if something goes wrong and we can’t provide our holiday, you’re entitled to a full refund under the Package Travel regulations.

If you have any questions, you can contact us.

Want to know more about ATOL protection? Head over to UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Full steam ahead for Cruising

When you book a Marella or TUI River Cruise you can relax knowing it’s protected by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). That means if we can’t provide your holiday, you’ll entitled to a full refund under the Package Travel Regulations.