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Visiting Europe from January 2024: A guide for British travellers

European countries like Spain, Italy, and France are ever-popular destinations for British holidaymakers.

The rules for travelling between the UK and Europe have changed in the past few years and it is important to keep this in mind.

Since Brexit, Brits no longer enjoy freedom of movement in the EU. This means that things have changed for UK passport holders visiting Europe as a tourist and for EU citizens visiting the UK .

This article looks at the rules UK travellers need to follow to visit European countries. It covers the following information:

• Whether British citizens will need visas before travelling to a European destination
• What British travellers should do to ensure their passport is valid
• What will change when arriving in Europe
• How UK visitors’ travel insurance requirements will change
• What mobile phone roaming charges could apply
• How pets will be able to travel with their owners to Europe

Do British tourists need a visa to visit Europe?

British tourists can still visit Europe without a visa. UK citizens are permitted visa exemption for short trips of under 90 days for tourism or business within the Schengen zone.

However, in the near future, UK passport holders will need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver online and pay a small fee before travelling to the Schengen Area.

The UK Government is aiming to introduce a similar scheme for European visitors to Britain. The UK ETA visa waiver is now available to visitors from certain countries. It is expected to be made compulsory for all EU nationals.

For longer stays or to work full-time in Europe, British citizens must acquire a work permit or Schengen visa from the country they wish to live in. They need to apply at the embassy of the country in question.

Are British passports be valid on a trip to Europe in 2024?

Yes, you can still use a British passport to travel to European countries.

When travelling to the EU, you must make sure your passport meets the following requirements :

• Valid for 6+ months after the date of arrival in the EU
• Issued less than 10 years ago

Before travelling to the European Union or Schengen Area, British travellers may find new passport restrictions apply . These are minor in nature but could affect a person’s ability to enter an EU country.

First of all, UK visitors to Europe must make sure their passport has over 6 months of validity remaining from their date of entry into the EU. In practice, this means that no more than 9 years and 6 months must have passed since the passport’s date of issue.

Under European regulations, a passport must not be over 10 years old . Any travel documents older than this will automatically be considered invalid, even if it is still within its expiry date.

This situation could occur because the British passport office usually adds extra time to the validity of a passport if it is renewed early. These extra days of validity, however, would not be accepted in the EU, where the cut-off is 10 years from the date of issue .

If this situation applies to you, you may need to renew your passport earlier than expected before a European holiday. This must be done before 9 years and 6 months have passed since the document’s date of issue to travel to an EU country.

For example, if a passport was issued on the 1st December 2011, it will no longer be accepted at an EU or Schengen port of entry from 1st June 2021. This rule is applied even if the document hasn’t expired or has over 6 months left to run.

What new procedures do British tourists face when arriving in Europe?

One change that British tourists face when arriving in a European destination is that they may no longer be able to use the dedicated queue for EU and Swiss passengers . Instead, they will need to join the international queue.

Additionally, UK tourists may be required to provide evidence that they are only travelling to the EU for tourism or business. This may include return tickets to the UK and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their trip.

Will British tourists need travel insurance in the EU?

A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can be used until it expires . The EHIC entitles the holder to state medical treatment in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

After the card expires, the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will replace it. UK travellers are still advised to take out health insurance.

Will British tourists have to pay mobile phone roaming charges?

Mobile phone roaming charges have made a return for some British tourists . The requirement that operators must waive roaming costs no longer apply to UK mobile networks.

However, the reintroduction of extra mobile charges when travelling abroad in Europe are at the discretion of mobile network operators . Therefore, tourists are advised to check before arriving in the EU whether these additional costs apply to them or not.

Are UK Driving licences still valid in Europe?

It will still be possible to use a UK driving licence in Europe, as long as your licence is a card issued in the UK itself.

You will need an international driving permit (IDP) if your licence is:

• A paper driving licence
• From Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands

Additionally, UK citizens driving their car from Britain to Europe may also need to follow additional steps . When travelling to the EU by car, UK passport holders should ensure to have proof of insurance and to display a “GB” nationality sticker on their vehicle.

Can British tourists still bring their pets to Europe?

Yes, British tourists can still travel with pets such as cats, dogs or ferrets. However, travellers will face additional safety measures to do so.

Pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid to travel to an EU country or Northern Island.

Pets need to be microchipped, receive a rabies vaccination a few weeks before travel, and may need to hold an animal health certificate (AHC). AHCs will need to be renewed for each trip the animal makes to Europe.

With so many changes, it’s especially important to be prepared when travelling to a European country from the UK.

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Everything you need to know about travel to Europe after Brexit

Do you need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit? Here’s how the rules are looking in 2024

Way back in 2020, the UK left the EU and Brexit took effect. Since then, a hell of a lot has changed about how we travel. There’s now plenty of extra stuff to think about when planning a trip overseas to Europe (especially if it’s for longer periods). So, we ’ve rounded up all the changes to the rules that we’ll have to follow, now that we’re no longer EU citizens. Here is everything you need to know.

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You should probably check your passport

Up until January 2021, all UK citizens with a valid passport were able to travel freely throughout Europe. Now, though, you may need to renew your passport much earlier than you might think. On the day you travel, your passport must have at least six months left before it expires, or you might not be able to travel to any EU countries, or the EEA states of Iceland , Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland . (The old rules still apply for travel to Ireland.)

You can check if you need to renew your passport before travelling using this tool from the British government, and you can apply for a new one here . Make sure you renew it at least a couple of months before you’re planning to travel, as it may take several weeks to process applications in busy times (including right now).

You can no longer apply for an EHIC

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will remain valid until its expiry date, but you can no longer apply for a new one. In 2021, the UK government launched a replacement scheme, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) , which will entitle you to necessary state healthcare for free or at reduced cost in Europe and other countries with reciprocal arrangements such as Australia and New Zealand . You can apply for one on the official GHIC website .

Free mobile roaming is a thing of the past

The guarantee of free mobile roaming throughout the EU, the Schengen area and the Norway, Iceland and Liechenstein, came to an end on December 31, 2020. It ’s best to c heck with your phone operator to find out about any charges you may incur in the country you’re travelling to.

Border checks may feel a little different

At border control, you will now need to use separate lanes from EU citizens when queuing. Officials may also be more inquisitive than before, asking you to provide a return or onward ticket and prove that you have enough money for the length of your initial stay.

Your driving licence will still be valid – but you’ll need a ‘green card’ proving you have insurance too

Despite reports British drivers would soon have to apply for an ‘international driving permit’ before travelling to the Continent, according to the terms of the Brexit deal, UK licences will still be valid within the EU.

According to this advice by the Foreign Office , you do not need a ‘green card’ (proving you have car insurance cover when driving abroad) when driving in the EU. However, countries where they do apply include Albania, Azerbijan, Moldova, Türkiye and Ukraine. 

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How will travel to the EU change for Britons after Brexit?

