Before you go on your holiday, check back here to see any relevant travel updates. If we become aware of any potential disruption to our traveling guests, we will notify affected lead-bookers by email and/or SMS directly.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

As you may be aware, The European Union is planning a phased introduction of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) from October 2025.

This means that some entry points will be collecting passport and biometric data (fingerprints) from this date, whereas others will start with partial collection and gradually increase approaching the deadline.

By 30th March 2026, all EU entry points are required to operate the EES. This may initially cause slightly longer delays at border points.

For the most up-to-date information, visit ABTA's website or the European Union travel pages on the EES and ETIAS.

Updated 29th July

Eurostar EU Entry/Exit System Updates

EES machines will be located opposite Pret and Starbucks at the end of the main concourse in St Pancras.

All passengers will need to go to these machines before they make their way to the Eurostar area.

Please allow extra time to input the required information at the machines.

For more information, visit the Eurostar website. 

Updated 27th March 2024

Passport Validity Requirements - EU Countries

If you are planning to travel to an EU country e.g. France or Austria, follow the Schengen area passport requirements.

Your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area

For full information, visit the gov.uk entry requirements pages for the country you intend to travel to e.g. gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements