New EU rules for Brits kick off today – what it means for your holiday plans – The Mirror
Need to know
The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully operational, meaning that Brits travelling into major European holiday hotspots will need to go through a new digital border
The EU’s new Entry-Exit System (EES) has been fully rolled out(Image: Getty Images)
Five things to know about the new EU rules
As of Friday, 10 April, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully rolled out, and Brits will be required to go through the digital border system when travelling to the Schengen area.
Countries in the Schengen area include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The EES system is not required for travel into the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, as they are not within the Schengen area.
With the new system in place, Brits will need to “create a digital record” and register their biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photograph, on their first visit to the Schengen area at the airport border upon arrival. This will be free of charge, and holidaymakers do not need to do anything before arriving at the border.
The new EES registration has replaced the former system of manual passport stamps when arriving in the EU. The government noted that the EES may take “each passenger a few extra minutes to complete”, but once done, the EES record is valid for three years. During this time, when entering the Schengen area again, Brits will only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border on entrance and exit.
Brits have been warned to expect delays and allow for extra time at the airport following the full introduction of the EU system, which was first rolled out on 12 October 2025. Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA, said: “What we have said to customers is that, because of the checks, you might need to prepare for delays with extra water and snacks.”
BRITS visiting Europe will be hit with new travel rules from tomorrow, but there are still some exceptions.
A total of 29 countries are set to implement the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) from Friday, April 10.
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The new Entry/Exit System is set to be implemented tomorrow, however some areas are reporting issuesCredit: ReutersBritish passport holders traveling to Europe will face new entry rules from Friday, April 10Credit: Getty
The EES will replace passport stamping for all non-EU citizens this week,after an initial rollout in October 2025.
This new entry system will use machines across airports, ferry terminals, and the Eurostar to log fingerprints and facial images and scan passports.
These machines will be in place at destination airporta when arriving into the EU and before departure for rail and ferry trips from the Port of Dover, Folkestone, and St Pancras International.
All “third-country nationals”, including Brits, will be required to register their details on these machines during their first visit to a Schengen area country, as well as in Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Meanwhile, manual passport stamping will continue to be used in Ireland and Cyprus.
Initially scheduled to become fully operational across all Schengen area border crossing points from Friday, the new process doesn’t appear to be ready in some countries.
Reports suggest that some crossing points are not prepared to start processing non-EU nationals via the new EES machines.
Technical issues in France are having a knock-on effect for the system’s rollout at the Eurostar, as well as at the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle and on cross-channel services between the Port of Dover and Calais.
French authorities confirmed travellers using these services will not be asked to provide fingerprints or facial images as thetechnologyis not yet in place.
Only lorry drivers and coach and foot passengers will be required to register with EES at the Port of Dover.
Chaos is also anticipated for air passengers, with some airports preparing to open Brit-only border control queues in the hope of easing wait times.
The Spanish operator, Aena, said it would adapt security and border control for Brits at Ibiza, Menorca, Malaga and Palma, Majorca airports.
Digital EES records will be valid for three years, with non-EU nationals who return during this time only required to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border, when entering or exiting.
29 countries implementing the Entry/Exit System
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
The introduction of EES will be fully rolled out tomorrow, with 29 countries included on the listCredit: Reuters
Rules around travel to Europe are changing – make sure you’re prepared by following a travel expert’s tips.
Arrive early and have documents ready to avoid queues, especially if you’re travelling with a big family(Image: Getty)
Nobody wants to face those dreaded airport queues; there’s nothing to ruin the start of a holiday than being stuck in a long queue, stressing about whether you’ll make your flight, surrounded by equally frustrated travellers.
From April 10, new biometric checks will become mandatory for all non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area which will include Brits. Traditional passport stamping is now replaced by fingerprint scans and facial recognition. While it is meant to be a quick process, major international hubs are already reporting long queues of up to four hours for the service, especially at airports that host multiple airlines.
With that in mind, Jane Bolton, a travel expert at Erna Low, has shared four simple but essential tips to help passengers avoid unnecessary delays and start their trip without delays.
Arrive earlier than you think you need to
“Airport wait times can vary, but with the new EES checks, queues of up to four hours are expected at peak times,” Jane explains. “In the past, travellers were advised to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for an international flight. Now, it’s worth allowing more time than usual.”
To be extra prepared, Jane would recommend arriving three to four hours before the flight to account for additional biometric checks slowing down border processing – especially if you’re flying during busier holiday periods.
Consider fast-track options where possible
But spending so much time in airports isn’t exactly everyone’s idea of fun. In that case, fast-track security could be worth the investment. “As long queues are expected, passengers should opt for alternative time-saving methods where possible,” Jane says. “Purchasing fast-track tickets for security is a great method for reducing the time needed prior to a flight.” Typically costing between £3 and £12, these passes can help you bypass long security lines, a price she says is “a relatively small investment for peace of mind.”
Plan carefully if you’re travelling with family
Under the new system, families might even face additional challenges – children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting and facial recognition, but they must be linked to a registered adult. “For families or large parties travelling, allowing extra time at the airport is essential,” Jane explains. “This process will take longer than average, so plan ahead and keep all documents ready.”
Double-check your passport before you go
Since Brexit, Jane says, one of the most common mistakes travellers make is assuming their passport is valid everywhere, at any point. “Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your travel date and be valid for at least three months after departure,” Jane says. She stresses that, while most would know their passport is expired, some wouldn’t think to check one thing that also matters: the issue date. She explains: “For example, a passport issued in March 2015 and expiring in December 2025 won’t be valid for EU travel after March 2025.” Failing to check this could mean being turned away at the airport before your trip even begins.
The UK is in talks about considering making the same decision
13:42, 08 Apr 2026Updated 15:16, 08 Apr 2026
Major decision made for millions across the country (Image: Getty)
Greece has announced that it will introduce a brand new rule next year that will impact millions of people. The change comes months after Australia implemented a similar decision in December 2025, and now Greece is urging the European Union to follow suit with its upcoming ‘ban‘.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, that Greece will ban all children under 15 from accessing social media. The measure, which will come into force on January 1, 2027, is designed to protect children’s mental health and will apply irrespective of parental consent.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis cited “unambiguous” evidence that addictive screen time and social media algorithms are contributing to anxiety and sleep deprivation among children. Data from the Greek Safer Internet Centre in Athens shows that 75% of children currently using social media in Greece are of primary-school age.
It comes as the UK government has started a discussion about possibly banning under-16s, and Ireland and Denmark are considering doing the same. Last month, the House of Lords supported a proposal to ban under-16s from using social media platforms in the UK.
In a video posted on TikTok, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: “We have decided to go ahead with a difficult but necessary measure: ban access to social media for children under 15 years old. Greece is among the first countries in the world to adopt such a measure.” The prime minister went on to say he would put pressure on the European Union to follow suit.
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The Greek government plans to enforce the ban through its existing ‘Kids Wallet’ application, which is already used to verify ages for alcohol and tobacco purchases. This application will be used to filter and block social media access at the device level.
Unlike approaches that rely on social media platforms to police themselves, Greece is pursuing a ‘source-based’ approach. Parents will be required to activate the Kids Wallet app on all of a child’s devices to block access at the system level. Greek officials hope this state-mandated device-level block will effectively counter circumvention methods, such as VPNs.