From 31 December, travel to EU countries will be different for UK citizens. We look into how passports, healthcare, driving and duty-free will be affected

T he impact of Brexit on European travel after 31 December 2020 is going to be a complicated one. A recent survey by Discover Ferries, which represents ferry operators in the UK and Ireland, reports that only one in three people felt confident about travel changes after the end of the transition period . Only 6% of respondents were aware of all the changes affecting EU travel in 2021.

Passports, healthcare, pets, driving and duty-free shopping were some of the topics causing confusion. Recent Covid-related travel restrictions have made things even less clear.

A fifth of those surveyed were planning European summer holidays in 2021; others were waiting to see how Brexit and Covid-19 play out. Discover Ferries director Abby Penlington said that because of 2020’s disruptions, operators were expecting passengers to book closer to their departure date than usual. She was optimistic about travel opportunities opening up, but said: “Amid UK lockdowns and the festive period, updating travel documents may not be at the forefront of the public’s mind.”

People need to plan ahead to do things like renew passports and update insurance, pet documents and driving permits. Here is what we know so far about travelling to EU countries in 2021.

Will Britons be able to travel to EU countries at all?

With the new coronavirus variant spreading, some countries have suspended travel from the UK, and people in tier 4 areas are banned from travelling abroad except for work purposes. EU Covid-19 guidance recommends that member states restrict non-essential travel from outside the EU – unless visitors come from countries with much-lower rates of infection, such as Australia and New Zealand.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of Abta, representing the travel industry, pointed out that the European council’s guidance is only a recommendation. “Individual EU countries are still able to implement their own measures, considering options such as travel corridors and testing,” he said. He thought it would still be some weeks before the full position was clear.

An Abta spokesperson added: “Obviously, it’s subject to infection rates, but it’s a matter of common sense. British holidaymakers are very important for a number of EU countries. Several destinations will be desperate for us to come back.” According to Abta, UK travellers took more than 66 million European trips in 2019 .

There was a less sanguine view from the travel trade union, the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA). Its general secretary, Manuel Cortes, said early in December: “Just when we’ve had some good news from the vaccine rollout, this news about post-Brexit European travel restrictions could sound the death knell for the travel trade.

Are our passports still valid?

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new dark blue one or an old burgundy one, UK passports will need to have at least six months’ remaining validity before the holder can travel to Europe. Passports also need to have been issued less than 10 years ago, which is generally not a problem. There is a government passport checker here .

Travel to the Republic of Ireland will generally stay the same. It is part of a common travel area that existed before we were members of the EU, so UK visitors will still be able to enter Ireland with any valid passport or photo ID, such as a driving licence.

Will we need visas to visit the EU?

Not for stays of less than 90 days. The European freedom of movement we’ve had for decades will end on 1 January 2021. But UK travellers will, for now, still be allowed to visit EU countries visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days.

From 2022, under the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (Etias), nationals from previously visa-free third countries, including UK citizens, will need to pay for a visa-waiver to visit Schengen-area countries. We will also need to fill in an Etias application form before setting off.

Will border control be different?

The UK government website says British visitors to EU countries may need to prove they have enough money to support themselves for the whole of their stay. They may also need to get their passport stamped and show a return or onward ticket. They will probably need to wait in a different queue from EU citizens, too. And (with a few exceptions) they won’t be able to take meat, dairy and certain plant products with them.

Can I drive in EU countries?

If you are driving your own car, you’ll need a green card (insurance certificate) to show that you’re insured in the EU. You need to contact your insurance company six weeks before you travel to get one. After 31 December, you’ll need a GB sticker on your car, too, even if the number plate already has a GB marking. If you only have a paper copy of your driving licence, you may also need an international driving permit – available at most post offices. For updates over coming weeks and months on which countries require one, check here .

Can I still travel with my pets?

Yes, but current EU pet passports will no longer be valid from 1 January; owners will need an animal health certificate instead. Government advice is to contact a vet at least four months in advance. Daniella Dos Santos, senior vice-president of the British Veterinary Association, said: “The UK has been confirmed as Part 2-listed , which means pets will need an animal health certificate every time they travel to the EU. Pet owners should visit their vet at least a month before travel regarding rabies vaccination, and then again no more than 10 days before travel to obtain the animal health certificate. Our advice to pet owners is to contact their vet in plenty of time to get the latest advice and allow time for the necessary additional paperwork.”

Will I still be able to access healthcare?

The overall picture is complicated and the UK government recommends taking out travel insurance with healthcare cover . No new European health insurance cards (Ehics) will be issued to UK citizens, but holders can continue to use them in the EU while validity lasts. The new UK-EU agreement suggests there will be a replacement healthcare scheme (involving a global health insurance card), but there are no clear details yet.

Will I have to pay roaming charges again on my mobile phone?

In 2017, the EU abolished additional charges for roaming (using your mobile phone abroad) for EU citizens travelling in other EU countries. Before that, holidaymakers could sometimes inadvertently incur hefty extra fees. From 1 January, individual mobile providers could introduce roaming surcharges again.

The UK’s four main phone networks – EE, Three, Vodafone and O2 – promised in the summer not to reintroduce charges. An EE spokesperson said: “Our customers going on holiday and travelling in the EU will continue to enjoy inclusive roaming.”

A new UK law means travellers can’t now incur mobile data charges of more than £45 a month without being alerted. For data usage costing more than £45, they’ll need to opt in by agreement with the operator.

What about duty-free?

The pre-Brexit rules let you bring as much as you like back from EU countries without paying UK duties. From January 2021 , there will be a duty-free allowance both ways. Up to this maximum, travellers can bring home goods bought in an EU country as long as they transport and use them themselves (or give them as a gift). The allowance for travellers from the EU to the UK includes up to four litres of spirits, 18 litres of wine and 42 litres of beer, so you could still stock up for a pretty good party.

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Brexit and Covid: can British citizens travel in Europe after January 1?

Professor, Bournemouth University

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Dimitrios Buhalis receives funding from the European Commission for research on digitisation and tourism. Dimitrios Buhalis works closely with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, the European Travel Commission and the Pacific Asia Tourism Association.

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The combined forces of COVID-19 and Brexit have created massive uncertainty over where British people can and cannot travel.

A number of countries rapidly imposed travel bans on the UK in an attempt to control the spread of a new variant that was identified as spreading across the country. Most European countries halted land and air transportation links with the UK or reinforced quarantine periods, as did Canada, India, Russia, Colombia, Kuwait and Turkey. Government advice and rules have been changing regularly.

But more confusion awaits after December 31 at 11pm. The UK left the EU on January 31 2020 and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end on this date. From January 1, British citizens will lose their automatic right to free movement in the European Union as a result of the nation’s decision to vote to leave the bloc.

Rules announced on December 9 stressed that under COVID-19 restrictions, Britons could be barred from EU entry on January 1 2021, when Britain becomes a “third country” to the European Union unless their travel is deemed essential.

