Brits

THE UK’s most famous observatory will soon close for two years for a massive renovation project.

Royal Greenwich Observatory in London dates back 350 years and will close for two years on November 2 to undergo a £77million upgrade.

The project, dubbed ‘First Light’, “will bring the story of this historic site to life”, according to the Observatory, as well as “give everyone the chance to experience the wonders of space and time for themselves”.

The Observatory will be home to new galleries, refreshed displays, innovative architecture, as well as improved access for visitors.

As part of the project, there will be a new visitor centre which will be “the jewel in the crown of Greenwich’s UNESCO World Heritage Site”.

Inside the pavilion, there will be a gateway to the rest of the site, which will also have improved access overall, including full accessibility to the Great Equatorial Telescope for the first time.

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There will be new galleries too, in which visitors can explore observation and scientific work that took place at the Observatory.

And there will be new, interactive astronomer galleries, ideal for kids who want to become scientists themselves.

They will explore the fundamentals of astronomy: Light, Matter and Motion.

Many of the existing displays at the attraction will get a refresh including John Harrison’s timekeepers and instruments used for the Prime Meridian line itself.

Visitors can meet astronomers and scientists as well, in the ‘Astronomers’ Court’, with events including live science shows.

Outside the Observatory, Greenwich Park will get new landscaping as well as plants.

The First Light project already began in autumn last year and it is set to be complete by spring 2028

The Royal Observatory will close on November 2, 2026 but parts of the attraction such as the Meridian Courtyard, are expected to reopen in summer 2027.

FOURTEEN British cities are eyeing up a new “tourist tax” meaning tourists and Brits heading on staycations will face paying hundreds more for their trip.

This comes as Andy Burnham approved the plans yesterday (September 10) to add five per cent to overnight stays.

Yesterday, the prime minister announced plans to allow mayors to impose an uncapped charge on overnight stays, although Labour mayors have pledged to cap the new fee at 5 per cent or below.

The additional fee would be added to hotel bills, and apply to those staying overnight in hotels and holiday lets including Airbnb and guesthouses.

All visitors, regardless of nationality and reason for visit, will have to pay it. It will be uncapped, meaning mayors can choose how much to charge.

The money would then be used to fund local amenities such as public transport and infrastructure.

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Cities and regions that may soon introduce the additional charge include London, Liverpool, Bristol and Bath.

As well as cultural hubs such as Durham, Manchester, York and Newcastle.

Earlier, the government had promised to protect budget holidays “by making sure low-cost accommodation always pays lowest levy” and said the extra cash would be invested in high streets.

However, the chief executive of UKHospitality, Allen Simpson, warned the BBC that the new charge could add nearly £100 to £120 to the average cost of a UK family holiday.

This also comes at a time where the hospitality industry has already suffered from rises to Employer National Insurance and the minimum wage, costing the sector billions.

However, these would not be the first regions in the UK to implement the new charge – which could come as early as 2028.

In Manchester, a “city visitor charge” of £1 per room per night already applies to some hotels, however the new tourist charge would replace it.

ABTA has issued a statement on the situation at airports across the UK, advising passengers of their rights and what steps they should take if their flight is cancelled or delayed this week

ABTA, the UK’s biggest trade travel association, has issued a statement amid air traffic control chaos at British airports which has continued into a second day.

According to BBC figures, obtained from aviation analytics firm Cirium, 1,750 flights were cancelled yesterday (Tuesday, September 8), and more than 150 have been cancelled today so far. Significant delays are also expected to persist today due to the knock-on effect of yesterday’s cancellations.

At least 16 major UK airports have been affected by the wave of cancellations, which are due to a major technical problem impacting National Air Traffic Services (NATS), leading ABTA to issue advice to affected passengers.

Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA, said in a statement: “If your flight has been delayed or cancelled customers will have rights, which will vary depending on whether they booked their flight separately or as part of a package.

“ABTA members will be supporting those booked with them, to help make alternative arrangements, and we have advice on abta.com to help people understand their rights.

“While the immediate priority is supporting customers, as this isn’t the first NATS outage to cause widespread disruption, the industry and the public will want answers as to what has gone wrong, what lessons are being learned, and how the system will be made more resilient to avoid this happening again.”

ABTA has advised passengers to visit it FAQs page, which gives passengers a breakdown of their rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled. If a flight is delayed, your airline is required to offer certain support, from refreshments to accommodation and transfers, depending on the length of the delay and the route.

ABTA also says: “If the delay exceeds five hours, your airline must offer you the choice of taking a refund of the flight cost.” However, it’s unlikely passengers hit by today’s delays and cancellations will be able to claim for additional compensation. It states: “if it wasn’t the airline’s fault, you won’t be entitled to receive any compensation. Delays caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.”

For those hit by cancellations, ABTA says: “If your flight is cancelled and you’re departing from the UK, your airline must offer you the choice of a replacement flight at the earliest opportunity or a refund.”

It advises: “If you were at the airport when your flight was cancelled, and you’ve chosen rerouting, you’re also entitled to care and assistance while you wait to be rerouted. This usually means food, drink, access to communications (e.g. two free phone calls) plus accommodation and the necessary transfers if the replacement flight departs the next day or later.”

Airlines affected by delays and cancellations include London-Heathrow, Gatwick, London-Stansted, London-City, London=-Southend, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Liverpool John Lennon, Aberdeen, Belfast, EMA, Southampton, Leeds and Jersey.

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BRITS are being caught out by visa rules which is seeing thousands banned from their flights.

While UK holidaymakers can (currently) travel to Europe without needing a visa, other countries do not have such rules.