Greece joins other nations implementing strict age-based digital restrictions, including Australia, which enforces an under-16 ban, and Indonesia. Following the announcement, Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for a common EU-wide “Digital Age of Majority” to be set at 15.
While both Greece and Australia share the goal of protecting children’s mental health, their enforcement methods differ significantly. Australia’s existing under-16 ban places the burden on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to find and remove underage accounts.
Since its launch in December 2025, Australia’s platform-based model has faced challenges. The eSafety Commissioner recently reported “significant concerns” about platforms that allow children to bypass checks or that provide insufficient reporting tools for parents.
Australia’s ban impacts ten major “high-risk” social networks but largely spares educational and messaging services like Google Classroom and WhatsApp. The Greek proposal is part of a broader framework that also restricts minors from online gambling, dating apps, and tobacco and alcohol sales.
Meanwhile, the UK government is actively considering an outright ban on social media for children under 16 through a high-profile national consultation and legislative debate. A three-month government consultation on “digital wellbeing” is currently open, seeking views on restrictions such as overnight curfews and “app caps,” and is scheduled to close May 26, 2026.
In the legislative arena, the House of Lords has twice defeated the government by adding an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would mandate a social media ban for under-16s. The House of Commons previously rejected this measure in March 2026, with the bill scheduled to return to the Commons on April 15, 2026.
The finance expert has said these could help make travelling much smoother
15:02, 07 Apr 2026Updated 15:07, 07 Apr 2026
Martin Lewis’ wallet ‘essentials’ before any trip abroad(Image: ITV)
Martin Lewis has said that Brits going abroad should have up to five essential items in their dedicated ‘holiday wallet’. These important items could make travelling much easier, and in some cases, cheaper, through one simple money-saving technique.
According to the Money Saving Expert (MSE) website, founded by Martin Lewis, he has previously suggested that people set aside a separate wallet or purse for use only when abroad. He recommends keeping five items inside at all times, even when you get back to the UK, to make future holidays ‘easier’.
The financial broadcaster calls this his ‘overseas wallet or purse‘, and he has followed this advice for decades. In the 2013 blog post, the ITV regular said: “I genuinely have a second wallet I pick up when I go abroad. Not to better match my overseas shoes, but as a MoneySaving arsenal to ensure that when I am away, I get more bang for my buck.”
Starting with some of the most common and relevant to the average traveller. Martin suggested that this wallet should have a specific bank card for overseas use.
He said: “Everyone who regularly travels abroad should hold a specialist overseas credit card. This isn’t about borrowing, it’s simply an easy vehicle to get the best exchange rates in every country.
“Spending abroad on most plastic should be avoided. While banks and building societies themselves get the nigh-on perfect Visa/Mastercard wholesale rate, they then add a 3% load to what they charge us.” If you can’t get a credit card or don’t want one, prepay cards are effectively an electronic traveller’s cheque.
Martin wrote: “Load it up with cash in advance and use it while away. If you lose it, no problem, pay a replacement fee and the cash is re-credited.”
If you frequent the same country or region often, cash leftover from previous trips. Although it can be tempting to swap anything back into pounds straight away, it could be a welcome surprise for future trips – whether that be a few months, a year or more later.
If people are often travelling in European countries, such as Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, it might be worth keeping a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) in their travel wallet for emergency medical care . It is free on the official NHS site and lets UK travellers access state-run healthcare in EU countries and Switzerland for certain medical costs, often at the same price locals pay.
These cards don’t replace travel insurance, which you’ll need for things such as cancellations, private hospitals or repatriation. Check the expiry date at the bottom right of your card now, as many could be travelling with expired cards.
For anyone who drives abroad, keep your original driving license handy (and remember to swap it out of any physical travel wallets before packing them away). Martin said: “As well as the obvious car hire advantages, it’s also useful as ID, which is often demanded when paying by card.”
When travelling further afield, and over to the United States, a copy of your ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) number will be handy to keep close. An ESTA lasts for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Once it runs out, you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Although you don’t need to present the reference number at Border Protection when you land in the US, print or screenshot it and bring it to the airport. That’s because some airlines may require it at check-in, so check with yours.
Martin also said: “My wallet’s also packed with unspent small euro and dollar notes. After all, why pay to change back £30 or £40 of foreign currency? Leave it sitting for next time.” Martin also recommends keeping a photocopy of your passport. He said: “Just in case my passport goes missing, the key details can be very useful.”
Standard adult passport costs are increasing from April 8, but there is one way to do it cheaper
12:11, 06 Apr 2026Updated 12:11, 06 Apr 2026
Applying for a new passport a certain way is £13.50 cheaper than another option(Image: Getty)
Brits in need of a new passport are being reminded that applying via a specific method will save them £13.50 as fees are set to increase this week. Using the Government website to obtain your essential travel document is less expensive than submitting a postal application.
A passport is necessary for travelling overseas. In the UK, they remain valid for 10 years for adults, or five years for those aged under 16. When your passport is approaching its expiry date, it is crucial to apply for a replacement well in advance, to avoid the risk of having to cancel a holiday. However, you may be unaware that the method by which you apply for a new passport can have an impact on the cost.
At present, applying for a standard adult passport online costs £94.50. However, obtaining the same passport via a postal application is priced at £107 – a difference of £12.50.
This gap is set to widen further with the introduction of revised fees from April 8. The update means that a standard adult passport will cost £102 to order online and £115.50 through the post – a difference of £13.50.
New passport fees
The full list of passport fee changes:
Adult: takes up to three weeks to arrive – online cost now – £94.50, online cost from April 8 – £102, postal cost now – £107, postal cost from April 8 – £115.50
Adult fast-track – arrives one week after appointment – online cost now – £178, online cost after April 8 – £178
Adult ‘Premium’ – given at the appointment – online cost now – £222, online cost after April 8 – £239.50
Child – takes up to three weeks to arrive – online cost now – £61.50, online cost after April 8 – £66.50, postal cost now – £74, postal cost after April 8 – £80
Child fast-track – arrives one week after appointment – online cost now – £145, online cost after April 8 – £145
To apply online, visit GOV.UK. You will need a digital photo, a credit or debit card for payment, and your old passport if renewing. You’ll also need to provide information about your identity and citizenship.
You can also get help with your online application at a Post Office. Staff can:
Take your digital photo
Help you fill in the application online
However, this service costs extra.
To apply via post
You can pick up a paper passport application form from your local Post Office and apply by post. It takes longer to apply by post than online.
You’ll need to send off a fully completed application form, supporting documents, two photos, and your fee. If you need help, Post Office staff can check you’ve filled in the form correctly.
However you will need to provide your own photos – and this service costs extra. You can pay by cash, or debit or credit card.
Fast-track applications
According to GOV.UK, it typically takes three weeks for a new passport to be processed and delivered. However, it can take longer if the passport office needs more information. If this is cutting it too close with your holiday, there are two ways to apply for an urgent passport.
GOV.UK says: “You can pay to get a passport urgently if you think the standard service will take too long.” For both of these options you will need to go to a passport office for an appointment:
One day premium
One week fast track
If your passport is lost, stolen or damaged
If your passport has been lost or stolen, you must cancel it before applying for a replacement. And if your passport is damaged, you must replace it.