From January 1 2021, the relationship between the UK and the EU may be determined by the trade agreement that is currently being negotiated. It may be that travel arrangements are agreed in that deal but, so far, talks are stalling on other issues.

As Britain becomes a “third country” (any country not in the EU) from January 1 2021, British residents cannot assume the right to visit EU countries while COVID restrictions are in place. When the UK was an EU member state, travel within the EU was regulated by the fundamental principle of freedom of movement. Now that the UK is no longer a member state, it can therefore no longer expect automatic travel rights.

On October 22, the EU Council instructed member states to gradually lift travel restrictions for residents of only eight “third countries” with low coronavirus infection rates. These included Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. All others, including British residents from January 1 (as the UK becomes a third country), will not be allowed to travel to the EU until the COVID-19 situation allows this travel restriction to be lifted. All the countries granted an exception had significantly less severe COVID situations than many other parts of the world so we can see there is some way to go before the UK meets such a hurdle, even beyond the current bans that have been brought in because of the new virus strain.

Holiday planning

These rules mean that British tourists hoping to travel to Europe in the new year, including those who may have flights booked already, will need to cancel or postpone their trip until the restrictions are lifted or Britain is added to the list of safe “third” countries.

Understandably, the pandemic, new strains of the virus, restrictions around the world and the expected third wave following the Christmas holiday prevent short term optimism.

Read more: What are Australian-style and Canadian-style Brexit trade deals?

Until COVID-19 is contained and more people are vaccinated, both domestically and internationally, it is unlikely that much non-essential travel will be allowed. Realistically, this should be in late spring or early summer time.

If British tourists are prevented from travelling due to government restrictions, they should be refunded by suppliers, or, if they wish, they can accept value vouchers for future use.

After Easter, we should see restrictions lifted and more international travel activity. Global tourism has been haemorrhaging as a result of COVID-19-induced restrictions and the consequent economic recession.

Most governments will be observing the COVID situation very carefully and evaluate when it will be safe to reduce restrictions and remove travel bans. It is in the best interest of all stakeholders that this happens as soon as it is safe to do so.

It is worth noting, too, that many European countries are very keen to welcome back British travellers when it is safe to do so. Several kept their borders open, even when the epidemiological situation in the UK was much worse than in many tourism destinations.

The Brexit impact on travel

After COVID restrictions are lifted, most British travellers will find that Brexit brings some minor inconveniences. They will have to use “all passports” or “visa not required” lanes at borders and will travel similarly to non-EU citizens.

When the European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS) is introduced in the second half of 2022, visa-exempt, non-EU citizens will need to apply for travel authorisation online before their trip and pay a fee of 7 euros.

Other than that, they will be restricted to staying less than 90 days in a 180 period in the Schengen region.

One thing we’ve learned during the COVID era is how much we miss travelling. In the short term, if the virus is contained and restrictions relaxed, short and mid haul trips, often arranged at the last minute, will be the best option. Gradually, we will be able to travel again, create memorable experiences and reconnect with loved ones in wonderful places around the world.

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Europe’s 90/180 rule: How long can you stay in an EU country and how does it work?

The maximum stay in most european countries is strictly limited for britons post-brexit, with holidaymakers only able to visit for a total of just under three months in any 180-day period. here’s what to watch out for, article bookmarked.

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Now that the UK has left the European Union, the ease with which the British have holidayed, worked and lived in the EU for decades has ended.

When negotiating the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, the government arranged for the UK to be treated as a “third country”.

That means the maximum stay in any European Union nation except Ireland is strictly limited – with the “90/180” rule applying to British passport holders.

So how does it work, and which aspects are tricky to navigate? These are the key questions and answers.

How long can I stay in a European Union country with a British passport?

For the Schengen Area (comprising the vast majority of EU countries, plus others) there is a limit of 90 days in any 180. The simplest way to look at this: if you went out to the Schengen Area on 1 January 2023, you would be able to stay there until the end of March. You would then need to stay out of Schengen for another 90 days, until late June.

Of course most people will have more complex travel plans than this. The question to ask on the day you plan to travel to the Schengen Area is: going back 180 days (almost six months), on how many days have you been in the the zone? Your passport should contain entry and exit stamps, allowing you and passport officials to calculate the timing. (Days of entry and exit are included in the tally, even if you spent only a couple of hours in the Schengen Area.)

If the answer is less than 90 days in the past 180 days, you are entitled to enter the Schengen area. But how long you can stay depends on a “rolling count”.

What does that mean?

You always have to be looking back 180 days. Suppose after not having travelled to Europe in the past year, you spend from 1 January to 1 March in Schengen, and then leave – after 60 days in the zone.

You then return on 1 April. You could stay only up to 30 April before having to leave. Your score is now 90 days, and that means you have used up your allowance for the entire 180 days from New Year’s Day (when the clock started ticking). Only at the very end of June, when you start erasing those days at the start of January, are you allowed back in.

The European Union provides a handy online calculator for your own circumstances.

Can you simplify, please?

I can try. Just imagine a calendar that stretches back almost six months from today (T). What happened before “T minus 180” is completely irrelevant. What counts is the number of days you were either inside (I) or outside (O) the Schengen Area in the last 180.

You can easily keep count on a calendar yourself, either printed or digital.

If “I” hits 90, you must leave that day.

Just remind me about the Schengen Area?

The “passport free” zone includes almost all the EU countries except Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania – plus Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City.

Stays in all these countries count towards that 90 day limit.

What happens if I overstay?

In general travellers are given three days’ grace on breaking the 90-day limit. Any longer than that and they are likely to be handed an entry ban for one year. This applies throughout the Schengen Area – not just the country in which you overstayed.

What is different for Ireland?

Freedom of movement for UK citizens and unlimited length of stay is guaranteed under the provisions of the Common Travel Agreement.

But because the Brexit deal created a “border in the Irish Sea” there are new controls from Great Britain to both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on pet passports, currency and food – no cheese or ham sandwiches allowed.

I live in Northern Ireland. Am I exempt from the 90/180 rule?

Only if you have a passport from the Irish Republic, which is easily obtained by most people in Northern Ireland. Using a British passport the standard limitations apply, even though the nation is part of the European customs union.

What about the other EU countries that are not in Schengen?

Each of Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania has its own individual 90/180 day limits. You could therefore effectively keep flipping between Schengen and those other countries – though frontier officials may raise eyebrows and demand to see how you are supporting yourself financially.

I still have a burgundy British passport with “European Union” on the cover. Does that make any difference?

No. It remains valid as a UK travel document. But it loses all its EU powers.

Just remind me of the passport validity rules for Europe?

The stricter rules on passport validity for “third countries“ now apply. Your travel document must comply with two rules:

• Day of arrival in the EU – less than 10 years since issue.
• Day of intended departure from the EU – at least three months remaining to expiry.

EU fast-track lanes for passport control are no longer open to British travellers, although countries that receive a large number of visitors from the UK, such as Spain and Portugal, make special arrangements when flights arrive.

But immigration procedures will be slower, and UK citizens no longer have any guarantee of entry. Frontier officials are required by European Union law to conduct deeper checks.

They may ask for the purpose of the visit; where you plan to travel and stay; how long you intend to remain in the EU; how you propose to fund your stay; and whether you constitute a threat to public health.

I want to stay longer. Can I?

Many British people with second homes in France or a tradition of spending winter in Spain are in this position: they do not want nor need residence, but simply want to stay longer than three months.

Each country has its own version of a long-stay visitor visa.

For France, you can apply for a Visa de long séjour (VLS-T). The six-month version entitles the holder to make multiple trips to France. For the remainder of the year, you can use the 90/180 Schengen allowance twice.

These visas demand evidence of income and/or financial resources plus and accommodation. You must attend an interview in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, have fingerprints taken and pay €99 (£87) for the visa along with a processing fee of about £30.

Spain has a similar “long duration” visa, for which you have to submit a medical certificate showing you pose no threat to the Spanish people, an official document confirming you have not been in trouble in the past five years and evidence of at least £2,000 per month for your intended stay.

You have to attend an interview at a Spanish consulate general – in London or Edinburgh.

A long-stay permit for a specific EU country does not mean that you are entitled to spend more than 90 days in 180 in other Schengen Area nations. But any time spent in the country for which you have a visa doesn’t count towards the 90-day tally.

Increasingly many European nations are setting up “digital nomad” visas, but for these you will need to demonstrate a flow of income.

My passport wasn’t stamped when I left Spain four months ago. Could I be in trouble?

A frontier official could challenge your apparent overstay, but if you are arriving from the UK they are likely to acknowledge that a mistake has been made.

Supporting evidence such as a boarding pass showing a flight from Spain to Britain could be useful to support your version of events.

Will I need a ‘eurovisa’ soon?

Yes. From November 2023 (or possibly later) British visitors will need to register online and pay in advance for an “ Etias “ permit under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.

This is a relatively light-touch visa, akin to the Esta used by the US. It will cost €7 (£6) for a three-year permit. The 90/180 rule will continue to prevail – limiting the amount of time that can be spent in the Schengen Area.

Didn’t the 90/180 day rule apply to British visitors to the Schengen Area before Brexit, because we were outside the zone?

No, but there is plenty of misinformation online claiming that it did.

The free movement directive of 2004 says: “Citizenship of the Union confers on every citizen of the Union a primary and individual right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States,”

Whatever Brexiteers keen to rewrite history may claim, the idea that stays were limited to 90 days in 180 is nonsense – as anyone with an Irish passport will confirm.

The government in Dublin says: “Irish citizens continue to have EU citizenship wherever they live. They continue to enjoy the right to travel and live and work anywhere in the EU.”

An Irish passport holder who lives in the UK is not subject to the 90/180-day rule.

Talking of history, weren’t we assured nothing would change for British travellers after Brexit?

Immediately after the 2016 referendum, Boris Johnson reinforced that impression when he wrote: “British people will still be able to go and work in the EU; to live; to study; to buy homes and settle down.”

Yes. David Davis, the first Brexit secretary, said: “There will be no downside to Brexit, only a considerable upside.”

What does the government say now?

“This is a hugely exciting time for our country, one filled with potential and opportunity.

“This is a government that possesses the ambition and determination the UK needs to succeed now and for many years to come.”

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EU Entry/Exit System 2024: what will it mean for my holiday?

A new entry/exit system is set to be introduced at border crossings in the schengen area in october 2024. here’s what you need to know.

S ince the UK left the EU, there have been a number of significant changes for travellers , including additional validity requirements for passports and restrictions on the number of days you can visit EU member states without needing a visa. To enforce the latter, the EU plans to introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated IT system that will track border crossings. This should make entering and leaving the EU much easier and quicker for Brits, as it replaces the cumbersome manual checks. It’s now slated to be in operation by October 2024, after the Paris Olympics. Here’s what you need to know.

Main photo: passport control at Malpensa Airport, Milan (Getty Images)

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The EES is an automated IT system designed to track travellers from third countries, such as the UK, entering and leaving EU member states. It was due to launch in 2022, but was delayed until May 2023. The new launch date is October 2024, after the Paris Olympics.

Since Brexit, UK passport holders are only permitted to stay in EU countries for a cumulative total of 90 days of a 180-day period without a visa or other permit. The EES will tally up this number each time a passport is used at border crossing and detect those who have exceeded their allowance; a refusal of entry is also detected.

To make this possible, the system will distinguish between short-stay visa holders and visa exempt visitors through their travel document and collate information such as name, type of travel document, biometric data (fingerprint and photographs) and the date and place of entry and exit. It will also work in conjunction with the Etias (the visa waiver required to travel to Europe) in future.

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Where is EES required?

EES will be in place for 25 of the 27 EU member states — Ireland and Cyprus will continue with manual checks — as well as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein, as they’re part of the border-free Schengen Area. Where EES is in place, you’ll just need to scan your passport at the automated gates, as you would when entering the UK.

Within the UK, EES gates will also be installed at the Port of Dover, and Eurostar and Eurotunnel terminals where passports are checked prior to travel.

What does EES mean for my travel?

In theory, it should speed things up at border crossings and make entry into and exit from EU countries much easier. For regular travellers, it should also mean more space in their passports as it won’t be stamped each time they make a border crossing.

However, the first time you use the EES, you will be required to supply your fingerprint and have your photo taken at the crossing, which will cause extra delays. This will then be kept on file for three years so you won’t need to do this extra step each time. If you refuse to supply this information, you’ll be denied entry.

Where might the worst delays be when EES launches?

The border checks at Port of Dover, and Eurostar and Eurotunnel terminals have the biggest potential for delays — an issue raised by operators based at these locations, based on the time it takes to process cars. The chief executive of the Port of Dover has warned that it could take up to ten minutes to process one car when the measures are implemented.

Once introduced, however, the EES shouldn’t be any more arduous than the passport checks that currently exist.

• Etias: the new entry form you will need to complete when visiting 30 European countries • When will airports lift the 100ml liquid rule?

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Travelling Around Europe: What’s Changed for UK Citizens?

When was the last time you took an extended trip through Europe? Perhaps you managed to squeeze in a sun-seeking holiday to Spain, Greece, Cyprus, or somewhere similar in the latter half of summer 2021.

But as far as going on a road trip across continental Europe goes, or perhaps swapping the car or camper van for a classic Interrail adventure by train, or even hopping around Mediterranean islands and coasts on a cruise – you’re probably talking two years, minimum.

Oh, how things have changed. That was then, this is now. Of course, COVID-19 happened, with all the fallout that has had for overseas travel. But way back in 2019, the UK was still part of the EU. That meant that Brits could roam around the other 26 member states, plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, as an EU citizen – or in other words, with more or less complete freedom.