A new study by Confused.com found that more than 2,800 Brits were stopped at the border between 2023 and 2025 to just two destinations.

When it came to the US, this saw 242 refusals in 2014, followed by 1,451 last year.

All UK travellers need a an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to visit the US, which was launched back in 2008.

Confusion often comes when travelling via the US as a layover – an ESTA is still required , even if in America for a few hours without leaving the airport.

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ESTAs currently cost $40.27 (£30), a steep jump from $21 (£15.38) last year.

But a large number of Brits were also refused entry at the Australian border too.

An eVisa is required from all UK travellers visiting Australia for holiday purposes which lets you stay up to three months in a 12-month period.

Thankfully, this is free although it must be applied for being travelling.

According to Confused.com, more than 300 people were refused entry to Australia because of travel document problems between 2023 and 2025.

Some places have recently scrapped visas, such as China until the end of 2026.

And Sri Lanka has scrapped ETA visa fees, which were usually $50 (37), although you will still need to apply for a free one.

From next year, Brits will need an ETIAS to visit Europe, which is a visa-waiver similar to the American ESTA and will cost £18, lasting three years.

In response, Confused.com has launched a new visa checker tool which helps you find out what you need for your travels.

Tom Vaughan, travel insurance expert at Confused.com said: “Being turned away at border control is something no traveller expects, but it’s a real risk if you’re unsure about the entry requirements for your destination.

“Visa rules can be complex and vary between countries, so even small mistakes can result in people being refused entry and losing out on their holiday.

“And it’s worth knowing that if you’re refused entry, it may not be covered by standard travel insurance.”

Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for all UK nationals heading to Thailand

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for all UK nationals travelling to Thailand.

The south-east Asian country is enormously popular with Brits and other tourists alike, largely owing to its vibrant culture, cuisine, warm weather, and breath-taking beaches and islands. Approximately a million travellers make their way to Thailand from the UK each year. In a fresh new issued on Tuesday, September 8, the FCDO confirmed that a significant travel rule for Thailand is set to change.

The latest guidance refers to tighter restrictions on visa-free stays coming into force from September 15, 2026. This represents a departure from the previous rules, which allowed visa-free stays of up to 60 days for tourism, business engagements, and urgent work, with the option to extend for a further 30 days.

Those intending to work, study, retire, or settle in Thailand must obtain the relevant visa prior to travelling. If you entered Thailand before September 15, you will generally be permitted to remain for the duration granted upon arrival.

The updated guidance highlights that British nationals have been refused entry for failing to demonstrate sufficient funds or proof of return travel. Border authorities may request evidence of at least 10,000 Thai baht per person (or 20,000 Thai baht per family), as well as confirmation of onward travel.

The FCDO has also revised its safety guidance concerning Thailand’s rainy season. While the general timeframe remains May to October for the majority of the country, and November to March for Koh Samui and south-east Thailand, the updated advice notes that “weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable and periods of intense rainfall can occur across Thailand.”

It continues: “Heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding, landslides and disruption to transport, particularly in northern, north-eastern and mountainous areas. Conditions can change rapidly and may result in road closures and local travel disruption. Lakes, caves and waterfalls are particularly at risk of dangerous flash flooding.”

Holidaymakers are urged to heed local authority guidance and keep a close eye on the Thai Meteorological Department for weather warnings.

BRITS are facing huge queues and delayed trains after an operational issue has caused problems at the border.

Le Shuttle – previously called Eurotunnel Le Shuttle – has warned passengers not to arrive early in Folkestone for their train.

This is due to huge ongoing delays.

In a statement, they said: “Due to an operational issue, you may experience longer waiting times than usual.

“Please do not arrive more than two hours before your booked departure.”

The website warns of departure delays of approximately four hours from Folkestone to Calais, while the return Calais to Folkestone has delays of three hours.

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However on the website, a 11:24am departure from Folkestone to Calais has now been scheduled for 4:45pm, with this having a knock on effect for the rest of the departures today.

The latest update on the website is for the 3:24pm departure which will now leave at 6:45pm.

A Calais to Folkestone train scheduled for 4:36pm is now set to depart at 7:51pm.

According to local media, one traveller said their train was delayed by 3.5 hours.

Another wrote on social media: “I am on my way to the terminal for a train at 8:24.

“You are running 4.5h late! How can I cancel my trip and get a full refund?”

A third said there were “hundreds of delayed people waiting to board”.

It isn’t clear what has caused the issue or when it will be fixed.

The Sun has contacted Eurotunnel for comment.

A major travel change is set to impact British holidaymakers going to and from Europe as of today (7 September), and an expert has issued some crucial advice to avoid disruption

An expert has issued a warning to all Brits travelling to and from Europe as a significant change comes into force.

The European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) was rolled out across airports earlier this year, and, in a bid to reduce travel disruption, member states were permitted to relax some of its restrictions. EU countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain were allowed to temporarily “lift biometric registration” until the end of summer to ensure there was “some relief for the worst-case scenario”, and temporarily switched off the EES when required.

Many European countries utilised the eased measures, particually during the summer holidays, as the EES requires all British passport holders to create a digital record and register their biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photograph, upon arrival in the Schengen area. However, as of today, Monday, 7 September, the ability to relax EES requirements is expected to have expired, with no formal announcement made of an extension.

With uncertainty building that it could prompt airport chaos if there is no further leeway given to Brits when travelling through the EU and the digital system, an expert has issued a warning about the impacts. Anton Radchenko, aviation expert and CEO of passenger-rights company AirAdvisor, explained: “The part of this most travellers have not clocked is that the risk runs both ways. Everyone worries about queues when arriving in Europe, but British passengers can also become trapped at exit control at a Spanish, Italian or other Schengen airport when trying to fly home.