GOV.UK says: “You may not be able to travel with it.” HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if:
You cannot read any of your details
Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
The cover is coming away
There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)
Before travelling, you should check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting. If you are visiting an EU country, for example, your passport should be valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the EU and it must have been issued within the last 10 years.
For full details and to renew online visit GOV.UK here.
Serious food poisoning cases for UK tourists at popular travel hotspots revealed
People eating abroad are being told to take precautions after a study showed the places most likely to get food poisoning(Image: Getty)
All UK travellers and tourists planning a trip abroad have been issued a warning by health officials after a new study showed high levels of food poisoning hitting some popular resourts. A study from Cambridge University found 13 destinations in particular having higher odds of people contracting serious food poisoning such as Shigellosis, Salmonellosis, and Giardiasis.
The Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro website this week issued an alert warning people to take precautions, especially when travelling to popular destinations outside the EU – although some hotspots there were flagged up in the report too.
Travel Health Pro said: “All UK travellers and tourists planning a trip abroad are reminded to follow good food and water hygiene advice. This study shows that visiting countries outside of the EU, and to high-risk areas which had low water, sanitation and hygiene scores, increases the risk of infections that can cause stomach upset, like diarrhoea or vomiting.
Between 1 July and 15 October 2023, a rise in stomach bugs was reported in travellers returning to England from popular holiday destinations, including Egypt, Mexico, Tunisia and Turkey. Many of these travellers stayed in all-inclusive tourist resorts. The study also suggests the true number of infections is likely to be higher, as it only counted cases diagnosed in travellers after they returned home.”
Destinations where high levels of food poisoning were detected in UK tourists are:
Egypt
Mexico
Tunisia
Turkey
Jamaica
Dominican Republic
Cape Verde
Morocco
India
Pakistan
Thailand,
Greece
Spain
The study said: ”Thirteen destinations were associated with higher odds of becoming a case, of which the highest odds were reported for Egypt, Mexico, Tunisia, and Turkey, with the odds of illness in travellers to Egypt 23 times higher than those visiting France.
“For those travelling to low-risk destinations, eating undercooked meat or fish, eating meat or fish purchased from local restaurants and airports, drinking purified water, and swallowing water from environmental water sources (rivers, lakes, sea, and swimming pools) were all found to be associated with higher odds of illness. In high-risk destinations, eating foods consumed on trips or excursions, swallowing water from environmental sources, drinking fruit juice or smoothies, and eating foods from hotel buffets were all associated with higher odds of being a case.”
Travel health pro this week urged people to take these steps:
Practice good food and water hygiene at all times, even in high-end, all-inclusive resorts.
Wash your hands often, including before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, after changing nappies and before and after sex.
Eat recently prepared food that is fully cooked and served piping hot.
Where there is no clean water supply, drink only bottled or boiled tap water (this includes brushing your teeth).
Always avoid ice in your drinks.
Avoid fresh fruit that you have not peeled yourself and salads not washed with bottled or boiled water.
Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes and untreated swimming pools.
If you become ill abroad:
Drink plenty of ‘safe’ fluids, such as bottled water, or tap water that has been boiled and cooled, and use oral rehydration solutions so that you do not become dehydrated.
Get early medical advice if you are at greater risk of complications from gastrointestinal infections, this includes babies/young children, older adults, pregnant women and people who are immunosuppressed or have ongoing health conditions.
Seek medical help if symptoms (such as diarrhoea and vomiting) last more than a few days or are not improving.
Wash contaminated clothes or bedding on a hot wash and clean toilets, taps and door handles regularly.
Avoid using swimming pools if you have a stomach bug. Take children on regular toilet breaks and check nappies often. If you have been told you have cryptosporidium do not use a swimming pool for 2 weeks after your diarrhoea has stopped.
These stunning destinations are exempt from the new system launching in April.
14:45, 31 Mar 2026Updated 14:45, 31 Mar 2026
These countries will not use the Entry/Exit system(Image: Getty)
Following months of preparation, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will finally be implemented across the Schengen area from April 10.
The new EES will require all non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries to register their biometric data, such as a facial scan and fingerprints, rather than receiving a traditional passport stamp. Numerous popular holiday destinations including Portugal, Italy and Spain will be impacted by the new system.
However, there are 14 countries (15 including the UK) outside the Schengen Area and therefore not implementing the new travel system.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, anticipates a surge in travellers heading to non-Schengen countries as a consequence, reports the Express.
She said: “The introduction of this new border control system may be off-putting to some people who want to book last-minute trips this Easter, especially those who like to keep travel as fuss-free as possible.
“I think we should expect to see an increase in Brits travelling to countries that are exempt from the legislation over the next few months – including the Easter and summer holidays.”
For those looking to sidestep the hassle and make their travels a little more straightforward, Laura has identified three fantastic holiday destinations that will be unaffected by the EES, meaning British tourists can explore freely without the need to provide biometric data.
Kotor, Montenegro
She explained: “Montenegro is quickly becoming one of the most popular up-and-coming destinations in Europe. A less crowded alternative to Croatia, it offers similar quaint towns, gorgeous beaches and a stunning coastline, but it is around 20-30% cheaper.”
For instance, accommodation in Montenegro begins at £23 per person per night, while a three-course meal will cost you £31.78.
Kotor sits on the coast, boasting stunning beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for unwinding. Laura remarked: “This is a great spot if you’re after a chilled, slow-paced holiday, without having to pay huge prices.”
Tirana, Albania
This vibrant capital city is brimming with culture and a food lover’s dream destination. Laura noted: “One of the best ways to explore is by taking a stroll through the streets, following the eccentric street art, graffiti and murals.
“Remember to order Albanian favourites, Fërgesë Gjize (baked cheese with peppers) and Trilece (a tasty pie made with sponge cake and three different kinds of milk) for dessert.”
Sarajevo, Bosnia
Laura said: “It is one of the only places where you can visit a Mosque, a Catholic church, an Eastern Orthodox church and a synagogue in one place.
“Tucked inside a long, thin valley and surrounded by forested mountains, the city has a picture-perfect backdrop. Its broad mix of cultural influences means its architecture is also absolutely beautiful, and its restaurant scene is an eclectic mix of Turkish and Bosnian-inspired offerings.
“And, with prices averaging just £30 per person for a three-course meal, your money really does go far here.”
Selen Ozcan, who has dual citizenship, claims that, despite finally obtaining a British passport, she still puts it to one side while travelling as her original passport is ‘stronger’
Alan Johnson Social News Reporter
13:00, 31 Mar 2026Updated 13:00, 31 Mar 2026
A woman claims her first passport is ‘stronger’ than her British one (stock image)(Image: clubfoto via Getty Images)
A woman who endured a seven-year battle to secure a British passport has shared her clever airport time-saving technique. Selen Ozcan, who splits her time between London and Bahrain, used TikTok to showcase her trick in a brief video.
The travel content creator now possesses dual citizenship, and always keeps her native Romanian passport to hand as well. While navigating security at an airport, Selen posted footage with the caption: “When the immigration line is too long so I have to pull out the stronger passport.” Brandishing her blue British passport, she swiftly moved it aside to display her maroon Romanian one beneath.
