New laws in 2024 related to tourism
New ETIAS "visa" for UK citizens to enter the EU
From now on, UK citizens who want to travel to the European Union will need to go through the Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETIAS). ETIAS will allow European countries to check travelers' information before they enter. It will cost 7 euros for adults and is free for children under 18. Applications can be submitted online in advance, usually in a few minutes you will receive the result. ETIAS will be valid for up to three years or until the expiration of the traveler's passport.
100 milliliters of liquid in hand luggage
Airport security rules for liquids were introduced in 2006 after a terrorist plot to blow up planes flying from London to the United States with homemade liquid bombs was foiled. London airports have adopted this rule.
However, now UK passengers will be able to take up to two liters of liquid on board in their hand luggage. In December 2022, the UK government announced that all security scanners at airports across the country would be updated by June 2024. For the time being, the move will be made at UK airports, so check the rules at your destination for your return trip as the 100ml liquid rule may still apply in other countries.
Passport validity period
From now on, UK passports must be issued for a period of less than 10 years on the day of travel, and have at least three months of validity after your return. Despite the fact that these requirements have been in place for some time, some passengers still get into trouble. In some cases, the airport staff themselves have misinterpreted the rules, so make sure your documents have the right validity.
Visas to enter other countries
This issue always remains relevant, because the rules are constantly changing and you need to constantly follow the updates. Recently, we have seen the following trend: countries are simplifying the rules of entry and providing visa-free travel.
Claudia Gualdi, head of travel data analysis at Riskline, told the Mirror:
"In January, we will have a visa-free regime for Kosovo. Kosovo passport holders will be able to enter the Schengen area. Iran and Russia have signed an agreement for January, and Israel is joining the US waiver program. Finland recently closed most of its border with Russia. It's an active time for Europe, with new requirements emerging dynamically."
Taxes from tourists
Hot tourist destinations visited by many people introduce a tourist tax. This is done to minimize the negative impact of travelers.
Venice and Paris are examples. In Venice, those who come for a day will be charged 5 euros. About 30 million people visit the "Italian pelina" every year, which causes many problems for the 50,000 people who call Venice home. Starting in January 2024, tourists in Paris will have to pay a fee that is almost 200% higher than the current price. The fee depends on the specific city and all taxes go to the local treasury.
Airspace restrictions
There are currently a number of restrictions in the airspace due to armed conflicts. Due to the wars in Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine, it is impossible to fly over large areas of land. Similarly, the areas over Azerbaijan and Armenia are off-limits to aircraft. Most European countries have banned direct flights to Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. Even if you are not traveling to these countries specifically, such restrictions have made air travel more expensive. If the wars end in 2024, the airspace may be reopened and ticket prices may decrease.
Use of e-Gates by children
From July this year, children aged 10 and over can use e-Gates, making it easier for families to travel through the airport. The gates have been installed at 13 airports in the UK. They are also used at UK border controls at Eurostar terminals in Brussels and Paris.