“If a passenger misses an operating flight solely because of a passport-control queue, there is generally no automatic EU261 right to compensation or free rebooking. Airlines may help voluntarily, but passengers should not assume they will, and many insurance policies only cover specified causes such as public transport failure, so the exact wording needs to be checked.

“If the airline delays the flight because passengers are stuck in the queue, its normal care obligations still apply after the relevant waiting period. If it cancels, passengers remain entitled to a refund or rerouting, even though fixed compensation is unlikely where the border disruption was outside the airline’s control.”

Anton added: “My advice is to treat the return journey as seriously as the flight out. Follow the airport’s arrival-time guidance, go to passport control promptly, alert the airline before the gate closes if the queue becomes excessive and preserve time-stamped evidence showing where the delay occurred.”

There have been reports that some member states may still allow eased measures moving forward, although nothing has been officially announced. A European Commission spokesperson told the Guardian at the beginning of last week: “We are in close and constructive contact with those few member states where some adjustments are needed at certain border crossing points. And during an additional period of operational adjustment that is needed at these few operational border crossing points, the commission stands ready to provide additional support to these member states.”

Meanwhile, Ryanair has called on the EU Commission to “immediately” extend the EES flexibility until next year. Ryanair’s COO Neal McMahon said: “The EU’s handling of EES has been a shambles from start to finish. Airlines, airports and border authorities repeatedly warned Brussels that the rollout was not ready, that it would increase processing times and that it would create excessive queues for passengers. Those warnings were ignored, with EU citizens the ones delayed and disrupted.

“Passengers should not be made to pay the price for the EU’s failed EES rollout. Ryanair calls on the EU Commission to urgently extend the EES derogation until at least Apr 2027, so that airports and border authorities have the time needed to fix malfunctioning kiosks, increase staffing levels and ensure the system can operate efficiently before full enforcement is introduced and passengers are condemned to these excessive border control delays for another season.”

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BRITS jetting off to countries including Spain and France should be aware of new entry rules which are set to be rolled out in full in just a matter of days.

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is an automated border check for non-EU nationals, comes into full force on September 7.

It involves people from third-party countries such as the UK having their fingerprints registered and photograph taken to enter the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 European countries, mainly in the EU.

This system first launched back in April, and was linked to lengthy queues and in some cases passengers missed their flights.

As it stands, EU member states are able to pause the checks in “exceptional circumstances”. This includes when queues get too long.

But come September 7, they will no longer be able to temporarily switch off the system at airports.

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It means the rules will be fully enforced with no exceptions, raising fears of even longer queues for British holidaymakers.

Popular holiday destinations including Greece, Spain and France have all used flexibility when needed.

Back in July, countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland wrote to Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner asking to keep the congestion EES opt-out, EuroWeekly News reported.

The countries backed a full roll out, but did not want to face a cliff edge before Christmas.

A decision has not yet been made on the extension, so travellers should prepare to use the EES machines on September 7.

It comes as the new system has caused huge problems for those holidaying abroad this summer.

Some Brits reported waiting for up to six hours in airports and others even missed their flight.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for British passport holders entering Ireland and the ID that is required

The Foreign Office has issued an important travel update for Brits planning to visit Ireland.

On Friday, 4 September, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its information on the ID requirements for British passport holders when travelling from the UK to Ireland. On the Foreign Office’s entry requirements page for Ireland, it advised Brits that while they don’t need a passport to enter Ireland, it might be best to carry one.

Outlining the requirement for passports and ID, the FCDO said: “British nationals are not legally required to show a passport to enter Ireland, but it may be useful to carry in case you need to prove your identity. British and Irish citizens can continue to travel freely between the UK and Ireland under the Common Travel Area.

“Some airlines and ferry operators have introduced, or will be introducing, a passport-only identification requirement. Check your carrier’s requirements before departure and, where necessary, travel with a valid passport. Check the Ireland Citizens Information Board for guidance on acceptable ID. Irish immigration officers are entitled to ask for proof of British nationality in the course of their work.”

The FCDO also confirmed that British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Ireland. They stated: “You can visit and remain indefinitely in Ireland under the Common Travel Area rules. British nationals do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study in Ireland. Although Ireland is in the EU, it is not part of the Schengen area, and Schengen rules do not apply.

“As Ireland is not in the Schengen area it is therefore not affected by the new Entry/Exit System (EES) that will be introduced in Schengen countries from 12 October 2025. You will not need to register for EES when entering Ireland. Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.”

It comes after it was confirmed that anyone travelling by ferry between the UK and Ireland will be required to show a passport before boarding. As it stands, those catching a ferry to and from the Irish ports of Dublin and Rosslare can use photo IDs rather than passports, but from September 28, passports will be required.

In the update, Irish Ferries confirmed: “From 28 September 2026, all passengers travelling on Irish Ferries services between the Republic of Ireland and Britain must present a valid passport or Irish passport card before boarding. The new passport requirement applies to Irish Ferries’ Dublin–Holyhead and Rosslare–Pembroke routes, in both directions.

“This requirement applies to all passengers, including Irish and UK citizens. From 28 September 2026, driving licences, national identity cards and other forms of photographic identification will no longer be accepted for travel on these routes.

“Irish Ferries is introducing this requirement to comply with UK Border Force requirements on the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.”

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A TRAVEL company has gone into administration – resulting in all holidays currently stopped.

Some Brits have even said they’ve been left ‘stranded’ with plans cancelled at the last minute.