During Britain’s membership of the European Union, UK nationals enjoyed the freedom to visit, reside, work, or study in member states without requiring a visa. However, this privilege ceased when the Brexit transition period concluded on December 31, 2020.
Consequently, British passport holders can no longer access the – typically faster – EU citizen border control lanes at airports.
“British citizens also usually need to have their passport stamped upon entry/exit to the EU unless they are family members of EU citizens and resident in the EU,” the Government clarifies online.
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Writing in response to Selen, one TikTok user remarked: “Got my British kid a Romanian passport and now she’s my fast track pass through EU airports haha. My missus is Romanian.”
Another person recounted a similar scenario, saying: “All my UK boys had to wait 15 minutes in a queue at Amsterdam Airport. I skipped all that with my Romanian passport.”
A third commenter argued: “Romania passport is just stronger than UK when entering Schengen and EU. But UK has more access than Romania worldwide.”
While a fourth TikTok user pointed out to Selen: “Travel to USA with Romanian passport and you’ll see the difference between British and Romanian. No offence intended.”
The Henley Passport Index evaluates the world’s passports based on how many destinations holders can enter without needing to obtain a visa beforehand.
“The index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – the largest, most accurate travel information database – and enhanced by Henley & Partners’ research team,” Henley & Partners clarify.
Covering 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, the index receives monthly updates. Based on Henley & Partners’ figures, Singapore claims the top spot with the “strongest” passport, granting visa-free entry to 192 countries.
Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates share second position with 187, while Sweden occupies third with 186.
Britain sits in joint sixth alongside Malaysia and Poland, offering access to 183 destinations – actually ranking higher than Romania, which shares 11th place with Bulgaria, at 177.
All passengers without EU passports will be required to have their fingerprints registered and their pictures taken under new rules, and this is likely to cause bottlenecks
02:28, 31 Mar 2026Updated 02:35, 31 Mar 2026
People queue at passport control in Milan, Italy (file image)(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Brits travelling to Europe over Easter face long delays — up to two hours at times — at border control as strict new entry rules come into effect.
Bottlenecks are expected due to the EU’s new entry/exit system (EES), airports and airlines are warning. Under the rules, all passengers without EU passports will be required to have their fingerprints registered and their pictures taken. These will be captured on first entry into the Schengen zone and then checked at every subsequent entry and exit.
The system, which comes into effect today, requires all non-EU arrivals to undergo the checks. Until now, only 50 per cent of passengers had to be processed at each border point.
Airports Council International (ACI), a trade body, said the latest data from across Europe “shows a continued deterioration in waiting times at border crossing points”. It said waiting times were “regularly reaching up to two hours at peak traffic times, with some airports reporting even longer queues”.
Data released last week showed at least 4,000 holidaymakers have been caught out by the new rule since it was soft-launched in October, after successive delays. During this six-month period, the number of passengers required to undergo checks increased in stages and EU members were able to suspend the system in the event of “operational pressures”.
But now the transition period is ending and passenger processing times is set to increase at border crossings. At larger airports, passengers are directed to kiosks to have their picture and fingerprints taken, although at smaller airports the process is done by an officer.
Speaking to The Times, Olivier Jankovec, the directorgeneral of ACI, and Ourania Georgoutsakou, the managing director of Airlines for Europe, said: “Passengers entering the Schengen area are likely to wait even longer at border control during Easter due to the persisting operational challenges around the EES rollout.
“We reiterate our call on the European Commission and member states to extend the possibility to fully or partially suspend EES —where operationally necessary — during the entirety of the 2026 summer season.
“This flexibility has proven vital in preventing catastrophic operational disruptions during the progressive rollout of the system. If the technical and operational issues with EES are not resolved, this flexibility should remain available during future peak travel periods, such as winter 2026-27.”
EasyJet, the UK’s biggest airline, is planning for its busiest Easter on record, handling more than a quarter more travellers than last year’s Easter weekend. It expects to operate 16,000 flights from the UK over the school holidays, with 5,000 departing during the Easter weekend.
Last week ministers warned that the introduction of EES would present a “significant change for Brits travelling this Easter”. Alex Norris, the minister for border security, said “extra time may be needed, both for your return to the UK and travelling to the EU” and advised passengers to check with their carrier.
EU lawmakers have overcome a key political hurdle in the negotiations of digital euro, making the project closer to approval, according to a draft text seen by Euronews.
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The Parliamentary rapporteurs involved in the legislation have found an agreement on the design of the digital euro, which will be able to function both online and offline.
The digital euro would be an electronic form of cash issued by the European Central Bank, designed to sit alongside banknotes and the payments services offered by commercial banks.
It has taken on new political weight as economic tensions between the EU and the US sharpen the debate over Europe’s reliance on American payment giants, such as Visa and Mastercard.
Under the European Commission’s proposal, digital euro users would have a wallet for both online and offline payments, with transactions designed so they are not trackable.
The situation in Parliament changed on Wednesday evening, when the centre-right politician Fernando Navarrete, who is the leading rapporteur on the file, announced the withdrawal of his position to reduce the scope of the digital euro to offline use only.
His position blocked the advancement of negotiations for months, jeopardising the whole legislative process, according to three sources familiar with the negotiations.
The political deadlock has pushed EU leaders to accelerate progress on the digital euro. At the European Council meeting on 19 March, they set a goal to have the digital euro legislation approved by the end of 2026.
With the Council, representing EU countries, having already adopted its position, the European Parliament is now the only institution left to advance the law.
“Thanks to our amendments and firm stance, we have finally broken the political deadlock on the digital euro. The distinction between online and offline has been removed, and it is now established as a single payment system,” Pasquale Tridico, the rapporteur for The Left, told Euronews.
However, lawmakers still need to agree on two key aspects: the “hold limits” and the “compensation.”
The hold limits determine the maximum amount a user can store in a digital euro wallet, while compensation sets out a model for reimbursing commercial banks that provide digital euro services.
Although negotiations are not yet complete, the text is expected to be voted on in the Parliament’s economy committee before the summer, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The EU approved a sweeping customs reform to handle growing trade volumes and streamline the application of its standards.
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The agreement, which was reached on Thursday evening, introduces new tools to improve the collection of customs duties and increase controls on non-compliant or unsafe goods, without imposing excessive burdens for authorities and traders.
“Today’s agreement marks the greatest reform since the creation of the Customs Union in 1968”, Cypriot Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said in a statement following the adoption of the reform. “This modern toolbox will facilitate trade and ensure the proper collection of duties, in a simplified manner, and with the required legal certainty”, the minister added.
Customs management and trade have gained renewed urgency after trade volumes have sharply increased in the last years. Some €4.6 billion low-value items under €150 were imported to the EU in 2024, representing an average of 12 million parcels per day, according to European Commission data. That is a major increase from the €2.3 billion that entered in 2023 and €1.4 billion in 2022.
In addition, uncertainties over US tariffs, combined with new EU trade deals such as those with MERCOSUR and Australia, make this reform particularly timely.