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That is no longer the case. Since the Brexit transition period ended on December 31st, 2020, UK citizens have been treated not as quasi-domestic travelers across all EU nations, but as third-party foreign nationals, subject to similar rules and restrictions as the rest of the world.

So what exactly is different? If you’re looking forward to reacquainting yourself with Europe’s highways and byways again, you might understandably be concerned about what awaits you. But never fear – although some of the rules are slightly different, you won’t run into any active attempts to keep you out just because of your passport. Given how important UK tourism is to many EU countries, just the opposite in fact.

Here’s an overview of what you need to know about taking the European grand tour post-Brexit and post-COVID.

Getting in (and hanging around)

The first thing you will probably notice on arriving in Europe (if you fly, at any rate) is that you will no longer be able to use the EU/EEA passport lane. This may or may not involve more queuing – that really depends on where you arrive and what other flights have just touched down. You will also get your passport stamped, which is a novelty many people will enjoy.

What you won’t have to do once you have had your passport stamped on arrival in one country is go through border control when crossing between EU and EEA members (that’s Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein again). Or that’s the theory, anyway.

The Schengen Zone established unrestricted travel throughout the EU for everyone, including foreign nationals once they have been approved for entry at one border. But national border controls were reimposed to halt the spread of COVID and are still in the process of being lifted. Depending on when and where you travel, you may have to go through land border checkpoints.

That is also the case if you want to travel into Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria, which are EU members but not part of the Schengen Zone, and of course, if you want to head into adjacent non-EU countries like Ukraine, Serbia, or Turkey.

Another thing to be aware of is that UK citizens now only have to leave to remain in an EU country for 90 days within any 180 day period without having to apply for a visa. You will also have to apply for a visa if you intend to work while on your travels.

COVID rules differ from country to country

Because of the Schengen stuff, we’ve become used to treating the EU as one big lump where all the rules are the same (even if language, food, climate, and scenery definitely are not). But EU member states still have a lot more independence than a lot of people probably realize, and the way you are most likely to run into this is the way COVID-19 restrictions differ from country to country.

For example, don’t assume you can simply hand your passport over at border control and you’ll be allowed into any country, especially if you are unvaccinated. In Germany, for example, even fully vaccinated UK visitors are required to quarantine on arrival for a minimum of five days if you then test negative. That’s because the UK is still considered a high-risk hotspot for COVID infections.

Most EU countries require visitors to take a PCR or antigen test prior to arrival whether they are vaccinated or not, with extra measures such as digital registration and quarantine if you are unvaccinated. Many countries will also accept proof of recovery (i.e. evidence that you have recently had COVID-19 but are no longer infectious) as evidence of immunity alongside a vaccination certificate.

Access to healthcare

For many years, UK travelers heading to Europe have relied on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access medical services while they are traveling. If you still have an EHIC, you can use it until it expires. After that, you will have to apply for a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to cover you for healthcare while you are abroad.

However, neither the EHIC nor the GHIC guarantees that you won’t have to pay medical attention if you need it. They entitle you to free statutory healthcare as available to the citizens of the country you are in. Certainly compared to the standards of the NHS, not all healthcare in the EU is free. For example, in Austria , you have to pay a daily fee if you are admitted to a hospital for up to 28 days, while in Spain there is a lot of crossover between state and private healthcare provision, and you may well be asked to pay upfront.

While your EHIC/GHIC card won’t get you out of paying such charges, having travel insurance means you can claim back anything you have to pay. That is why it is strongly advised to take out European travel insurance regardless of whether you have an EHIC/GHIC card or not. It will also give you handy protections against things like testing positive for COVID-19 before or during your trip, paying out on the cost of cancellations, or having to pay for accommodation to quarantine in.

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ETIAS for British Citizens

Welcome to the essential guide on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for British citizens.

This page is designed to provide comprehensive information about the ETIAS application process, tailored specifically for British nationals planning to travel to Europe.

As the ETIAS introduces new regulations and requirements, understanding these changes is crucial for a smooth travel experience.

Our guide offers a step-by-step breakdown of the application process, eligibility criteria, and useful tips to ensure you are well-prepared for your European journey.

ETIAS Eligibility for British Citizens

Detailed etias requirements, etias application process explained, understanding the etias program, benefits of etias for british travelers.

• Practical Tips for ETIAS Application  

Navigating the ETIAS eligibility criteria is a crucial step for British citizens planning to travel to Europe.

Here, we outline the key eligibility requirements to help you understand if you can apply for an ETIAS:

• Nationality : As a British citizen, you are eligible to apply for ETIAS. This includes holders of a full British Citizen Passport.
• Travel Purpose : The ETIAS is designed for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes. It is not applicable for study or employment-related travel.
• Duration : Your stay in the Schengen Area should not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Passport Validity : Your British passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
• Criminal Record : Applicants must not have a serious criminal record. ETIAS aims to enhance security; therefore, a background check is a part of the application process.
• Health Risks : Applicants must not pose a health risk to the Schengen Area. Disclosing relevant health information might be required.
• Travel History : Prior visa refusals or deportations may affect your ETIAS application. Honesty in disclosing such information is essential.

Understanding these criteria is the first step in your journey to obtaining an ETIAS authorization. Meeting these requirements ensures that your application process will be smooth and successful.

To successfully apply for ETIAS as a British citizen, it’s important to be aware of and adhere to the detailed requirements:

• Valid Passport : Your British passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
• Email Address : A valid email address is required for communication regarding your ETIAS application.
• Payment Method : A credit or debit card is necessary to pay the ETIAS application fee.
• Honesty in Application : Full disclosure of information regarding your background, including travel history and any criminal record, is crucial.
• Purpose of Travel : Specify the purpose of your trip, be it tourism, business, transit, or medical reasons.

Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful ETIAS application. Ensure you have all the necessary information and documents ready before starting the application process.

The ETIAS application process for British citizens is straightforward and primarily online:

• Access the Official ETIAS Website:   Begin by visiting the official ETIAS application portal through your laptop, desktop computer, or phone.
• Fill in the Application Form:   Complete the form with personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
• Answer Security Questions:   Respond to a series of security and health-related questions.
• Payment of Application Fee:   Pay the fee using a credit or debit card.
• Await Application Review:   After submission, the application will undergo a review process.
• Receive ETIAS Authorization:   Once approved, you will receive the ETIAS authorization via email.

The entire process is designed for efficiency, with most applications processed within minutes. However, some may require additional time for a detailed review.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a key initiative aimed at enhancing security within the Schengen Area.

It’s essential for British citizens to understand its purpose and scope:

• Objective:  The primary goal of ETIAS is to improve border management and security. It pre-screens travelers from visa-exempt countries, identifying potential risks before they arrive at Schengen borders
• Scope:  ETIAS applies to citizens from countries that do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. British citizens, post-Brexit, fall under this category.
• Validity : Once issued, an ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
• Coverage : ETIAS covers short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) in the Schengen Area for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.
• Functionality : ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization. It’s simpler and faster than a visa application process but serves a similar purpose in terms of security.

