Travelling Abroad in 2026: New UK Travel Rules & Passport Updates

New border systems and rule changes come into force this year. Find out how they’ll affect you if you’re travelling abroad.

If you’ve travelled abroad in 2026 you might notice things feel a little different. More and more countries are requiring new digital procedures with added steps when crossing borders. Once you have your travel insurance in place, here are some things to watch for when heading off on your holidays.

EU Entry/Exit System changes (EES)

If Europe is on your list this year, you’ll find the biggest travel rule changes at the border. By 10th April, the EU’s new EES will have been rolled out at all external Schengen area borders (this is the area of European countries with freedom of movement between them and encompasses most of the European continent) replacing manual passport stamping with a digital record of arrivals and departures.

Your photo and fingerprints may be taken the first time you enter. The European Commission has indicated that these checks might be eased during busy periods, but make sure to build in extra time for queuing.

The system will also automatically track how long you’ve been in the Schengen Area. The longstanding limit of 90 days in any 180-day period for Schengen countries hasn’t changed, but overstays will now be recorded. So if you accidentally spend too long in the area, your future trips could be affected. Always check your past and planned European trips to ensure you’re within the 90/180 rule.

You will probably need to allow extra time at the border in the first months of the transition, especially at airports, ferry ports or Eurostar stations. This has already posed some problems for travellers. In December, Lisbon Airport suspended the checks for three months after reported queues of up to seven hours.

Make sure you have your passport to hand when queueing and be prepared for a short biometric scan of your face.

New electronic ETIAS pass in the EU

A new electronic travel pass, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), is due to launch in late 2026. This is a mandatory online authorisation for travellers from visa‑exempt countries such as the UK who want to visit the 30 participating European destinations for short stays.

You’ll have to apply online for ETIAS before your trip. You will be charged €20, but the digital approval process – which is linked to your passport – typically won’t take long. This will be valid for three years with no limit on the number of trips, as long as your passport is in date and you are within the 90/180 rule.

It’s worth keeping a close eye on official announcements. Be sure to apply only through the official ETIAS website or app to avoid copycat sites charging extra. Make a note of when your authorisation expires so you’re not caught out before any future trips.

The 10 year passport rule when visiting the EU

Post‑Brexit, many European countries now have two requirements for UK passports: that they are less than 10 years old on the day you enter and that they are valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave.

Previously, the UK Passport Office tacked unused months from your old passport on to your new one, but this is no longer the case. It’s worth checking the issue and expiry dates at the same time and renewing ahead of time if you’re getting close to the limit.

You may have noticed that passports have changed colour. Instead of the old burgundy versions, they’re now dark blue. But, as long as a burgundy passport is in date, it is still valid. It costs £94.50 to renew or replace your passport online or £107 if you fill in a paper form.

GHIC and healthcare in Europe

If you have an old EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), it will still be valid until its expiry date. Otherwise, you should apply for the newer GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), which is free and gives you access to state‑provided healthcare in many European countries (and Australia) on roughly the same basis as local residents.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, however it can reduce what you pay if you do end up needing treatment overseas. A good travel insurance policy will also provide protection for trip cancellations and delays, lost or damaged belongings and other unexpected costs incurred abroad. Find out more about how travel insurance works in our in-depth article.

Keeping digital copies of EHIC, GHIC and travel insurance documents as well as paper versions is useful if anything is mislaid.

Visas and fees for non‑EU destinations

Some popular long‑haul destinations require you to apply for a visa before you travel. This is sometimes done online and sometimes via a visa centre, and fees and processing times can vary. It’s always worth checking official government sites well in advance of your departure date.​

Mobile Passport Control app (MPC) for US visitors

MPC is a free app (available on Apple and Android) that helps travellers avoid the lengthy immigration queues and moves you into a separate, shorter queue. It’s available for US citizens and members of the Visa Waiver Program (covering 42 countries including the UK) with an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The service is currently available at 33 US airports and four seaports.

Canary Islands added to a 2026 ‘no travel’ list

If you’re planning some sun-seeking this year, there’s sometimes more to research than just your itinerary and logistics. Look at safety advice and read about the country itself. Travel publication Fodor’s has added the Canary Islands to its 2026 ‘no travel’ list due to mass tourism and unregulated property development. This is a guide rather than law, but if sustainable travel is a priority for you it might be worth considering an alternative destination. Check out our guide on top travel ideas for travellers over 60.

Happy holidays

With new systems and stricter border controls, having good travel insurance is an important part of being travel‑ready, especially if you’re planning more adventurous itineraries or have medical conditions to consider. A suitable travel insurance policy can really make a difference if you need to rearrange a trip.