EU customs data hub
The new rules foresee the creation of an EU customs data hub, which will be an online platform to facilitate the monitoring of trade flows without disrupting their smooth operation.
Businesses importing and exporting from the EU will only need to submit customs information on that single portal.
The hub, which will be operational for e-commerce from July 2028, will be managed by a new European Custom Authority, headquartered in Lille, France.
The Authority will oversee the EU customs by coordinating national offices and supporting them in the risk management. In particular, the Authority will analyse the import and export data to flag cargos that poses the highest risk for inspection.
The reform will also introduce simplified procedures for “trust and check traders” for transparent businesses that will not be subjected to active customs interventions.
For e-commerce operators that fail to comply with EU standards, it will be applied a new system of financial penalties.
The reform foresees a new EU handling fee for small parcels entering the EU starting November 2026, with the exact amount to be decided by the European Commission. From July to November, a temporary €3 tax will apply to all parcels under €150.
Ryanair chiefs have explained (Image: tupungato via Getty Images)
Thousands of Ryanair flights have been cancelled, with the budget carrier continuing its campaign to “keep EU skies open”.
Ryanair has set up a a petition, aimed at the European Commission, to reduce the impact of French Air Traffic Control (ATC) strikes on EU flights. The campaign has now garnered support from more than two million people, with thousands of flights scrapped – and more disrupted – in 2025 alone. In October of last year, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said: “It is inexcusable that Europe’s worst performing ATCs in France, Spain, Germany and the UK continue to inflict avoidable delays and cancellations on millions of EU citizens every month.
“Despite warnings, Europe’s ATC performance is not improving, as national providers fail to properly staff and manage their operations. EU ATC needs reform and its passengers who are paying the price.
“ATC delays have already disrupted 33m citizens so far this year, with France, Spain, Germany and the UK consistently failing to staff and manage their services properly.”
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported last month that Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) delays in Europe have “grown sharply” in recent years, with this “far outpacing traffic growth”. ATFM delays, it said, “have cost airlines and passengers an estimated EUR 17.5 billion since 2015 (in 2025 prices), of which over 70% is linked to capacity shortages and staffing issues”.
The Council of the European Union said last year that “the air traffic control system is increasingly struggling to manage this growing demand”, noting that while “close coordination has been underway for many months between the European Commission and EUROCONTROL as well as ongoing planning between the EUROCONTROL Network Manager, airlines, airports, air navigation service providers and the military … resolving the issue also requires political will at the national level as each country is responsible for providing adequate air traffic services and making the necessary investments to support these services.”
Lille will host the European Custom Authority, a new decentralised agency tasked with supporting and coordinating national customs administrations across the bloc.
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The decision was made on Wednesday in Brussels, after EU lawmakers from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU voted on the matter in three rounds.
“France is one of Europe’s leading customs nations, [considering] one in three parcels entering the EU passes through French territory,” Dutch MEP Dirk Gotink, rapporteur on the customs reform, said in a press statement.
“Lille’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe makes it the natural hub for this authority,” the EU lawmaker continued.
Italy, with Rome as its candidate, was the runner-up in the voting rounds.
Other contenders included Belgium with Liège, Croatia with Zagreb, the Netherlands with The Hague, Poland with Warsaw, Portugal with Porto, Romania with Bucharest, and Spain with Málaga.
Customs management and trade have taken on renewed urgency after former US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs shortly after taking office.
Amid growing global trade uncertainty, the EU has stepped up engagement with international partners. This week, it signed a new agreement with Australia, while the EU–Mercosur deal is set to apply provisionally from 1 April.
The establishment of the new authority is part of the overall reform of the EU customs framework, with key negotiations expected to take place on Thursday.
The reform also aims to tackle the rising pressure from increased trade flows, fragmented national systems and the rapid rise of e-commerce.
The agency is expected to be set up in 2026 and could become operational in 2028 according to a draft schedule which is still be subject to significant changes.
An expert has explained all(Image: John Lamb via Getty Images)
Holidaymakers are being made aware they may face additional expenses due to continuing unrest in the Middle East. With flight cancellations, disrupted travel routes and official advisories now in effect, many with travel plans remain uncertain about their financial position should trips be delayed or cancelled entirely.
Alicia Hempstead, Travel Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, has addressed a series of questions concerned travellers may be asking. She explained: “Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that travel insurance will cover travellers affected by the current situation in the Middle East.
“Most standard policies will not allow claims resulting from events that fall under standard exclusions like war and civil unrest. This means any claims for costs linked to disruption, such as cancelled trips, lost items, emergency accommodation, or medical treatment resulting from the conflict are unlikely to be covered.”
Foreign Office guidance
“In serious crises, such as the current situation in the Middle East, which has prompted updated Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warnings, the FCDO will usually coordinate support and evacuation efforts. However, this assistance is not guaranteed and does not replace travel insurance. Depending on the circumstances, travellers may still be responsible for some costs, even if they receive help from the FCDO.”
Can I get my money back if my flight is cancelled?
“As flights are being cancelled and significantly delayed, airlines have legal obligations under UK and EU passenger rights rules to offer either a full refund or to re-route at no additional cost. Once services resume, carriers must also offer re-routing options. Passengers’ first point of call should be to check directly with their airline for the latest updates, as policies may vary by departure location and the specific disruption.
“For those due to travel in the coming weeks or months, refunds are not automatic simply because the FCDO advises against travel. However, many airlines and tour operators may offer refunds or flexible rebooking options if the FCDO formally advises against all travel to a destination. Travellers should check the terms and conditions of their booking carefully, and contact their airline or travel provider if they are unsure.
“Be aware that operators may be experiencing high volumes of enquiries, so refunds or rebooking arrangements may take several days or weeks to process and you may need to be prepared for longer waiting times on the phone or online.”
Can I get specialist insurance?
“Travellers who knowingly travel to high-risk areas typically require specialist high-risk or conflict-zone insurance that explicitly covers war-related incidents. These policies tend to be more expensive and come with strict conditions, but they are the only way to secure cover for conflict-related risks.
“For instance, Dubai has previously been a very popular destination, and travellers who have holidays booked may find their hotel costs aren’t covered because their standard policy excludes war-related incidents.
“It’s always a good idea to check directly with your hotel, or if you’re on a package holiday, with your provider, to understand what might be refundable or rebookable if your plans are affected.”
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) option
“A future option to ensure you’re always as protected as possible is to opt for Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance, which can offer reimbursements of around 50-75% of non-refundable, prepaid trip costs. However, these premiums come at a higher price and aren’t offered by all UK insurers.
“If you don’t have specialist cover in place, your best first step is to speak directly to your airline, hotel, or tour operator to understand what flexibility or refunds they may be able to offer before assuming your travel insurance will pay out.”
Tehran, Iran – Military and political authorities in Iran are projecting a message that “victory” is near as war with the United States and Israel continues to escalate, and air strikes and assassination attempts are reported across the country.
Massive joint US-Israeli air raids were recorded in multiple areas of the capital Tehran overnight into Sunday, and in central Iran’s Isfahan city in the morning, a day after Dezful and Andimeshk in western Khuzestan and several other cities were hit.
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Israeli warplanes also conducted two separate sets of precision strikes on privately-owned residential units located in small towns in the green provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran to the north on Saturday, which appeared to be assassination attempts on officials.