Wayfairer Travel Limited is a luxury travel company which specialises in specially made packages to destinations like Maldives, Japan, Peru and Namibia.

However after almost 15 years since it was founded, the company has been forced to suspend all services “until further notice”.

A spokesperson for Wayfairer Travel said: “We are truly sorry for the concern and uncertainty caused by the current situation. Wayfairer Travel has currently suspended all services until further notice.

“At this stage, we are unable to provide further information until we have received the appropriate accounting and legal advice.

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“These discussions are currently under way, and we expect to provide a formal update during the week commencing 31 August.

“We appreciate your patience and sincerely apologise that we cannot provide greater clarity at this time.”

Some customers currently on trips or with bookings have complained that they have been left without any information.

A few hours ago on Trustpilot, one customer said that Wayfairer has left them “stranded in Botswana”.

He explained how he and his parents were on a safari when they were informed that Wayfairer “failed to pay any bills associated with our itinerary.”

He continued: “We are currently trying to complete our vacation out of pocket with no word from Wayfairer or offer of refund or compensation.”

On Google Reviews one woman wrote yesterday that the company cancelled their trip to Japan at the last minute.

She said: “They released all of our bookings and reservations, and advised that we contact our travel insurance. We have heard that they went out of business but that was not confirmed.”

Another said two days ago how Wayfairer Travel had “cancelled arrangements four days prior to the trip”.

Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT) said it has been told that Wayfairer is “unable to continue trading and is taking steps to appoint an administrator”.

ABTOT has advised costumers not to travel if they have booked a holiday with Wayfairer Travel on or before September 30.

If travelling later than this date, it has said to wait for further information.

Sun Travel has contacted Wayfairer Travel Ltd. for comment.

OVER one million tourists visit Thailand every year – especially in the autumn, winter thanks to its sunny climate.

But for anyone heading there soon, there’s bad news as the amount of time you can stay is being slashed in half.

Since July 2024, the country allowed tourists from 93 countries – including the UK – to stay in the country for 60 days without a visa.

But in a matter of weeks, the allowance is being cut in half.

Starting September 15, 2026, nationals of 60 countries and territories, including the UK will be allowed to stay visa-free for up to 30 days. 

According to officials, the list was revised to “reflect current circumstances, taking into account national security and economic considerations as well as the promotion of tourism”.

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Tourists can visit still visit 30 days visa-free for tourism, business engagements, and urgent or ad-hoc work.

Advice on the GOV.UK has a warning for anyone who stays in Thailand longer than the given period – or if you stay without a visa.

It reads: “If you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht. You risk being:

• held in detention
• deported at your own expense
• banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years

“Conditions in detention centres can be harsh.”

Other entry requirements are that your passport has an expiry of at least six months after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page for stamping.

Travellers also need to complete a digital card at least three days before arrival.

A new study suggests one in four workers are travelling more for business than before the pandemic, with many embracing the new ‘bleisure’ trend.

A quarter of workers are now travelling more for business than they did before the pandemic, research has revealed. A study of 2,000 adults who have previously travelled for work discovered 18% have undertaken 12 or more business trips in the past year.

During that period, the busiest months for travel were May, September and April, with the average employer willing to splash out £165 for accommodation. Meanwhile, £68 was the average daily allowance for meals and transport.

The research was commissioned by Hotels.com, which has introduced a new business travel experience through its app to make work trips quicker and simpler to arrange.

The app allows business travellers to save work-trip preferences, locate business-ready hotels, rebook favoured stays and earn rewards on corporate trip.

The study also forms part of the global marketplace’s Booked for Business report, which discovered 48% of workers believe the finest business travel destinations combine work and leisure, reflecting what it describes as “the growing importance of ‘bleisure’ travel”.

According to those surveyed, cities London, New York and Paris epitomise this ‘bleisure’ travel trend the most, making them the optimal destinations for work-related travel.

Business travellers are also placing greater emphasis on the benefits they receive when travelling for their jobs – with 26% revealing they make a hotel stay “great.”

These include a complimentary breakfast (51%), room upgrades (32%) and flexible check-in (26%).

But when it comes to completing the job, 57% said access to high-speed Wi-Fi is a crucial priority.

Melanie Fish, travel expert and spokesperson for Hotels.com, said : “Business travel is no longer just about getting from one meeting to the next. Travellers want a hotel and destination that can keep up with both sides of their personality.

From high-speed Wi-Fi and an early breakfast before a big presentation to a great location and a comfortable place to unwind afterwards.”

Balos Beach in Chania, Crete, was inundated with tourists at the end of August, many of them struggling to keep steady among the intense throngs attracted to the pretty spot

A beautiful Greek beach has gone viral for all of the wrong reasons.

Some people are bucket-and-spade beachgoers. Others prefer to relax on the sand, enjoying a glass of wine. Some can spend hours splashing about in the waves.

However you prefer to enjoy a day at the beach, it’s unlikely your ideal seaside trip involves getting crushed by hundreds of fellow sunseekers scrabbling not to fall into the water.

That was the scene at Balos Beach in Crete at the end of August. Footage taken at the beautiful coastal spot shows it inundated with tourists, many struggling to keep steady among the intense throngs.

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In the roasting hot Greek weather, beachgoers were unable to move, packed as they were onto an increasingly popular beach on the north-east of the island. More tourists kept arriving by boat, even as it became apparent that Balos was full.

A video of the beach shared on Instagram has attracted more than a million views and hundreds of comments, many of them despairing about the crowds.

“I get that it’s beautiful and everyone wants to see this… BUT it’s a protected area! Maybe just let a few groups of people at a time go … and not a whole invasion … I’m Greek and this makes me sad … so please if you visit… respect that beautiful place,” one person wrote.

