Every traveller this summer should be aware of the five rules now in place for British travellers going abroad this year, which mean you’ll have to take more than just your passport and tickets to the airport, Bristol Live reports.
Airport-Parking.org.uk travel and transport expert Andrew Chambers said it’s important to do your research before travelling. He said:
“When it comes to planning your summer holidays, doing your homework is absolutely crucial. Different countries have their own set of rules and regulations, and you definitely don’t want to find yourself in a sticky situation while you’re supposed to be relaxing. Take some time to research your destination, get to know their customs, and understand what’s expected of you. It might sound boring, but trust me, it’s worth it. You don’t want to risk getting arrested, fined, or dealing with any unnecessary trouble. It’ll help ensure a smooth and worry-free trip, allowing you to make the most of your well deserved holiday.”
Here are five travel rules that will be useful for British travellers this summer:
- The validity of your passport. When planning a trip to the EU, you need to be aware of the special rules regarding passport validity. If you have a 10-year British passport, be aware that it is only valid for entry into the EU for 10 years from the date of issue, regardless of the expiry date on it. Several British travellers have been caught off guard by these new passport validity rules, resulting in them not being allowed into the country at the airport.
- Blank pages in your passport. If your passport is running out of space for pages due to numerous stamps, you need to renew your passport regardless of the remaining expiry date. This is because some countries have strict requirements for passports with a limited number of pages. Italy and South Africa require a passport to have at least two completely blank pages. Therefore, it is wise to get a new passport to ensure smooth travelling and meet the requirements for entry into these countries.
- Availability of required currency. Croatia recently became part of the Schengen area, which has led to significant changes in its currency. The euro was officially introduced on 1 January, but there is an option to exchange kunas for euros before the end of the year, ensuring a smooth transition to the new currency.
- Information on emission zones in Spain. Spain has introduced Low Emission Zones (LES) across the country, which has had the effect of restricting vehicles that do not meet certain emission standards from entering these zones. Travellers wishing to explore Spain by car should familiarise themselves with the regulations, as driving a vehicle that does not meet emissions standards can result in a fine of up to £176 (€200).
- Sufficient money for a holiday. British tourists are now required to provide proof of adequate accommodation and proof of a return flight or return ticket when travelling to Spain. As part of these measures, tourists may be asked to confirm that they are able to spend at least €100 per day during their holiday, which is roughly equivalent to £85. In addition, holidaymakers may be asked to provide proof that they have funds of at least €900 (£766.94).
These rules are the same for those transiting through Spain and entering through a land border.
Before the pandemic, over 18 million Britons visited Spain each year. In 2017, the number of UK tourists flocking to Spain hit a 10-year high of 18.81 million. Spain was hit particularly hard by the pandemic, with the seventh-highest number of confirmed cases on the Continent.
Since COVID, the number of British holidaymakers has steadily climbed, from 4.3 million in 2021 to 15.1 million last year. With arrivals in 2023 likely to climb closer to – if not above – pre-COVID levels, potential visitors to Spain should be aware of any entry restrictions that the Spanish government has in place.
