Recent travel developments will have an impact on British travelers heading to Europe in the near future.
Several popular European destinations, such as Spain, France, Italy, and Croatia, have implemented significant changes affecting tourists visiting specific areas or attractions within their borders. These changes include restrictions on visitor numbers, increases in tourism taxes, and higher entrance fees in certain locations.
These changes coincide with a significant period for European travel, following the launch of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for British travelers visiting the Schengen area. To prepare for your next trip, here are some key changes to anticipate when visiting popular European destinations…
On April 10, the European Union (EU) introduced the new Entry/Exit System (EES), requiring British travelers to go through a digital border system when entering the Schengen area. Travelers must register their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph, upon their initial arrival at the airport border in the Schengen area.
The new EES registration, which has replaced the previous manual passport stamping process, is free of charge, with no pre-registration required. While the registration may add a few minutes to the arrival process, the EES record remains valid for three years once completed.
Countries in the Schengen area encompass Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The EES requirement does not apply to travel to the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, as they are outside the Schengen area.
For more details on the new EES system, you can visit the government website.
While vacations are meant for relaxation, some countries have imposed strict measures to deter irresponsible behavior. Earlier this year, Split, Croatia, a popular holiday destination among Brits, announced a ban on alcohol sales during specific hours.
The alcohol sales restriction will be in effect this summer, limiting sales from 8pm to 6am in liquor stores and off-licenses. Although this rule excludes clubs and restaurants, it aims to address what the mayor described as “unacceptable” instances of intoxicated tourists in the city’s historic center.
Additionally, several Spanish destinations have implemented measures to control unruly tourist behavior, including regulations on alcohol consumption and party boats, along with enforcing dress codes in certain public areas near beaches.
In Palma, the capital of Mallorca, the number of daily cruise ship berths will be reduced from 8,500 to 7,500 between June and September in a new arrangement. This adjustment will limit the number of passengers disembarking to explore the Spanish