Understanding ETIAS helps British travelers prepare adequately for their trips to the Schengen Area, ensuring compliance with new travel regulations.

The implementation of ETIAS brings several benefits for British travelers visiting the Schengen Area:

• Increased Security:   Enhances travel safety by pre-screening visitors.
• Streamlined Border Crossings:   Reduces waiting times and facilitates faster entry.
• Multiple Entries:   Allows for multiple entries into Schengen countries during its validity.
• Wide Coverage:   Valid for all Schengen Zone countries.
• Long Validity:   Remains valid for three years or until the passport expires.
• Convenience:   Easy online application process without the need to visit an embassy or consulate.

These advantages make traveling to the Schengen Area more secure and convenient for British citizens.

Practical Tips for ETIAS Application

When applying for ETIAS, here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth process:

• Check Passport Validity:   Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay.
• Gather Necessary Information:   Prepare all required information beforehand, including travel dates and passport details.
• Accuracy is Key:   Double-check all entered information for accuracy to avoid delays.
• Be Honest:   Answer all questions truthfully, especially those related to health and security.
• Keep Track of Your Application:   Save your application number to track its status.
• Read the Requirements:   Familiarize yourself with ETIAS requirements specific to British citizens.

Following these tips can greatly enhance your chances of a hassle-free ETIAS application experience.

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Introduction to ETIAS and its importance for the travellers, the transportation sector and the border security

About etias.

ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System is designed for the non-EU visitors wishing to travel to the European Union and the Schengen Area states. Although valid for all the countries of the Schengen Zone as well as for Bulgaria, Croatia, Norway, Switzerland, and Romania, the entry approval lies upon the first state to be visited.

The new European Travel Information and Authorisation System will affect the non-EU travellers who currently do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. Those travellers will undergo an online security check to determine their threat status in terms of security, illegal migration, and threat to the public health to the EU countries. In order to get to the Schengen Zone border, as of 2022, travellers will be asked to present a valid travel document and an ETIAS permit.

The reason behind the new EU travel authorisation

The introduction of ETIAS comes after years of insufficient information provided among the European border authorities on the visa-free tourists allowed to visit the region. This new security pre-check will assemble the missing information and therefore strengthen the security of the EU and the Schengen Area.

Just like Canada’s eTA and USA’s ESTA, the EU’s ETIAS will act as both electronic visa and pre-travel security check.

When will the EU travel Authorization be available?

Passed by the European Parliament and approved by the European Council in 2018, the ETIAS Regulation came into force the same year and will become operational in 2022.

Until then, its framework will be subjected to ongoing completion by the EU responsible bodies.

Which citizens will be eligible for traveling with the new European online travel permit?

Citizens of nearly 60 countries that are now travelling to the Schengen Area without a visa will have the opportunity to visit the EU with the new ETIAS authorisation. Here is a list of the visa-exempt countries.

With little less than 1,900 border points, the EU has accepted around 565 million visitors in 2014 alone. In 2025, their number will reach 887 million. This will represent one-third of the border crossing being from citizens coming from a visa-exempt state.

As the EU is in constant talks with countries wishing to be part of the visa-exempt nations, the number of visitors applying for the ETIAS authorisation will increase.

Frequently asked questions

The EU Travel Permit Central Unit will be managed by FRONTEX. The new Unit will operate 24/7 and will be in charge of: – some applicants’ identity will be double-checked when a match appears on the databases used during the electronic application process; – setting up a system of defining and evaluating applicants’ risk indicators. ETIAS rules for screening the potential visitors will be tested and revised according to a set of risk indicators; – regular check of the application process and the ETIAS rules of screening the applicants with special attention on the fundamental rights, data protection, and privacy; – make sure that the data collected by the applicants are recent and stored correctly; – providing the public with up to date information about ETIAS and the application process; – establishment and management of the Carriers Assistance Center which will help travelers.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System will operate under the management and the regulation of the ETIAS Central Unit, the National Units, and the ETIAS Information System. The ETIAS Central Unit together with a helpdesk for travelers and the Carriers Assistance Center will be under the management of FRONTEX – the EU Border and Coast Guard Agency. The IT support – software development and technical support will be conducted by EU-LISA – the EU Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice. This technical support and management will include: – a centralized system for the ETIAS applications; – an interface with each Member State’s symbols (national uniform interfaces) and attributes connected to the national infrastructures as well as to the centralized system; – a secure and verified connection between the national uniform interfaces and the centralized system; – website and mobile application for both desktop and mobile devices; – email service; – an application form with all necessary tools like account setting, a verification tool for the provided information, as well as a tool to provide or withdraw consent for retention beyond the general period of the data; – carrier gateway to check the validity of the travelers’ ETIAS authorizations. Every Member State will prepare ETIAS National Units. These Units will be in charge of: – risk assessments for all the European Travel and Authorisation System applications sent by the ETIAS Central Unit. The risk assessment will be conducted upon matching information from the ETIAS application and all databases verified during the application process to meet the online screening; – final say on accepting or refusing the European travel permit; – providing appealing procedures information to the applicants; – close liaison with Europol to manage the ETIAS watch list.   The role of Europol – consulting the EU States on the European Travel and Authorisation System applications when needed; – close cooperation with the EU States on the ETIAS Watch List management. How is EU-LISA involved? The European Agency for Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Information Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, also known as EU-LISA, will develop and operate the ETIAS Information System. The Agency will also develop the website and the mobile devices’ application where travelers will be able to apply for their ETIAS Authorisations or to check the validity of their electronic travel permits.

The role of ETIAS is to compare applicants’ data with various databases. When needed, in case of raised concern over the ID data, the verification process will go deeper and will be conducted manually.   Databases the European Travel Information and Authorisation System will consult with: The EU information systems: – Europol; – VIS – Visa Information System; – SIS – Schengen Information System;   Systems in process of implementation: – EES – Entry/Exit System; – Eurodac;   Interpol: – SLTD – Interpol Stolen and Lost Travel Document database; – TDAWN – Interpol Travel Documents Associated with Notices database;   as well as the ETIAS watchlist and risk indicators.

The aim of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System is to provide a simple and easy way to apply for a travel permit. Therefore, the process of applying for the ETIAS Authorization should take around 10 minutes, and the approval of the application, most of the time should take no more than 24 hours unless additional verification is needed. In the case of manual verification, the time for approval will be prolonged to 96 hours. In this case, the data provided will be verified by the ETIAS Central Unit. After, it will be checked by the National Units. It is possible for the applicant to be contacted and asked to provide additional information, again within 96 hours.

When the traveller gets to one of the EU border crossing points, the border guards will scan the passport and check if a valid ETIAS document is available. Then, if all entry conditions are respected, the traveller will be permitted to pass. If, however, the traveller is not in possession of a valid ETIAS document, he or her will not be allowed to proceed and the entry refusal will be recorded on the Entry/Exit System.

FRONTEX is expected to hire some 250 new dedicated staff, while eu-LISA plans to employ 40 new staff members. In addition to this, each Member State Unit is free to hire as much as people is necessary to operate these National Units.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System Authorisation will be valid for three years as of the date of its approval. One document allows travelers multiple visits to the EU Member States, including to the Schengen Area during the time of its validity. However, if at some point, the issuing conditions are not respected, this document will be canceled automatically.

The ETIAS National Units together with the EU Information System and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System Central Unit will self-finance from the application fees.

– Citizens that come from Schengen Zone visa-exempt countries will be eligible to apply for the new ETIAS Authorisation: EU citizens and those living in the Schengen Area, do not need to apply for an ETIAS. For example, although Norway is not a member of the EU, it is a member of the Schengen Zone. If a Norwegian citizen travels from Brazil through Portugal to his or her home country, he or she do not need to apply for an ETIAS. – Citizens of EU & Schengen Zone visa-exempt countries wishing to cross the Zone’s external borders: Australian citizens can travel visa-free to both the EU and the Schengen Area. They will however need an ETIAS authorization to enter Switzerland which is in the Schengen Zone but is not an EU Member State. If an Australian citizen wants to travel to Ireland, he or she can do so visa-free, and therefore no need to obtain a European travel permit as Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen Zone.

The information required to obtain an ETIAS authorisation is based on applicants’ ID, passport or other travel document, occupation and employment, and education. A series of additional questions on visits to conflict zones or applicants’ police records and convictions will also be present on the application form.

First to introduce an online travel permit was Australia with ETA – the Electronic Travel Authority. Later, the USA established the well-known ESTA – the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, and then Canada created eTA – the Electronic Travel Authorisation.

The transportation sector should pay attention to the following: – all carriers, airliners, cruisers, bus companies, etc. will have to make sure their passengers, coming from visa-exempt countries are holding a valid, up to date ETIAS document before they board; – carriers are liable for their passengers and if the border control refuses entry to one of them, the respective carrier will have to repatriate him or her on their cost and may even be charged with a fine; – as soon as ETIAS becomes available, all carriers will be held responsible for those passengers travelling without a valid travel permit.

When an ETIAS document is denied, it is up to the ETIAS National Unit to let the applicant know and provide him or her with all the options to follow among which – the authorities to be contacted and the steps to follow if the applicant wants to appeal against the refusal. What is important to know is that previous refusals do not necessarily lead to a new refusal when the applicant applies again.

All safeguards for the processing of applicants’ and travelers’ personal data is taken by the ETIAS Regulation. The data stored will be on the disposition of EUROPOL and the EU members’ law enforcement authorities under strict, limited conditions to detect and prevent a potential terrorist or other criminal threat. The data stored by the EU Travel Permit System will be guarded until the ETIAS document expires or up to five years in case of a refusal, revoke on cancellation of the ETIAS Authorization starting with the date of the annul. An independent advisory body – the EU Travel Permit Fundamental Rights Guidance Board will be set. This Board will monitor the impact of the screening process on fundamental rights. It will provide assistance and guidance to the ETIAS Screening Board. The ETIAS Fundamental Rights Guidance Board will be presented by members of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, the European Data Protection Board, and the European Data Protection Supervisor, as well as of FRONTEX’ Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights.

The databases the European Travel and Authorisation System will consult with each application are: – ETIAS Central System; – ETIAS Watchlist; – SIS (Schengen Information System); – SLTD (Europol data and Interpol Stolen and Lost Travel Documents Database); – EES (the Entry/Exit System); – TDAWN (the Travel Documents Associated with Notices; – VIS (Visa Information System); – EURODAC In case there is a match between the applicant’s data and one of the databases above, the screening will turn to manual. The aim is to remove all ambiguity within 12 hours. If the claims are false, the ETIAS Central Unit will go back to an automated screening of the application. But if such match is confirmed, the application will be forwarded to the respective EU Member State and it will be up to it to decide upon whether the applicant will be approved or not to travel under an ETIAS authorization.

European Commission – Security Union (infographic) European Commission ETIAS introduction (infographic)

Best night trains in Europe

Growing in popularity, sleepers offer the perfect combination of travel and accommodation in one

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Long-distance train travel is having a moment it seems. Whether the appeal is the old-school romance of being rocked to sleep on the rails, perhaps waking up in another country, concerns about climate change and the carbon footprint of flying, or a desire to experience slow travel and take in more of your surroundings on your journey, a sleeper train offers the perfect combination of travel and accommodation in one. 

Taking a night train across Europe "is an exceptionally convenient, efficient and budget-friendly way to explore the region", said Rail Europe . That's because the price of your ticket also covers the cost of a night's accommodation. "So take the money you would have spent on a hotel and add another leg onto your trip or splurge at your next destination."

Here are some of Europe's best night train journeys.

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London to Venice

The Venice Simplon Orient Express is the "grand dame of sleeper trains", said The Times . Since being immortalised by Agatha Christie it's "become the byword for yesteryear elegance", as "one of the few surviving chariots of the golden age of travel". Luxe to the max, its interiors feature "wood panelling and lush drapes, antique lamps and art deco mirrors, and a Bar Car with live music". If money is no object, "splash out on one of the six grand suites for marble en suites, butler service and as much champagne as you can glug". Nowadays, you travel from London Victoria "aboard the luxury private Belmond British Pullman" to Paris, before joining the Orient Express for the overnight leg to Venice.

Find out more: belmond.com

Trondheim to Bodo

"Under normal circumstances, the jaw-dropping views offered by any Norwegian rail journey would make a night train a wasted opportunity," said Lonely Planet . However, travel this 430-mile route into the Arctic Circle in summer and "you needn't miss anything – the sun will hardly set". This means you can "enjoy views of woodland, lakes, mountains and tundra at any time of the night", said The Times. In winter it "looks like an understudy for the Polar Express" as it "snakes past pine forests laden with snow". And between September and March there's the chance of seeing the northern lights.

Find out more: sj.no

Brussels to Prague

The European Sleeper leaves Brussels Midi station at around 7.20pm and pulls into Prague just before 11am, "perfect timing for passengers to enjoy lunch and a stroll around the Czech capital before checking into a hotel", said CN Traveller . This route is an extension of the Brussels to Berlin service and "it's an ideal starting point for UK-based travelers looking to snooze their way deeper into Europe", said Lonely Planet, "since there's no need in Brussels to change stations (as in Paris)".

