Brits warned of 2026 travel changes from passports to EHICs

From the new Entry/Exit System to passport costs and EHIC expiry dates, there are various things that you need to make sure you know about when going abroad.

With this in mind, experts are urging holidaymakers to familiarise themselves with the new travel regulations and other changes to prevent unexpected costs and last-minute stress.

Brits warned of 2026 travel changes from passports to EHICs

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Travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have reminded Brits planning holidays this year that there may be some changes to booking trips in 2026.

Here are six travel changes that could affect your upcoming holidays:

New EU Entry/Exit System rollout

Last year, the European Union introduced the new Entry/Exit System for non-EU travellers entering and leaving the Schengen area.

Due to the change, instead of UK passport holders getting stamped, their biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo, will be collected at the border.

Holidaymakers are advised to allow extra time when arriving at EU airports or other points of entry to ensure their holiday has a stress-free start and they don’t miss their outbound flight.

The EU launched its new entry-exit system on October 12 (Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

Rise in passport costs

Passport fees saw a 7% increase in April 2025, with the standard online application made from the UK for adults rising from £88.50 to £94.50, and for children from £57.50 to £61.50.

With this, experts have warned that those planning to renew or apply for a passport need to factor in the higher costs.

Those who need to use the urgent Premium Service may even face costs of up to £222.

EHICs expiring

The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) replaced the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) in 2020, with both allowing travellers access to emergency and medically necessary healthcare in the EU and some other countries, including Australia.

Since the EHIC was replaced in 2020 and lasts for five years, many will expire in 2025, meaning there may be a surge in travellers needing to change to the GHIC for the first time this year.

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Experts warned, however, that the GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance, so it is crucial to still have a relevant and accurate insurance policy to protect you before travelling.

Digital-only boarding passes

Certain budget airlines, such as Ryanair, moved to digital boarding passes this year to lower costs, improve customer service and cut down on paper waste.

Experts have advised that other airlines also start reducing or phasing out printed boarding passes in the future.

With this, they suggest ensuring their devices are compatible and they can easily access their boarding passes.

Tourist tax increases

Expert warn that “multiple popular holiday destinations either introduced or increased their fees this year”, urging holidaygoers to be aware.

Greece increased their tourist tax up to an extra €5 per night if visiting between April and October, and cruise passengers are now also charged €20 tourist tax at the port.

Popular holiday spot Mogán in Gran Canaria also introduced a new tourist tax this year of €0.15 per person, per night.

Crackdown on short-term rentals

Various European countries, such as Italy, France, and Spain, have introduced stricter regulations on short-term holiday rentals in response to rising housing costs.

For example, Florence has banned short-term rental registrations in its historic city centre and Paris short-term rentals are capped at 120 nights per year.

These measures may reduce the availability of accommodation and push up prices for travellers, so preparation and awareness are needed.

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Helen Rolph, travel insurance expert at Quotzone, said: “2025 saw multiple travel changes being implemented that could impact everything from airport queues to holiday budgets.

“One of the biggest changes launched this [last] year was the new EU Entry/Exit border system, which is still being rolled out and is expected to cause delays well into the new year, so travellers should allow themselves extra time at the border.

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“Missed flights will not likely be covered by travel insurance policies, as the onus is on passengers to leave enough time to be processed by the new system.

“Holidaymakers may also face higher travel costs, as increases in tourist taxes, passport fees, and stricter short-term rental regulations could all push up the overall cost of a holiday.

“Being aware and prepared for these changes will help travellers ensure their upcoming holiday runs smoothly and help them prevent last-minute complications and unexpected costs.”