Local authorities confirmed that several people were killed, but did not elaborate. Israeli and US media said a senior drone commander is believed to have been killed.
Nevertheless, top officials in Tehran said they were unyielding and focused on retaliatory attacks.
Parliament speaker and former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the fact that Iranian missiles struck Israel’s Dimona overnight shows that a “new stage of battle” has started where “Israel’s skies are defenceless”.
Majid Mousavi, aerospace commander of the IRGC, echoed the same statement about control over Israeli skies in a post on X on Saturday night, which came in response to the US and Israel declaring dominance over Iranian airspace.
“Pinpoint precision Seyed Majid, hit Dimona again,” chanted flag-waving pro-establishment supporters shown on state television broadcasts, calling on Mousavi for action.
Israel said more than 180 people were injured in Dimona, a southern city where its key nuclear facilities are also located, in addition to nearby Arad.
Ahmad-Reza Radan – Iran’s hardline police chief, who has been cited by Israeli media as being a target for assassination along with Mousavi, Ghalibaf and others – was seen briefly addressing a group of supporters in Tehran on Saturday night.
“Trump first threatened the European Union, then begged. Today, he has said he will come take Greenland if the Europeans don’t come. I want to tell the European Union that if they can’t hold on to Greenland, then send a request and we will come preserve it,” he said, followed by chants of “Alla akbar” (God is greatest).
Defence Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik said in a statement that attacks across the region will continue “until the complete halt and surrender of the enemy”.
The taunts are in line with the state’s messaging in recent days, including a written statement attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei, who was selected as the supreme leader after his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated on the first day of the war, but who has not been seen or heard.
The message said Iran’s enemies were being “defeated” and there is “particular unity” among supporters of the theocratic establishment.
Over the past week, the country’s top security official, commanders of the paramilitary Basij force of the IRGC, the government’s intelligence minister, and a number of other military and security personnel have been among those killed.
The government reports that a large number of residential buildings, hospitals, schools and other civilian facilities have also been impacted during the war, as state supporters control the city streets, squares and mosques to counter potential anti-government protests.
‘Say goodbye to electricity!’
The Iranian rhetoric quickly escalated on Sunday after US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Tehran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key water route for global energy export, or face strikes on its power plants.
In response, Iranian politicians and armed forces said they would strike back harder against the region’s energy facilities.
The IRGC-affiliated Mehr news agency released a map with graphics that showed power plants across the region, including in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, that could be attacked if Iranian facilities are hit. An accompanying message read, “Say goodbye to electricity!”
On Saturday night, state and IRGC-affiliated media circulated a different map, showing Doha and also marking the central offices of Al Jazeera network as potential targets, and said all residents of the Qatari capital were advised to evacuate immediately.
State television quickly issued a retraction and cited unnamed sources as saying the map was not official, but no explanation was provided about who circulated the image and why.
Iranians attend the funeral ceremony of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes, in Tehran on March 21, 2026 [AFP]
The all-around promises of escalation, particularly around bombing electricity facilities and other critical civilian infrastructure, have created additional concerns among many Iranians about the impact on daily lives and implications on the country’s future.
“If the main power plants are bombed, it’s not going to be just a brief disruption; it could stop the flow of everything from water to gas,” a Tehran resident told Al Jazeera, asking to remain anonymous due to security concerns. “It would be foolish to just punish the population like that.”
The US-Israeli forces have also struck natural gas facilities in southern Iran and bombed fuel reserves across Tehran, but authorities said fires and damage were contained quickly without creating major disruptions.
In an Instagram post to mark Nowruz, the Persian New Year, iconic footballer and nationally respected figure Ali Daei said this year’s celebrations were different because Iran is grieving for its people killed in the war.
“Wishing for a prosperous and free Iran, away from war and bloodshed, all about welfare and calm,” he wrote, drawing the ire of a number of state media, including the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim, which criticised Daei for not specifically condemning the US and Israel.
Proclamations, warnings under blackout
Meanwhile, the internet remains cut for more than 92 million Iranians for a 23rd day, becoming the longest shutdown in the country’s history, trailed only by a 20-day blackout imposed during the killing of thousands of anti-government protesters in January.
State media outlets continue to focus on successful IRGC attacks and present Iran as a country on the brink of being recognised as a world power, as they refrain from communicating details about the US and Israeli attacks or significant damage sustained.
Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the national security committee of Iran’s parliament, told the state television on Sunday that the IRGC’s overnight attacks against Israel “opened a new page in shifting the balance of power and showed the victory of the Islamic Republic in this imposed war”.
The parliamentary committee’s spokesman, Ebrahim Rezaei, stretched the same line of thinking even further, and said in a post on X that Iran should demand to become a veto-yielding permanent member of the United Nations Security Council as a condition for ending the war. The lawmaker did not say how or when he expected that to happen.
Iran’s government has also demanded war reparations and guarantees against future aggression, but the US and Israel have been pushing to overthrow the Islamic Republic that came to power in a 1979 revolution.
Intelligence authorities advised the Iranian population on Saturday that even being a member of foreign-based news and war footage channels on Telegram and all other social media outlets banned by the state could violate national security laws.
The Iranian judiciary said that such channels are considered “terrorist” outlets and that sending any videos of impact sites or armed state checkpoints on the streets to them could carry maximum penalties like confiscation of assets and even execution.
State security authorities have emphasised that anyone who engages in anti-establishment protests will be treated as an “enemy”.
Some surprising items are restricted under airport security rules when travelling with hand luggage only
Vita Molyneux and Ketsuda Phoutinane Spare Time Content Editor
04:52, 22 Mar 2026
Double check the rules before you fly(Image: Jose A. Bernat Bacete via Getty Images)
If you’re jetting off this Easter and planning to cram your essentials into a carry-on bag, there are certain items that could land you in hot water without you even realising.
Hand luggage liquids generally need to be under 100ml to pass through airport security, including water bottles, face oils, moisturisers and hand gel.
However, some items that aren’t technically liquids can still cause issues at security. Fulton Umbrellas have put together a list of some surprising items you can and can’t take with you on your journey.
First up is soft cheese, which if you’re travelling back to the UK from the EU, falls under the 100ml limit. The same applies for jams, chutneys, sauces and anything sold in liquid form like antipasti or olives, reports the Express.
Some countries have even stricter rules when it comes to travelling with food, so always check before you pack.
Another item to avoid packing in your carry-on is protein powder. This is because powders can interfere with x-ray machines and will therefore need to be manually checked by staff.
This can be a time-consuming process, so it’s quickest and safest to just leave it at home. And if you really can’t do without it, pop it in your checked bag.
Surprisingly, in the UK, there is one item you are permitted to take on board that you might not expect. If you’re only taking carry-on luggage but fancy indulging in a bit of arts and crafts on the plane, you are allowed to bring a small pair of scissors on board.
The standard guideline in the UK is that any pair of scissors with a blade length less than 6cm is permissible.
For anything larger, it’s advisable to pack them in your checked luggage. Different airlines may have varying regulations regarding items with blades, so it’s wise to verify if you need to carry scissors with you.
