People planning a trip abroad this summer need to be aware of new changes to some travel rules. Holidaymakers should ensure they have a check-list of key travel changes ticked off before heading to the airport, to avoid any unnecessary holiday stress.
This year marks the first that most travel restrictions have been binned since the pandemic and airline companies and hotels are seeing a record-breaking number of bookings, reports the Mirror. But with thousands, perhaps even millions, set to jet abroad in the coming months, people will need to be aware of a number of changes.
These include passport rules following the UK's departure from the European Union, travel restrictions in place in some countries, airlines updating their hand luggage policies and navigating the world of travel insurance. So before you head for the airport, check out our guide on the top rules you need to check ahead of the summer holidays...
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Passports
Since the UK left the EU, new rules have been in place regarding passports. One family of four was left £3,000 out of pocket after they fell foul of a little-known rule and were therefore unable to board their flight to Portugal.
A number of EU countries in the Schengen Area require your passport to be no more than 10 years old from the point of issue when you're travelling there. However, most countries also require your passport to be valid for at least three (sometimes six) months after your dates of travel.
For example, if you were heading to Portugal which requires your passport to be valid three months after travel, to meet both sets of criteria your passport will need to have been issued nine years and nine months before your travel date. Make sure you check the requirements for the country you're travelling to on the Government's website to see if your passport is valid.
Airport security
Airport security rules remain in place, including the restriction on liquids. Under the current rules, containers must hold no more than 100ml of liquid in your bag - and any liquids must be placed in a clear plastic bag.
However, it's worth noting that over the next two years, most major airports will introduce new systems into their security checkpoints that will stop passengers from having to spend time taking items out of their bags. London City Airport became the first in the UK to start using the scanners full-time last week, with travel hubs including Heathrow and Gatwick due to follow.
Once they are up and running, the new liquid limit will be two litres, meaning passengers can bring big bottles of sun cream and plenty of drinks for the flight. They will also not have to put their creams and cosmetics in separate clear plastic bags.
Cabin bag rules
In the past three years, many of the UK's airlines have changed their hand and checked luggage policies. Turning up at the airport with a bag that's too big or too heavy can end up costing you a sizeable amount.
It's always worth checking what your airline's policy is and, if needs be, booking in advance rather than just before the flight takes off.
Travel health insurance
The good news for Brits travelling abroad is that a new health insurance scheme has been in place for the past two years. UK passport holders can now apply for a UK GHIC, which has replaced the EHIC for those without an EU passport.
The GHIC covers healthcare which is covered by a statutory health care system in the visited country, meaning you can access some hospitals and doctors for free. New applications for the card are also free to make and can be done through the UK Government's website.
When applying you should be aware of unofficial websites, as some try to charge you a fee to get a new card.
Strikes and disruption
Another aspect of travel which has changed significantly in the past three years is the likelihood of disruption. Last year airports across the country and the Port of Dover were the scene of widespread chaos and lengthy queues.
While it remains to be seen how badly impacted travel is this summer, early signs suggest operations will not be smooth. Another added complication is the strikes currently ongoing at airports, in air traffic controller towers, on railways and beyond.
Make sure you check with your airline, train company or ferry firm ahead of the journey for advice on how early you should arrive and what you can do to mitigate any possible chaos.
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