New Visa Rules for Brits Traveling to Spain, France, Greece, and Portugal

This year, Brits will need a visa to visit some European holiday spots.

Brits going to Spain, France, Greece, and Portugal will soon need to pay for a visa.

The EU's Entry/Exit System is now in place, and UK passports must be less than 10 years old. Brits will also need a visa to enter parts of Europe.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will start in late 2026. It's like the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.

The change will affect how Brits travel to Europe.

Michelle Cooper from Saga said travelers may not know about the new pre-travel authorization step. From late 2026, Brits will need ETIAS approval to visit many European destinations.

The authorization will be linked to your passport, and you could be denied boarding if your ETIAS details don't match.

Most ETIAS applications will be processed quickly, but it's best to apply in advance.

Similar systems exist in other countries, like the US. It's essential to check requirements before traveling.

It's crucial to know about travel changes before going to the airport.

People are responsible for having the correct travel authorization before leaving the country.

Research found that 50% of holidaymakers are not confident about new visa and travel requirements for visiting Europe after Brexit.

The ETIAS will be implemented towards the end of the year, and it will apply to all travel into the EU.

If you're traveling to Europe for an extended period, you may need to apply for a new visa type.

The 180 days are counted backwards from each day you're in the EU or a Schengen country.

If you go beyond 90 days, you could face fines or a ban from re-entering.

The Schengen area includes 29 countries where you can travel without additional border controls.

Brits have been confused by the 10-year passport rule, and some have been turned away at the airport.

A mum of three was unable to board her flight to Greece due to a passport mistake.

EU and Schengen countries require passports to be less than 10 years old on the day of entry.

If you have an older passport, check both the issue date and expiry date before traveling.

For more information on travel insurance, visit Saga Travel Insurance.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

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