More than 2.5million Brits visited Portugal last year, and it could be even more popular in 2026 due to the Iran conflict
13:08, 20 Mar 2026Updated 13:08, 20 Mar 2026
Bookings to Portugal have surged since strikes on Iran began
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel guidance for those heading to Portugal. The update was released today (March 20).
Fresh information has been provided for individuals seeking to remain in Portugal beyond 90 days under exceptional circumstances. The updated guidance states: “If you’re visiting Portugal and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to AIMA using their contact form (access is only available to users in Portugal). If you’re in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.”
It adds: “If you’re in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.”
For British passport holders, visas aren’t required for short visits to EU nations or Schengen zone countries provided both conditions are met:
Your combined stay within the Schengen zone must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. The number of countries visited is irrelevant. The 180-day timeframe continuously ‘rolls over’, reports the Liverpool Echo.
EES
Since October 2025, the European Union has implemented the Entry/Exit System (EES), requiring travellers to provide fingerprints and photographs upon initial entry to or departure from the Schengen zone. It is scheduled to be fully operational by 10 April. However, the system has been plagued by teething problems, resulting in many travellers waiting for hours at airports. Because the system requires non-EU visitors – including Brits – to register their fingerprints and take a photo in person at the border, the additional registration time is already causing massive queues for non-European passengers at airports across the region.
It has caused such disruption that some locations have temporarily suspended its use. The European Commission has suggested that border authorities may pause the new system for up to six hours during peak travel times until September to help ease congestion.
More and more Brits are booking flights to Portugal as the conflict in the Middle East continues. Destinations like Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Dubai are being viewed as increasingly risky, so travellers are opting for safer alternatives like Portugal and Spain.
Bookings to Portugal had increased by 42% over the two weeks to 13 March, according to Thomas Cook – the largest rise in any of the countries they arrange holidays to. It was followed by the Balearic Islands (40 per cent) and the Canary Islands (16 per cent).
TravelSupermarket shared data on online search interest, which it said demonstrates a “clear surge” for European and Atlantic destinations and away from the Middle East.
Slovenia heads to the polls on Sunday in a closely contested race between incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob and right-wing former Prime Minister Janez Jansa.
Opinion polls currently suggest no clear winner between Golob’s Freedom Movement (GS) and Jansa’s Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), with the outcome likely to hinge on smaller parties and coalition-building.
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Jansa has served three times as prime minister, between 2004-2008, 2012-2013 and 2020-2022.
Golob’s domestic agenda has been broadly reform-driven and welfare-focused, with a mix of social policy, green transition, and institutional reforms, something Jansa has promised to reverse by introducing tax breaks for businesses and cutting funding for welfare programs.
The election will also decide which direction the Alpine nation, which gained independence in 1991, will take on foreign policy, especially given the wildly divergent views on Israel and Palestine.
Slovenia’s government has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war; in contrast, Jansa is a staunch supporter of Israel.
Slovenian then Prime Minister Janez Jansa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Jerusalem on December 8, 2020 [Ohad Zwigenberg/Pool via Reuters]
Diverging views on Israel-Palestine
For a small nation – roughly the size of New Jersey in the United States – home to two million people, the Israel-Palestine conflict has played a significant role in its politics.
Slovenia’s current government has openly criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, even introducing a ban on imports of goods produced in the occupied Palestinian territory.
In May 2024, the country recognised Palestinian statehood, raising a Palestinian flag alongside the flags of Slovenia and the European Union in front of a government building in downtown Ljubljana.
A Palestinian flag flies next to a Slovenian and an EU flag, at the government building in Ljubljana, Slovenia, May 30, 2024 [Borut Zivulovic/Reuters]
In May 2025, Slovenia’s President Natasa Pirc Musar told the European Parliament that the EU needed to take stronger action against Israel, condemning “the genocide” in Gaza.
Later in the year, it banned far-right Israeli cabinet ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country and became the first country in the EU to ban all weapons trade with Israel over its genocidal war on Gaza.
It has also backed Slovenian International Criminal Court (ICC) Judge Beti Hohler, after she was sanctioned by the US for her role in issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
In a letter sent to the EU heads of state on March 13, Golob and Musar warned that Europe’s refusal to condemn the sanctions indicated that “concern for economic consequences has taken precedence over a principled defence of judicial independence and international justice … at a moment when armed conflicts rage, when international law is being violated, when the victims of the gravest crimes look to the ICC as their last hope for justice.”
Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin meets with Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob, at the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, August 25, 2025 [Borut Zivulovic/Reuters]
Nika Kovac, a Slovenian sociologist and cofounder of the 8th of March Institute, a nongovernmental organisation focused on human rights, told Al Jazeera that support for Palestine is in part rooted in the fact that Slovenia is “a very young country”, which means “there is … solidarity with countries that want to be independent, and they cannot be.”
However, the country’s approach to Palestinian rights could shift if pro-Israel Jansa were to be elected.
Jansa has been a close ally to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and lambasted Slovenia’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine, with a statement from his party claiming it was tantamount to “supporting the terrorist organisation Hamas”.
A woman votes during the early voting before national elections, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, March 17, 2026 [Borut Zivulovic/Reuters]
Accusations of ‘foreign information manipulation’
In the lead-up to the election, a series of covertly recorded conversations was published online, featuring a Slovenian lobbyist, a lawyer, a former minister and a manager.
The videos purportedly show the individuals discussing ways to influence decision-makers in Golob’s coalition to expedite procedures and secure contracts.
On Tuesday, Golob accused “foreign services” of interfering in Slovenia’s elections, after a report by the 8th of March Institute and investigative journalists claimed that representatives of the Israeli private spy firm Black Cube had visited the country in December and Jansa’s headquarters in the weeks leading up to the leaks.
On Wednesday, Slovenia’s Intelligence and Security Agency confirmed the arrival of Black Cube representatives in Slovenia and presented a report on foreign interference in elections, which the agency’s director said was alleged to have been carried out at the behest of people in Slovenia.
The State Secretary for National and International Security in the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Vojko Volk, made a statement following the announcement, saying, “According to information available to date, representatives of Black Cube have stayed in Slovenia on four occasions over the past six months.”
On Thursday, Golob sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen notifying her of “alarming information regarding what appears to constitute a grave instance of foreign information manipulation and interference currently unfolding in the Republic of Slovenia”.
French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters on Thursday that Golob “was the victim of clear-cut interference” by “third countries”.
“Today, in every election in Europe, there is interference that disrupts electoral processes,” Macron said.
Jansa has admitted to meeting with a Black Cube representative but denied any wrongdoing.
Tenerife is a top holiday destination for countless Brits and one man, who made a permanent move there, has shared a key step for any Brits considering moving to the Spanish island for good
Jess Flaherty Senior News Reporter
14:18, 16 Mar 2026Updated 14:21, 16 Mar 2026
Lots of Brits are looking to make a permanent move to Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands(Image: mvaligursky via Getty Images)
Any Brits weighing up a move to sunny Tenerife have been advised to do key one thing before committing to a permanent decision. The Spanish island is a hugely popular holiday spot for many UK residents.
As the largest of the beloved Canary Islands, Tenerife is celebrated for its sweeping beaches, extensive resorts, eclectic bars and restaurants, and much more – all of which provide locals and holidaymakers alike with no shortage of things to do.
