The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of the European Union. For the purpose of the EES, ‘non-EU national’ means a traveller not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. ‘Short stay’ means up to 90 days within any 180-day period, calculated as a single period for all European countries using the EES.
Passport validity rules tightened
When travelling to the EU and most Schengen Area countries, your passport must be issued less than 10 years ago on the day you enter. Any extra months carried over from renewing early no longer count towards that 10-year limit. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your departure date. EU border control disregards any "rolled over" months from an old passport.
US visa and travel authorisation
In the US, you must have the correct approval prior to travel. This will be either a valid US visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), depending on your personal circumstances and purpose of travel. US authorities enforce entry rules strictly. If you do not have the correct immigration status, or if you breach the terms of your entry, there is a risk you may be detained, refused entry, or removed (deported). Overstaying your permitted time in the US can also lead to detention and future bans on re-entry.
Power bank restrictions on flights
Most airlines allow two power banks onboard per passenger as long as they are in hand luggage and cannot be used during the flight. Airlines include: Asiana Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, easyJet, EVA Air, Jet2, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Loganair, Qantas, Ryanair, Singapore Airlines, Starlux Airlines, TUI Airways, United, Vietnam Airlines, and Wizz Air.
eGates now available for children aged eight and over
Children aged eight and over can now use eGates when accompanied by an adult. They also need to be at least 120cm tall. The height restriction is in place as kids need to be able to see and be captured by the biometric screens at the eGates. The rule change impacts 13 airports across the UK that currently use eGates, including: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Newcastle, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
