The October half-term holidays are fast approaching, meaning many of us will be desperately seeking some winter sun before the festive season kicks off.
Drawn in by the appeal of European destinations as the UK sees temperatures drop, Brits may be looking for a quick getaway over the upcoming weeks.
But recent days have seen the implementation of a whole array of new travel rules – and they could affect your journeys.
Most schools will be closed from Monday, October 27 to Friday, October 31.
And it’s always worth staying informed and up-to-date with the latest travel guidelines and systems so you’re prepared.
Here’s a full list of the new travel rules UK tourists need to know in advance of half-term holidays…
The EU Entry-Exit System
The first key change in travel from the UK is the launch of the EU’s new border security system.
Recent days have seen the implementation of a whole array of new travel rules – and they could affect your journeys
The entry-exit system (EES) came into force on Sunday, October 12, and will see new checks rolled out across airports over the next six months.
It will require non-EU passport holders and those crossing Schengen borders to provide biometric data and fingerprints.
Passengers will need to scan their passports at an automated self-service kiosk.
The system replaces passport stamping for visitors to Europe’s Schengen area.
It will register the person’s name, type of travel document, biometric data (such as fingerprints) and the date and place of entry and exit.
You don’t need to do anything to prepare – although you will need a certain amount of money in your bank account to visit some countries.
Code of conduct
Meanwhile, a new code of conduct is in place to ensure tourists behave.
It’s always worth staying informed and up-to-date with the latest travel guidelines and systems so you’re prepared during your holidays
In Albufeira in Portugal, those found violating these rules could face substantial fines from €150 to €1,800 (£130–£1,570), Chronicle Live reported.
Restrictions include misplacing shopping trolleys, lighting barbecues on the beach, wearing swimwear outside of authorised areas, public nudity, street drinking or urination and causing excessive noise.
Other destinations have introduced similar rules – for example, Alicante has new curfews on bars and nightclubs.
Smoking bans
Smoking bans have also been implemented in many places.
France has banned smoking on beaches, in parks, outside schools and in other places. A similar law is being considered in Spain.
Some regions in Spain have local laws prohibiting smoking on beaches.
Since 2019, it has been against the law in Sweden to smoke in outdoor restaurant terraces, bus stops, train platforms and schoolyards.
Smoking bans have also been implemented in many places
Tourist taxes
Britain axed VAT-free shopping for overseas visitors following Brexit – hammering demand for expensive goods among affluent tourists.
In Catalonia, Spain, the government postponed a planned increase in the daily tourist tax, originally set to range between €6 and €11. This new tax could eventually rise to €15 per day.
It is always worth checking the tourist tax in the place you’re visiting, to ensure you pay the correct amount.
Cruise ship bans
Large cruise ships were banned from docking in Nice this summer in a bid to block ‘low-cost clientele’ from holidaying in the glamorous French Riviera town.
Popular destinations including Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Santorini have also either scaled back or banned cruise stopovers.
Airbnb bans
Palma, the capital of Mallorca, has brought in a ban on party boats, new tourist rentals and youth hostels
Spain has ordered Airbnb to remove more than 65,000 holiday homes from its platform as part of a crackdown on illegal listings.
Palma, the capital of Mallorca, has brought in a ban on party boats, new tourist rentals and youth hostels.
The mayor Jaime Martinez announced the rules this week (October 14), and the ban on more tourist rentals has started with immediate effect.
It will be retrospective for three months so that no new spaces are approved.