Another added: “Poor Balos. In a few years, this beautiful natural environment will be destroyed.” A third wrote: ” Pathetic. At least leave an unspoilt corner for us Greeks and go to Mykonos. Please.”

Efforts have been made to protect some of Crete’s best-loved beaches from the impacts of overtourism.

Balos Lagoon, Elafonisi and Falassarna are all protected under the European Union’s Natura 2000 network due to their ecological importance and rich biodiversity, according to Kathimerini.

Balos is known for its shallow turquoise waters and white and pink-tinged sand.

Giorgos Koukourakis, a special environmental adviser to the Municipality of Kissamos, told the publication: “We have had a problem with overpopulation for the past three or four years. Because these areas have such a good reputation, too many people go there.”

Some steps have already been taken, including limiting the number of sun loungers at Balos to 150, down from 400.

“But even this measure is not enough. When you have to manage 4,000 to 5,000 people a day, it is frightening,” Koukourakis added.

There are now proposals to control beach visits through an online booking system. Officials hope to have it ready next year.

MORE travel chaos could be on the horizon for Brits as a change to the new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced in a matter of days.

EES has already resulted in huge delays at airports, missed flights and these could get worse in a few weeks’ time.

Currently, EU member states are allowed to pause EES checks in “exceptional circumstances”, which includes when queues get too long.

But from September 7, EU states will no longer be able to temporarily switch off the system at their airports.

Over the summer when the number of holidaymakers increased, countries were able to switch the system off for up to six hours.

With an influx of passengers, some countries that made use of this over the summer included France, Portugal and Greece.

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At some airports, the machines had to be shut down and turned on again when they get overwhelmed, just to get them to work.

Air France-KLM told Politico: “When lines form during the busy summer  months, the system is shut off to ensure smooth transit at our hubs in Paris and Amsterdam.”

However, from September 7, EES will be fully enforced with no exceptions.

EES was first introduced in April and requires Brits to register biometrics upon any first entry to a Schengen country.

However, this registration process has been causing long queues and delays at border control across European airports.

Some Brits reported waiting for up to six hours in airports and others even missed their flight.

There have been some other issues as well including one woman who is an identical twin and faced a problem when she was mistaken for her sister.

And older passengers have faced a problem with ‘faded fingerprints’.

OUR Spotlight On column shines a light on the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as some lesser known spots.

As Brazil sees a record breaking number of British tourists flocking to the country in 2026, this week we’ve set our sights on Rio de Janeiro.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the iconic city.

She explained: “I’ve never been to a place that looked exactly like it did in the movies – enter Rio.

“From the 5am pink sunrise of Copacabana Beach, to the men selling teeny tiny bikinis all tied to a huge stick, the city welcomed me with vibrant colours and beautiful chaos.

“Make sure to do some shopping – Havaianas are a steal here compared to the UK, with too many shops to choose from – or just rent an umbrella and lounger for the day for less than £20.

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“Thanks to the many beach vendors, they’ll all come straight to you, serving cocktails, snacks, meals and even accessories.”

Here are some of our other top tips for a trip to the Brazilian capital.

MUST SEE/DO

Hop in a taxi and head over to the district of Santa Theresa, nicknamed Little Lisbon.

The resemblance comes from the very quaint yellow tram that runs the length of it to the fantastic independent shops and cafes.

Street art brings colour to the roads, alongside sellers hawking Brazilian football shirts and rogue monkeys swinging through the trees.

Make sure to order delicious acai bowls and ‘pão de queijo’ a cheesy bread, at Cultivar for a true Brazilian breakfast.

HIDDEN GEM

One of the famous Brazilian clothing brands is Farm Rio – but one has a hidden rooftop that no-one knows about.

Casa FARM rooftop is set across four floors but go to the top and you will get an amazing view of the beautiful Green Lagoon and Christ the Redeemer without the crowds.

BEST VIEW

You can’t visit Rio without going to see the famous Wonder of the World, Christ the Redeemer.

Make sure to check the weather before going up – any fog up there and you’ll only see half the man – but the massive statue surrounded by the city of Rio will leave you in awe of its grandeur.

Then head over to Sugarloaf mountain for just as fantastic views, after hopping in two cable cars to take you up the 1,299ft.

Rio express tour with Christ Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, from £70. See tuimusement.com.

RATED RESTAURANT

Make the most of the beautiful Rio beaches and eat at Tropik Beach Club, which is on Copacabana Beach with hearty bowls of shrimp rice and fresh ceviche, chased by a local caipirinha cocktail and live music as the sun goes down.

If you get snacky on your walk home, try and catch one of the nearby street vendors for a bag of Biscoito Globo a strangely-morish cassava beach snack.

BEST BAR

For a good night out, join the locals in the neighbourhood of Botafogo.

One of the most popular bars is Casa Tão Longe, Tão Perto which serves local Brazilian wines from small distilleries.

You have to be quick here. The tiny rattan seats line the pavement and are in short supply, but it is worth it for the friendly English-speaking staff.

For something a bit finer, head around to Belisco Bar de Vinhos, which serves up fantastic Chilean and Argentinian wine as well.

HOTEL PICK

The Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana couldn’t be better placed, straddling both Copacabana and Ipanema beach.

The rooftop infinity pool has a great snack menu as well as live DJs and beautiful views from the many sunloungers.

The rooms are simple but classy and spacious, many of which have seaview balconies.

Make sure to spend time at breakfast – the buffet is extensive – and book in for a glorious massage at the on-site spa.

Double rooms at Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana cost from £277 based on two sharing on room-only basis. See fairmont.com.

