ABTA

Major changes are set to impact British holidaymakers entering a European hotspot, and it’s good news, with the plans aimed at making travel smoother and quicker for Brits

A beautiful European hotspot is set to make travel easier for Brits by relaxing its entry rules.

British holidaymakers have been facing significant disruptions when travelling to Europe, partly due to the new European Union (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES), which was rolled out on 10 April 2026, and the increased demand for short-haul getaways, particularly during peak periods. In a bid to offer a smoother journey for Brits, without relentless delays and lengthy queues, Switzerland has eased some of its restrictions.

Under a new agreement between the UK and Switzerland, Brits will be allowed to use the Swiss e-gates at airports, providing a smoother experience at passport control. British tourists and business travellers visiting the country, known for its snow-capped, dramatic peaks, will also be able to benefit from scrapped roaming charges.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, said: “We want travel to be as easy and smooth as possible, so this announcement includes great outcomes for British holidaymakers and business travellers. Removing roaming charges would give people one less thing to think about before their trip and should make it cheaper to stay in touch, too.

“Plus, giving UK visitors access to Swiss e-gates will make going through the airport smoother and quicker for tourists and business travellers alike.

“We know it’s not something that can just happen overnight, but it is encouraging to see that Switzerland has a plan in place to make it happen. Removing travel frictions like these with major European partners is so important for UK tourism and exports.”

Initial plans, set to be in place by the end of 2026, will allow Brits to enter through the e-gates at Zurich Airport, the country’s largest international airport. There are also plans to introduce this at the airports in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.

The significant changes were announced following a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which could ultimately offer an estimated £5.2 billion a year in additional UK services exports to Switzerland. Meanwhile, news that thousands of British holidaymakers and business travellers could use the Swiss e-gates was confirmed outside of the FTA.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented: “Whether you’re growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK. It means British firms will find it easier to sell their expertise in one of our most important markets in Europe, supporting jobs and investment here at home.

“British people will also be able to enjoy using their mobile in Switzerland without extra roaming charges, and alongside the FTA, they will soon also have quicker trips through Swiss airports.”

UK holidaymakers keen to visit Switzerland do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area, and can travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Meanwhile, for UK services professionals, the changes will also introduce visa-free travel to Switzerland for up to 90 days a year.

The government website outlined: “UK businesses will be able to transfer people to work in Switzerland for up to 5 years, without being subject to stringent economic needs tests, making it easier to secure Swiss work permits for UK graduates in areas like finance, insurance and consultancy.”

Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “This is the most significant services trade deal the UK has ever negotiated. It will bring huge benefits to British business and consumers and comes after a slew of deals with the US, Europe, the Gulf, South Korea and India.

“This deal will mean faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers to Switzerland, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas.”

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New information has been released today

Travel association ABTA has issued some new advice today for travellers heading to the likes of Spain and France this summer.

Fresh research published today by ABTA, the travel association, has shown how the Middle East conflict has transformed the way and timing of holiday bookings, with travellers increasingly turning to travel professionals. Almost a third (31%) of UK adults considering a holiday within the next 12 months indicated they were more inclined than previously to book through a travel professional following the current Middle East conflict.

The primary reasons cited were their ‘knowledge’ at 53%, ‘expertise’ at 44%, and ‘wanting the security of a package holiday’ at 41%. Furthermore, 27% of people were more likely to book a package holiday than before the current conflict in the Middle East.

Having everything organised (52%) and the entitlement to a refund or replacement if the holiday can no longer go ahead (48%) were the most frequently cited reasons, followed by value for money (38%).

Where are people heading for their holidays this summer?

The Middle East conflict has had a substantial effect on travel, initially resulting in flight delays, cancellations and warnings against travel. The consequences persist, with numerous routes to or passing through the Middle East cancelled and yet to resume, prompting travel professionals to explore alternative routes or suggest different destinations to ensure people can still enjoy their desired holidays.

Following the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) recently revised travel guidance for several Gulf nations, which has eased prior restrictions, the appetite for travel to or via the region is anticipated to grow in the coming months. Nevertheless, reduced flight availability to and through the area this summer means numerous holidaymakers are opting for a short-haul break.

Of all those intending to head abroad over the next 12 months, 84% indicated they were planning to visit Europe. Spain tops the charts as the most sought-after destination for 38% of those contemplating a foreign holiday this summer.

Italy and France complete the top three most favoured locations, with 23% and 19% respectively of summer travellers considering heading there.

Despite short-haul breaks proving a hit this summer, the desire to venture further afield on long-haul trips remains strong. A total of 13% planned to holiday in the USA, 6% Australia and 6% Japan, all making the Top 10 most popular destinations.

Will people be booking their summer holidays at the last minute?

