Are you travelling to the EU after 12th October? If so, there are big changes on the horizon that you need to be aware of.

I was delighted to be invited back to the TRT World Roundtable studio in London for the second time — this time sitting alongside travel journalist Simon Calder and ABTA’s Sean Tipton. Together, we debated the new Entry/Exit System (EES) and how it will affect holidaymakers – watch the full interview here.

Most of the headlines so far have focused on one thing: longer queues at airports. And yes, that’s inevitable. Collecting biometric data — facial scans and fingerprints — will take time. The official advice is simple: allow extra time and be patient. Sensible words, but in my view, that doesn’t go far enough.

Why I’m Concerned about Passport Records

As Simon Calder pointed out during the discussion, if queues become unmanageable, it’s possible that travellers may be ‘waved through’, and while that may feel like a welcome shortcut at the time, it could create serious problems later.

Why? Because without an official record of your entry and exit, it could look as though you’ve overstayed in the EU. That brings us to the 90/180 day rule.

Put simply, UK passport holders are only allowed to spend 90 days within any rolling 180-day period in the Schengen Zone. Each time you travel, border officials look back over the previous 180 days to see how many of those you’ve already used. If you’ve gone over, you’re classed as an overstayer — and that can mean fines, entry bans, or problems applying for future visas.

That’s why my strongest advice is this: don’t throw away your boarding passes. Keep them as belt-and-braces proof of when you entered and left the EU. If your passport isn’t stamped correctly, those documents could be vital evidence.

The Truth about Travel Insurance

During the discussion, Simon Calder also highlighted a rumour that travellers would be required to show proof of travel insurance at the EU border. He was quick to confirm this is not true — and I know many were relieved to hear it.

But here’s my take: just because you won’t be asked to show proof doesn’t mean you should travel without it. Quite the opposite. Travel insurance is essential. You never know when you might need it, whether for medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost luggage.

And let me make one crucial point clear: if you’re denied entry because you don’t have the correct travel documentation, your travel insurance will not cover you. That responsibility lies with you. Which is why getting the paperwork right is just as important as packing your suitcase.

Looking Ahead: ETIAS

Once the EES has bedded in, the next change will be the ETIAS system, launching in late 2026. This will be a travel authorisation for UK visitors to the EU — very much like the ESTA required for travel to the USA.

It may feel like a distant issue, but I’m already booking clients’ holidays into 2028. That’s why I believe travellers need to understand these new rules now, especially if they’re planning trips for 2026 and beyond.

Why expertise matters

When asked how all these rules affect my business, my answer was simple: it’s something we do everyday! We successfully guided clients through the complexity of Covid travel, and being “travel ready” is now at the heart of what we do.

As Sean Tipton rightly pointed out, ABTA members are obliged to provide clients with information about passports, visas, and health requirements. But in my experience, not everyone reads the small print (as I found out on my last cruise – so many people who have booked with well-known online cruise companies were surprisingly ill-informed.) That’s why I make a point of talking clients through the rules, not just sending a link in an email. I want every client to book with confidence, knowing we’ve addressed potential issues before they book.

That said, the ultimate responsibility will always rest with the traveller. Travel agents can support, advise, and prepare — but it’s still up to you to make sure your documents are in order.

A final thought

Many travellers love the DIY approach, piecing their holidays together themselves. And for some, that’s part of the fun. But out of the 60 million trips these new rules will affect, those travellers are in the minority.

For everyone else, my advice is clear: if you’re going to do it yourself, you need to be absolutely on top of the detail. Otherwise, work with a reputable travel agent who can do the heavy lifting for you. Don’t forget to check out the full interview here.

We have a free advice service for anyone unsure about these new regulations and rule changes. We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us! You can book a meeting here, send us a message, or give us a call on 01902 288104