Travel to EU and Schengen Zone countries

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.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the EU’s electronic border control system for recording when non-EU travellers enter and leave the EU and Schengen zone. It’s now fully in place, so entries and exits are recorded electronically.

The border process may still vary depending on the airport, country you’re travelling through and how busy the airport is. During very busy periods, local border authorities may adjust checks, so the process may be different from one airport to another. This means:

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

• In some cases, your passport may still be stamped

What’s Changing?

Once your EES record has been created, your entry and exit will usually be recorded electronically on future trips rather than by stamping your passport. This means your details will be stored in a secure EU database when you cross the border.

Until your EES record has been created, your passport may still be stamped as usual.

What do I need to do before travel?

Nothing new – just travel as you normally would.

If you’re travelling to Portugal or Sweden, you may be able to complete the entry questionnaire before you travel using the Travel to Europe mobile app. This may help speed up the process at border control.

What happens when I arrive?

The first time you travel under the new system, you may spend a little longer at border control. This is because your biometric data will be collected. This includes a photo of your face and four fingerprints.

You may experience longer queues at busier airports, especially during peak travel times.

• Once your EES record has been created, future trips should be quicker

• Children under 12 won’t need to give fingerprints

If you’ve pre‑booked special assistance, you may also experience some additional waiting time while EES checks are completed. Airport staff will continue to support you, but border checks are carried out by local authorities.

On the day of travel, in case there are any delays, carry any essential medication in your hand luggage. Bringing extra water can also help make your airport journey more comfortable.

Your return trip

• If you’re travelling on a flight-only booking, please allow extra time at the airport before your flight

• If you’re on a package holiday, we’ll make sure your transfer gets you to the airport in good time

• After checking in your luggage, please go straight to border control

• During busy times, there might be queues at border control

Want to know more?

You can find out more on the UK Government website, the official EU EES site or the official Home Office video.

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 you’re staying for no more than 90 days in 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 Union will announce the start date for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) several months before it launches.

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:

• It will be required for short stays in EU or Schengen zone countries, up to 90 days in a 180-day period

• Application will be through an online form

• It’ll cost €20, but it’ll be free for travellers under 18 or over 70

• Once approved, it’s valid for three years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first

The application form isn’t available yet, so there's no need to contact us or take any action right now.

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.