The impact of the conflict is also shaping booking behaviour, with a growing number of travellers choosing last-minute reservations, as they adopt a wait-and-see approach regarding prices and the broader cost of living. Among those considering an overseas holiday during the summer of 2026, 30% of UK adults were holding off on booking until two to four weeks before their planned departure date. A further 10% planned to book less than two weeks before travelling.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive officer of ABTA, said: “While global events are influencing how people plan and book their holidays and where they go, our appetite to travel abroad this summer and beyond continues to be strong.

“People are determined to get away and the UK’s travel agents and tour operators are expertly placed to help them access the best deals and understand the latest travel advice.

“With so many people saying they will book late, our advice is to get ahead of the pack and arrange your holiday now to avoid any last-minute rush.”

ABTA’s research was conducted by The Nursery Research and Planning using a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults, with the survey taking place between May 8, 2026 and May 19, 2026.

The travel company was founded back in 2011 and operated three separate websites offering chalets, skiing breaks, and spa holidays. ATOL has now offered advice for any consumers who had breaks booked

A UK travel firm that offered a range of ski and spa holidays has ceased trading, with customers who have booked a package holiday being urged to take action.

Travel Bespoke Ltd was launched in 2011, and traded under three names: Chalet Bespoke, Ski Bespoke, and Spa Bespoke. The firm’s websites are now unavailable. The company was based in an office in Midhurst, West Sussex.

Ski Bespoke’s X page, which is currently still active, described the firm’s operations as offering bespoke ski trips to resorts in Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada and USA.

Financial protection scheme ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing), confirmed in a statement that the company had ceased trading as an ATOL holder as of May 29. It said: “We have contacted the affected ATOL protected consumers directly. If you have not been contacted and believe you are entitled to a claim against an ATOL protected booking, please supply your booking details with supporting documentation by email to claims@caa.co.uk.”

The time limit for making a claim to ATOL is May 28, 2027. Its statement went on to explain: “Bookings sold as accommodation only, non-flight Packages & Cruise Only bookings which do not include a flight element are not covered by the ATOL scheme. Please contact your travel insurance or card issuer for further assistance.”

ATOL also has a claims information page where customers can check whether the holiday they’ve booked would come under ATOL protection, or whether they’ll need to look for alternative ways to claim their money back.

Travel Bespoke is not the only travel firm to go bust in recent weeks. Long-running firm Groupia Ltd recently went into administration after 24 years in operation. The company who operated brands including Groupia Golf, GoHen, StagWeb, Groupia School Trips, and Company Away Day, served over 750,000 holidaymakers before going bust.

By law, any UK travel company that sells holidays or flights is required to have an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number, so always check your holiday is booked with a reputable firm.

This means that if the holiday firm you’ve booked with goes bust before you travel, you can apply to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a full refund. If you’re already on holiday, the CAA has a responsibility to get you home.

However, you should also make sure you have travel insurance that covers a travel firm going into administration, as this can also cover additional expenses from having your holiday cancelled or being stuck abroad. Credit card protection can also be helpful in this situation. If you’ve paid for your holiday or flights on a credit card directly with the holiday company or airline, and spent over £100, you may be able to claim the money back through your credit card company.

Mastercard and Visa debit cards also have a chargeback scheme which is available for most UK high street banks. You can request your card provider reverses the transaction, giving you your money back.

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British tourists should expect long airport queues due to new biometric border checks

European airports have recently launched the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces the traditional manual passport stamping process with biometric registration (facial image and fingerprint scanning) to record the entry of non-EU citizens, including British holidaymakers. The new EES system is now fully up and running across all Schengen Area countries, including much-loved destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Greece.

While the new system is designed to streamline travel into and out of the Schengen Area and simplify border procedures, some travellers have reported finding themselves stuck in three-hour queues.

In certain countries, passengers have missed their return flights after failing to clear the digital system in time. The new border checks are anticipated to cause significant disruption for British travellers heading in and out of the EU during the busy summer peak periods.

While some countries such as Greece attempted to briefly suspend biometric checks for UK tourists, the Greek Foreign Ministry confirmed they are fully rolling out the EES system this summer.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issued the latest travel guidance on the new border checks, stating: “The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.

“This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.

“On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry.

You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.

Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.”

“You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area.

“EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.”

The EES has faced backlash from the travel sector, with the British Travel Association ABTA urging destinations and border officials to put in place stronger contingency plans for busy travel periods, reports the Express.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of ABTA, said: “The ambition of a project like EES means it was never going to go completely smoothly, and we were prepared for that. However, what is frustrating is that border authorities have it within their power to ease queues and deal with issues as they arise – but that doesn’t seem to be happening across the board.

“As we head towards peak travel periods, we’re urging border authorities to plan for busy periods and use the contingency measure available. It’s critical the Commission keeps a close eye on this.”