If you are younger than 50, you might have previously taken for granted the ease of traveling to Europe. During the 1970s, the travel industry for foreign package holidays saw significant growth. Instead of rainy vacations in places like Butlins in Bognor, people began enjoying sunny getaways in Spain.
The UK’s membership in the European Economic Community (EEC) from 1973 allowed freedom of movement within the European Union. In 1985, the Schengen agreement enabled certain European citizens to travel between countries without passports, eventually forming the Schengen Area.
This all changed on December 31, 2020, when the UK officially exited the EU. Starting from October 12, 2025, travelers will need to provide additional identification details when moving within the Schengen zone, which includes EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway but excludes Ireland and Cyprus.
While the changes are minor, lack of awareness about the new regulations could lead to delays at border crossings. The introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will require travelers to register personal information, biometric data, and travel documents for identification purposes, eliminating the need for passport stamps.
UK citizens and many Europeans will face new procedures when traveling to the EU due to the implementation of the EES. Delays are expected initially, particularly at ports, with processing times estimated to add around 10 minutes per person. Travelers should be prepared for potential delays and ensure compliance with the new rules.
To facilitate travel, it is crucial to renew passports well in advance and adhere to entry requirements, such as having a valid ETIAS travel authorization for entry into European countries. The ETIAS system will entail a fee and require accurate information linked to the traveler’s passport.
Travelers should be cautious about passport expiration dates and ensure compliance with destination countries’ regulations to avoid travel disruptions. Additionally, it is advisable to check visa requirements for all destinations and address any passport damage promptly to prevent issues during travel.