Travel Guidance
Passport Validity & Visa Documentation
Passport Validity
When travelling to the EU it is important to check your passport is valid for travel.
A passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the EU country (the “date of issue”)
The passport must be valid for at least three months (recommended 6 months) after the day you plan to leave the EU country (the “date of expiry”)
For the latest travel advice, we always recommend checking the UK government website: Click here
Visa Documentation
Some nationalities or destinations require you to have a Visa to travel to your destination. Please click here for further information and to check whether you require a Visa to travel.
EES - Entry/Exit System
From 12th October 2025, British passport holders/non-EU passport holders will be affected by a new digital border system introduced by the EU. This system is called the Entry/Exit System (EES). This will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when someone enters a country in the EU.
Non-EU citizens will have a digital record formed where they will have to register their biometric details including fingerprints and photos when they enter the Schengen area. This is expected to only take a few minutes for each person to do and biometric details will be taken on the passengers first visit to the EU.
For the most up to date information on the new Entry/Exit System (EES) please follow the link below to the UK Government Website and the European Union Website
UK GOV Website – Entry/Exit System (EES) Information
European Union Website – Entry/Exit System (EES) Information
ETIAS - European Travel Information and Authorisation System
Approximately 6 months after the launch of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) the ETIAS travel authorisation will be introduced. This effects British passport holders/non-EU passport holders and is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to the Schengen area. This will be linked to traveller’s passports and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ETIAS will cost 20 Euros (subject to change) and allow the traveller to enter 30 European Countries for short-term stays up to 90 days within an 180-day period. When the ETIAS is launched applications will open on the official ETIAS Website.
British passport holders/non-EU passport holders visiting the following countries will require an ETIAS travel authorisation. Please follow the link to the official European Union Website for more information on what ETIAS is, who needs to apply and FAQ’s.
EHIC/GHIC Card
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.
The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.
Please click here for more information.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is vital. It covers the cost of the unforeseen, such as illness and injury or theft of your personal possessions while you are on holiday. It’s also designed to cover you if you have to cancel your trip or need to return early due to an emergency.
Our comprehensive travel insurance is now automatically included with all our tours for residents of the UK travelling to Europe, please see your booking confirmation. It covers individuals up to the age of 95 at the time of travel, as well as a multitude of pre-existing conditions.
Our policy will be shared with you on request.