RULES are set to change for any Brits heading to Ireland via ferry from next month.

Passengers will be required to carry a valid passport with no exceptions – or risk being stopped before boarding for the first time in over 100 years.

The change will be enforced from September 28 and is UK Border Force tightening rules on “accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding”.

Currently, passengers are not required to show a passport but can be asked to have another form of photo ID with a photograph like a driving licence or a bus pass.

Ferry operators Stena Line and Irish Ferries which operate regular crossing told customers yesterday of the changes.

Irish Ferries explained: “This is a change to the current ID accepted and means that from 28 September, no other forms of photo ID will be accepted by Irish Ferries for any passengers, including Irish and UK citizens.

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“This is to ensure compliance with UK Border Force requirements relating to the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.”

Irish Ferries operates two routes between Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

These go between Holyhead and Dublin, and Pembroke and Rosslare.

Another ferry enforcing these rules is Stena Line which has crossings between Holyhead and Dublin as well as Fishguard and Rosslare.

Passengers on these crossings must produce a passport on departure and it added that “no other ID is accepted”.

Customers with pre-existing bookings with both ferries will be contacted by customer service prior to their journey.

Previously, passengers didn’t have to carry their passports with them because of what’s known as The Common Travel Area (CTA).

The CTA is a passport-free zone involving the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands dating back to 1923.

British and Irish citizens don’t legally need a passport to travel between the two destinations.

But carrying passports has since became a requirement by airlines like Ryanair and Aer Lingus for passengers flying between the two destinations.

A MAJOR airline has issued a luggage warning about items nearly everyone take on holiday with them.

Jet2 has warned travellers heading on holiday to carry two electronic items in their hand luggage, not their hold luggage.

Power banks and e-cigarettes need to be carried in hand luggage and should be kept under the seat instead of overhead lockers.

Items containing a lithium battery, which includes power banks and e-cigarettes, must be switched off, packed safely and carried in hand luggage.

Any electrical items or lithium batteries that are damaged are not allowed on board.

And if you plan on travelling with a hoverboard or balance wheel that has a lithium battery, it cannot go in hand luggage or hold luggage.

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David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Jet2, said: “Lots of customers travel with everyday items such as power banks and e-cigarettes, so this is a simple but important reminder to check where they are packed before setting off for the airport.

“These items are common, but they do need to be carried correctly, and doing so helps us keep everyone safe while they travel to enjoy their well-deserved holidays.”

The reminder follows a number of lithium battery incidents on a number of flights over the past couple of years.

Back in May, an easyJet flight travelling from Egypt to the UK was forced to divert to Rome after a passenger revealed they had left a phone connected and charging via a power bank in their checked luggage.

In July last year, a power bank caught fire on a Bangkok Airways flight from Samui to Hong Kong.

The CAA’s power bank rules are as follows:

• Power banks must be carried in carry‑on baggage
• Power banks must be individually protected when not in use
• Power banks must not be recharged on board the aircraft
• Power banks should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on board the aircraft
• Maximum of two power banks per person

The trend is seeing people certain Brits take extended breaks from work to travel

Certain Brits planning to take a year off work have been warned they could face a £10,000 pension trap if they use their retirement savings to fund a so-called ‘golden gap year’.

The trend is seeing people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond take extended breaks from work to travel, volunteer or simply enjoy more freedom after decades of employment and family commitments. But experts are warning that a dream year in the sun could come with a hefty financial sting if pension rules are overlooked.

The warning comes as many people prepare to make the most of the final bank holiday of the summer – and potentially start thinking about how they want to spend their later years. PensionBee says taking time out later in life is becoming increasingly attractive, particularly after redundancy, burnout or when children have left home.

But unlike a traditional gap year taken at 18, taking a year out at 58 can have consequences for retirement income. One of the biggest issues is the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA).

Someone aged 55 or over may be able to access a defined contribution pension, but taking taxable income flexibly can trigger the MPAA. This can reduce the amount they can subsequently pay into a pension with tax advantages to £10,000 a year.

That could be particularly important for anyone planning to return to work after their year away and rebuild their retirement savings. The normal annual pension allowance is currently £60,000, although some higher earners and people who have already accessed pensions can face different limits.

Maike Currie, VP personal finance at PensionBee, said: “For years, the words ‘gap year’ conjured up images of backpacks, hostels and young people heading off to see the world before starting their careers. But increasingly, it’s older generations who are taking time out.”

She added: “After decades spent working, raising families, paying mortgages and saving for retirement, it’s understandable that more people want to enjoy some of that freedom while they’re fit and healthy enough to make the most of it.”

But there are several other financial checks people should make before booking flights.

State Pension

Taking unpaid leave can potentially result in gaps in a person’s National Insurance record. People normally need at least 10 qualifying years to receive any new State Pension, while those whose National Insurance record started after April 2016 generally need 35 qualifying years for the full new State Pension.

It is therefore worth checking your State Pension forecast before taking a year away from work. Some missing years can potentially be filled through National Insurance credits or voluntary contributions.

Workplace pension

A sabbatical or period of unpaid leave could also mean that both employee and employer pension contributions stop, depending on the terms of the workplace scheme. That means the true cost of a year away could be considerably greater than the salary sacrificed.

People should check with their employer before leaving work to establish exactly what will happen to their pension.

Keep saving if possible

Even people with little or no relevant UK earnings can generally receive tax relief on pension contributions of up to £3,600 gross a year, subject to eligibility. Under relief-at-source arrangements, this can mean paying £2,880 personally, with £720 added in basic-rate tax relief.