Find out more: europeansleeper.eu

Paris to Vienna

The French capital is "gradually restoring its reputation as a hub for overnight services", said The Times , with plans for multiple routes from 2025. For now, try the Nightjet from Gare de l'Est, a short walk from Eurostar's Gare du Nord, to Vienna. With "perhaps the most perfect timings of any overnight sleeper, leaving mid-evening and arriving just before elevenses", there's plenty of time to "savour this cross-section of Europe". In the evening, you're "traversing Champagne country to Strasbourg", then "sashaying along the Danube from Salzburg in the morning, with a big chunk of Germany in between".

Find out more: nightjet.com

Milan to Palermo

"Long and skinny", Italy is "ideal for train travel", said The Telegraph . And it's "still quite an odyssey" to leave Milan, "one of Europe's grandest railway palaces" and "go all the way to the toe of the boot and cross over to Sicily". This represents "the chance to ride a train and a boat at the same time", said The Times. After leaving the northern capital in the evening, and "heading south through the hours of darkness" it's time to enjoy "coffee and a croissant in your cabin" while "admiring the coastal views". The train is "shunted on to a special ferry" to cross the Strait of Messina to Sicily, and you'll reach Palermo late that afternoon.

Find out more: trenitalia.com

Zurich to Zagreb

Crossing five countries in around 15 hours, this is "one of Europe's most scenic routes", said Lonely Planet. It is particularly "worth taking" in summer, as it passes through Austria and Slovenia – "both countries where you're hard-pressed to find an unattractive railway line". The train leaves Zurich at 7.40pm and, next morning, "be sure to wake up before 8am", said The New Zealand Herald , "as the last section between Ljubljana and Zagreb, when the train snakes alongside the Sava River, is one of the most picturesque".

London-Scotland

One of the UK's two sleepers, both of which "have recently benefited from major upgrades" that "many see as a vote of confidence in the country's overnight services", said Lonely Planet. Departing from London Euston, the "legendary" Caledonian Sleeper heads north "via a series of carriage shuffles unnoticed by the snoozing passenger, reaches Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William and points in between". On a moonlight night you can expect "sweeping views of stately castles and remote Highland wilderness", said The Times. These new trains "provide proper 21st-century comforts" including Wi-Fi, room service and complimentary sleep kits. Accommodation options include en-suite double cabins, twin bunks and "comfort seats". And in the morning "the menu features everything from porridge to a cooked full Highland breakfast".

Find out more: sleeper.scot

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France, India, Russia, UK issue travel warnings over Israel-Iran tensions

Warnings come as Tehran promises reprisals against Israel for the deadly April 1 attack on an Iranian consulate in Syria.

Countries including France, India, Russia, Poland and the United Kingdom have warned their citizens against travelling to Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories and, in some cases, the wider region amid threats of an Iranian attack in response to a strike this month on its consulate in Damascus.

Iran has threatened reprisals against Israel over the strike in the Syrian capital on April 1, which killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members, including two generals, leading to fears of an escalation of violence in the Middle East.

Keep reading

Iran’s khamenei promises ‘israel will be punished’ for syria strike, who was mohammad reza zahedi, an iranian general killed by israel in syria, irgc warns israel attacks ‘won’t go unanswered’ as iran marks al-quds day, tensions rise amid expectations of iran retaliation against israel.

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on Friday advised its citizens against travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories.

In a statement on the social media platform X, the ministry added that relatives of Iran-based diplomats will return to France and French civil servants are now banned from conducting any missions in the countries and territories in question.

The UK told its citizens to avoid all but essential travel to Israel and Palestine over the “possibility of an attack on Israeli territory from Iran”.

In an update, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office warned against “all travel” to northern Israel, the Gaza Strip, areas near Gaza and the occupied West Bank – excluding occupied East Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Russia strongly recommended its citizens “refrain from travelling to the region”, emphasising security risks in Israel, Lebanon and Palestine.

“The situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone as well as in the area of the ‘Blue Line’ between Lebanon and Israel remains unstable,” its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Poland’s Foreign Ministry also advised against travel to Israel, Palestine and Lebanon.

“It cannot be ruled out that there will be a sudden escalation of military operations, which would cause significant difficulties in leaving these three countries,” it said in a statement. “Any escalation may lead to significant restrictions in air traffic and the inability to cross land border crossings.”

India’s statement covered Iran and Israel, calling on Indians not to go to the two countries until further notice in view of the “prevailing situation in the region”.

The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi said Indian citizens who are in the two countries should observe “utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum”.

Germany meanwhile warned its citizens to leave Iran specifically, saying escalating tensions could affect exit routes.

“In the current tensions, especially between Israel and Iran, there is a risk of a sudden escalation,” the Foreign Office said. “German citizens are at concrete risk of being arbitrarily arrested and interrogated and being given long prison sentences. Dual citizens with Iranian and German nationality are especially at risk,” it added.

Separately, German flagship airline Lufthansa extended its suspension of flights to and from Tehran until Thursday and will not use Iranian airspace during that time.

Real and viable threat, US says

The United States has restricted its employees in Israel and their family members from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba areas.

An imminent attack by Iran on Israel is a “real” and “viable” threat, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists on Friday, adding that Washington would make sure the Israelis “have what they need and that they’re able to defend themselves”.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, President Joe Biden said: “We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed.”

The top US commander for the Middle East, General Erik Kurilla, is also in Israel for talks with its military officials on security threats. His trip was moved up from a previously scheduled date “due to recent developments”, Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said on Thursday.

After Kurilla discussed the tensions with Iran with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday, Gallant said the US and Israel were “shoulder to shoulder” in facing possible threats.

“We are prepared to defend ourselves on the ground and in the air, in close cooperation with our partners, and we will know how to respond,” the defence chief added.

The Wall Street Journal, quoting a person familiar with the matter, reported on Thursday that Israel was preparing for an attack by Iran as soon as Friday or Saturday.

Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut, reporting from East Jerusalem, said the Israeli army announced that it was preparing on all fronts offensively and defensively.

“A couple of weeks ago, the Israelis increased their alertness level, calling up reservists and bolstering air defence systems,” she said, adding that Israeli officials said they were prepared for anything.

Israel has bombarded the Gaza Strip since October 7 and sent in ground forces, killing at least 33,600 Palestinians and injuring more than 76,000. Hamas’s October 7 attacks on southern Israel killed more than 1,100 people there.

Israel has also stepped up strikes against Iranian personnel and allies in Syria and Lebanon and has traded near daily cross-border fire with the Lebanese group Hezbollah since the start of the war.

Russia, Germany, UK urge restraint as Iranian threat puts Middle East on edge

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Several Iranian airports including Tehran's Imam Khomeini International have cancelled flights until Monday, Iranian state media reported on Sunday, as tensions flared in the Middle East with Iran's attack on Israel overnight.

An April 14 story about Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie was factually accurate but was not intended for publication at this time and had not been through the full editing process, and is withdrawn. There will be no substitute story.

Two people have been killed by Ukrainian strikes on the Russian-held parts of Ukraine's Kherson region, Russian-installed regional head Vladimir Saldo said on Sunday.

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