For someone taking a year away, maintaining even modest pension contributions could help limit the damage to their longer-term retirement plans.

Think twice before raiding your pension

Using pension savings to pay for the trip may appear an easy solution, but it can have consequences extending long after the holiday is over.

Taking taxable pension income flexibly can trigger the MPAA and leave someone with much less scope to build up their pension when they return to work.

Don’t blow the lot

Financial experts also warn against spending every penny on the adventure. Anyone taking a long break should retain an emergency fund and continue to budget for unavoidable costs such as rent or mortgage payments, insurance and household bills.

Money should also be set aside for the period after returning home, particularly if there is no job waiting.

Ms Currie said: “A golden gap year is really about buying yourself something incredibly valuable: time. But you don’t want the trip of a lifetime to leave a lasting hole in your retirement. Think of it as planning for two journeys at once. There’s the adventure you want to have now, and the much longer retirement still ahead of you.”

She urged people to check their State Pension, understand what will happen to workplace pension contributions and think carefully before accessing retirement savings.

The idea of taking a ‘golden gap year’ comes as Government research has found that 55% of people aged 40 to 75 who had not yet retired said they would definitely or probably consider a Midlife MOT.

Brits prefer several UK-based micro-cations across the year – over a holiday abroad

More than four in 10 now prefer several UK-based micro-cations throughout the year – over one annual holiday, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults found they’d rather put the money one big getaway would cost towards multiple tiny breaks throughout the year.

With 20 per cent planning one of these short breaks – set within 100 miles of their home – this bank holiday weekend.

It emerged 76 per cent appreciated these types of holidays as they’ve helped them discover local hidden gems, such as historical landmarks, coastal towns, and British countryside.

Over two in five (44 per cent) are now taking more micro-cations than they were five years ago, compared to only 27 per cent who are upping the number of overseas trips.

The study, commissioned by Smart Energy GB, also found 49 per cent have taken a micro-cation in the past year alone, while 58 per cent agreed micro-cations are now part of their annual travel plans.

And 44 per cent would choose them as a first-choice option rather than a backup.

Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “With household budgets under pressure, shorter breaks closer to home offer the chance to relax, recharge and create lasting memories without travelling far and often at a lower cost.”

The study also found 69 per cent agreed a micro-cation was more affordable than visiting somewhere overseas, and of those who have swapped a holiday abroad for a micro-cation, 67 per cent did so to cut down on costs.

Of those who’ve saved money by doing this type of holidaying, 34 per cent have used the extra cash to take more short breaks, while 47 per cent put it straight into savings.

The study also polled 593 EV drivers and found almost half (47 per cent) said owning an electric vehicle has made them more likely to take a micro-cation.

Two in five (39 per cent) enjoyed the simplicity of leaving home with a fully charged car, and not having to hunt for a service station or public charging point.

Based on public data verified by New Automotive, a 200-mile round trip costs £36.57 in fuel in an average family car.

While it costs as little as £14.92 to charge an EV at home on a standard electricity tariff to cover the same distance – a saving of 59 per cent.

Smart meter owners could reduce costs even further by turning that already-lower cost of £14.92 into just £4.57 on average by charging overnight on a flexible EV tariff.

The OnePoll.com data also revealed 37 per cent of electric car drivers are already displaying this behaviour, versus only 14 per cent who choose public charging points.

Victoria Bacon added: “By using a smart meter to access an EV tariff that fits your needs best, you can save a significant amount on travel costs by charging during cheaper, off-peak periods.”

Double Olympic champion and EV enthusiast, Helen Glover OBE, said: “Some of our best family adventures haven’t involved travelling hundreds of miles – they’ve been spontaneous trips that are less than a couple of hours away by car.

“Whether it’s the rolling countryside of Devon, the dramatic coastline of Cornwall or the peaceful trails of Dartmoor, there are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

“As an EV driver, those local adventures can be more affordable, convenient and sustainable too.”

HELEN’S BUDGET-FRIENDLY TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF A MICRO-CATION:

• Plan ahead: Pack the essentials and plenty of equipment – from a picnic to bikes or paddleboards – so you can enjoy a full day out and keep active without breaking the bank.
• Swap expensive attractions for the great outdoors: Some of the best days out don’t cost a thing.
• Save before you set off: For those who drive an EV, charging at home with a smart meter can unlock access to flexible tariffs, meaning you can charge when electricity is cheaper, keeping travel costs down before you even leave the house.

SINCE the introduction of EES, there have been reports of huge delays, missed flights – and now a new problem has arisen.

It appears that Brits aren’t being correctly recorded as leaving the Schengen Area, meaning they could be banned from entering the EU again and face a hefty fine.

The UK Foreign Office has altered its advice to Brits asking them to carry evidence of when they last left the EU, to avoid being wrongly refused entry.

Brits travelling from the UK to Europe can spend 90 days out of every 180 in the EU – staying over this limit will mean both refusal of entry and a fine.

In some cases a fine can be as much as £8,550.

Before the introduction of EES, Brits would be stamped in and out by officials at passport control.

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Now Brits are being electronically recorded as leaving – but in some cases where EES has been suspended due to long queues, they aren’t.

Without being officially noted as returning home, the clock continues to count down which could cause problems when attempting to re-enter the EU.

Advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) reads: “If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction.

“If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.”

It doesn’t explain what ‘evidence’ is needed but it’s likely to be confirmation of flights out of the country.

Some Brits who have either not been stamped out physically, or electronically by EES have revealed their issues in returning to the Schengen Area.

Talking to Sun Travel, one woman revealed how she got stuck entering Finland after a trip to Rome.

She explained: “I was stopped at the border in Finland last November by border control who said my record was showing I was still in Italy.

“While I had registered with EES going into Rome, it hadn’t recorded me leaving.”

She added: “After a lot of back and forth with border control officers and around 45-minutes of waiting, it was recognised as an error and I was let into the country.”

In another case, Martin Farrall told The Guardian, didn’t have his exit recorded for the Schengen zone.

Martin and his wife arrived by ferry at Hoek van Holland in the Netherlands.

He said that Dutch border officials enrolled them into EES, but that they had no entry stamp on their passports.

Then 55 days later when he returned to the UK via France, they were not given an exit stamp.

Back at home, Martin checked how many days he had left to travel through the Schengen – and it’s continuing to count down. Meanwhile his wife still has 90 days despite both having travelled the same route.

In another case, one passenger who had returned from Ibiza back in April had two entry stamps, but no exit stamps.

They told local media: “On my last two occasions visiting Ibiza on direct UK flights, my UK passport has not been exit-stamped by Spanish immigration authorities upon leaving Ibiza back to the UK.

“I now have two ‘un-closed’ Spanish visits in my UK passport, making a nonsense of the 90-day rule, and running the risk of me being accused of overstaying my rolling 90 days’ allowance. Which I haven’t.”

For more advice on travelling as a family and the new EES system, head here.

Brits now prefer taking multiple UK-based micro-cations throughout the year and EV savings make cost-effective short breaks even cheaper.

More than four in 10 Brits now favour taking several UK-based micro-cations throughout the year – rather than a single annual holiday, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed they would rather put the money a big getaway would cost towards multiple short breaks spread across the year. A fifth are planning one of these short trips – within 100 miles of their home – this bank holiday weekend.

According to the findings, 44% are now taking more micro-cations than they were five years ago. Three quarters enjoy these types of breaks as they have helped them uncover more historical landmarks, coastal towns, and greater swathes of the British countryside.

The study, commissioned by Smart Energy GB, found 49% have taken a micro-cation in the past year alone, while 58% agreed micro-cations are now firmly part of their annual travel plans. For 44%, they have become a first-choice option.

Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “With household budgets under pressure, shorter breaks closer to home offer the chance to relax, recharge and create lasting memories without travelling far and often at a lower cost.”

The research also revealed that 69% agreed a micro-cation was more affordable than heading overseas, and of those who have swapped a foreign holiday for a micro-cation, 67% did so to save money.

Of those who’ve cut costs by taking this type of break, 34% have used the extra cash to enjoy more short trips, while 47% put it straight into their savings.

The research also surveyed 593 EV drivers and discovered that almost half (47%) said owning an electric vehicle has made them more inclined to take a micro-cation.

Two in five (39%) appreciated the ease of setting off from home with a fully charged car, without having to hunt down a service station or public charging point.

Based on publicly available data verified by New Automotive, a 200-mile round trip costs £36.57 in fuel in an average family car. By contrast, it costs as little as £14.92 to charge an EV at home on a standard electricity tariff to cover the same distance – a saving of 59%.

Meanwhile, smart meter owners can trim costs even further by charging overnight on a flexible EV tariff – bringing the cost down to just £4.57 on average. It turns out that 37% of electric car drivers are already doing this, compared to just 14% who opt for public charging points.

Victoria Bacon added: “By using a smart meter to access an EV tariff that fits your needs best, you can save a significant amount on travel costs by charging during cheaper, off-peak periods.”

Double Olympic champion and EV enthusiast, Helen Glover OBE, said: “Some of our best family adventures haven’t involved travelling hundreds of miles – they’ve been spontaneous trips that are less than a couple of hours away by car.

“Whether it’s the rolling countryside of Devon, the dramatic coastline of Cornwall or the peaceful trails of Dartmoor, there are so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

“As an EV driver, those local adventures can be more affordable, convenient and sustainable too.”

TOP 10 REASONS BRITS ARE PACKING FOR A MICRO-CATION:.

1. Explore more of the UK
2. Discover places closer to home
3. Lower travel costs
4. Avoid hassle of overseas travel
5. More travel flexibility
6. Easier to organise than a longer trip
7. To make holiday budgets go further
8. Easier to fit around work
9. Spend more time exploring
10. Easier to fit around family commitments

TRAINS to a major UK airport are experiencing major delays or have been cancelled due to a fire near the track.

Anyone travelling to the London Stansted Airport today has been warned of the disruption.

Greater Anglia, which operates the Stansted Express, has been forced to cancel many of its trains this morning.

A fire that broke out between Cambridge Heath and London Fields has damaged signalling equipment causing delays on the tracks.

On X, Greater Anglia issued a travel warning. It explained: “A fire next to the track yesterday, between Cambridge Heath and London Fields, has damaged signalling equipment. 

“Trains are unable to run between London Liverpool Street and Hackney Downs. Network Rail engineers are working on replacing the damaged signalling cables as quickly as possible.”

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The routes affected include:

• London Liverpool Street to and from Stansted Airport
• London Liverpool Street to and from Cambridge North London
• Liverpool Street to and from Hertford East Service

Tickets are being accepted at no extra cost on other lines such as the London Overground Mildmay Line between Stratford and Hackney Central.

They are also being taken between Kings Cross and Cambridge and Moorgate and Hertford North, and between Liverpool Street and Kings Cross with London Underground.

On the Stansted Express website, most trains from London Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport have been cancelled up until midday.

Those scheduled are expected to be delayed.

The majority of services from Tottenham Hale to Stansted Airport have also either been either delayed or cancelled.

Only one route from Stratford to Stansted Airport shows as ‘on time’ before midday with at least four services being cancelled.