Additionally, nature enthusiasts can make the most of the island’s breathtaking scenery, which includes volcanic peaks, vast and diverse national parks, dramatic coastal cliffs and even lush forests. Tenerife’s appeal is enhanced by its status as the “Island of Eternal Spring”, earned thanks to its year-round warm and stable temperatures, typically ranging between 20-28 degrees.
The island’s charm has plenty of Brits eager to move there permanently. A man, who posts content online under the username Mattie Baarnett, is currently living in Tenerife and took to TikTok to offer his guidance for those considering a permanent move to the Spanish island.
Speaking directly to the camera, he began: “These would be my tips if you’re wanting to move to Tenerife – before we get the video started, hang on a second.”
He then turned around to capture the sun setting behind him, bathing the evening sky in a warm glow. Mattie went on: “That tip alone is ‘just do it’ because you’ll get sunsets like that.
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“I would always recommend, if you’re wanting to come to Tenerife and you don’t really know if you want to actually live in Tenerife, go on Airbnb, rent an apartment for a month, see if you like it.
“Try and get a job, get all your legal paperwork in order and then, after you’ve done that, then source a long-term rental on one of the Facebook pages for an estate agent and then just go from there.”
Mattie reiterated his advice and continued: “Come for a month, rent an Airbnb, that’s gonna cost you £1,500 to two grand for the month – Airbnb, tourist prices – get here, get a job, see if you like it, get a job contract, make yourself legal then go for the long term, and then that’s it.”
He added: “You can do it in a month. Piece of p**s, mate.”
What Brits need to do if they want to move to Spain
Brits can move to Spain, but post- Brexit regulations have made the process significantly more complex. A visa isn’t required for short visits to the EU or countries in the Schengen area, which is a vast, border-free zone in Europe allowing more than 450 million people to move freely between 29 countries, including Spain, without internal border checks.
If you’re planning to spend 90 days or less in Spain over a 180-day period, a visa isn’t required. You also won’t need one if “you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons”, or you’re “studying a short course, getting medical treatment, travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference”, or if you’re visiting for “journalism or other media activities”, according to UK government advice.
Government guidance states: “The type of visa you need depends on the length of time you’re carrying out the work. You need to apply for a:
C-type EET visa if you’re working up to 90 days
long-term D visa if you’re working for more than 90 days
“If you’re staying for longer than six months, you will need to apply for a residence card once in Spain.”
Countries in the Schengen are include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Cheaper school fees and endless sun are part of the reason celebrity stylist Gayle Rinkoff moved to Majorca – but there are some things about the UK she struggles to live without
Since moving in 2023, Gayle has ‘never looked back’(Image: gaylerinkoff/Instagram)
A British mum who left the UK behind to give her youngest daughter a more balanced life in Spain says she could never go back to the UK – but there are definitely some things that she misses.
Fashion and celebrity stylist Gayle Rinkoff gave up her London home for a remote farmhouse on the island of Majorca. She told the i newspaper: “When friends visited, they were shocked at how remote we are. In London, we lived on a busy street of Victorian terraced houses and a train station at the end of the road. Now, we are up a mountain and a 45-minute walk to the local village, or six minutes by car.”
One of Gayle’s main reasons for leaving the UK, she says, was the way that living in London turned her three daughters into social media addicts. While her two oldest daughters remained in the UK to attend university, Gayle’s 14-year-old daughter Leni is now a “through-and-through island girl”, she says.
The trigger for Gayle’s dramatic move was, she says, the Coronavirus pandemic. During lockdown, her daughters were “glued to their phones” because it was the only way to stay in touch with their friends, and moving to Majorca was, she says, a way to “break the cycle.”
While that aspect of the relocation was a success, with Leni often completely forgetting about her phone, there are definitely a few things that Gayle misses: “I do miss British things like M&S and ManiLife peanut butter, and of course, I miss my oldest girls. I thought they would fly out more,” she says. “But they’re enjoying being young and their lives in the UK.”
Living in Majorca isn’t cheap, Gayle admits: “You’re on an island, so everything has to be imported.” She and her husband treat themselves to a restaurant meal once a week, but says: “In Palma, you pay London prices.”
Gayle has prioritised her daughter’s education, marvelling that she has become almost completely fluent in Spanish in under two years: “Leni’s school fees are about a third of what they would be in London.
“However, it’s not the same level of education, so we top up with a maths tutor and a Spanish tutor. But, for us, the quality of life and everything else offset what she might be lacking in her education.”
Relocating from the UK to Spain isn’t as easy as it was before Brexit. Would-be expats need to demonstrate proof that they’re financially secure, with adequate private healthcare and a clean criminal record.
Spain’s so-called “Digital Nomad Visas” allow non-EU professionals to legally reside in the country while continuing their remote work for foreign companies — giving people who mainly use the internet for work the best of both worlds.
In Gayle’s case, that was ideal. She explains: “My husband has a remote job and I have always worked remotely as a fashion and celebrity stylist. I wasn’t ready to give it up, but I was ready to slow down.”
But there were some tough conversations before they finally pulled the trigger on their move. They finally did so in 2023: “This summer will mark three years since we moved to the magical island,” she says, “and we have never looked back.”
EU maintains pressure after slamming US for lifting sanctions on Russian oil exports as Middle East war bites.
The European Union has voted to renew sanctions against individuals and entities supporting Russia’s war on Ukraine, as Russian forces continued to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure, killing six people in the Zaporizhia and Kyiv regions.
The EU Council announced that the bloc’s 27 member states had agreed on Saturday to extend sanctions targeting some 2,600 individuals and entities with measures like travel restrictions and asset freezes until September 15, breaking an earlier deadlock caused by Hungary and Slovakia’s opposition to the move.
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The extension of sanctions came one day after EU Council chief Antonio Costa slammed the United States for lifting sanctions on Russian oil exports, saying on X that weakening restrictions increased “Russian resources to wage the war of aggression against Ukraine”, with a knock-on impact on European security.
The measure was announced as Russia hammered Ukraine with missiles and drones on Saturday, killing five people and injuring 15 in the Kyiv region surrounding the capital, according to regional military administrator Mykola Kalashnyk.
The city of Zaporizhzhia was also hit by Russian-guided bombs, killing one person and injuring three, said the governor of the southeastern region, Ivan Fedorov. Photos posted online showed parts of buildings reduced to rubble.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia’s main target was energy infrastructure outside the capital Kyiv, but that the Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipro and Mykolaiv regions were also targeted in an attack that included about 430 drones and 68 missiles, most of which were downed by air defences.
Russia’s winter attacks on Ukraine have left swaths of major cities without power or heating, as Moscow’s troops continue their offensive amid demands Kyiv cede more territory in the east. Ukraine’s Energy Ministry said on Saturday that consumers in six regions were without electricity.
Ukraine’s forces have targeted Russian strategic infrastructure such as oil refineries, depots and terminals in long-range strikes. On Saturday, Ukraine’s military said that it had struck the Afipsky oil refinery and Port Kavkaz in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region.
Putin ‘exploiting’ Middle East distraction
Saturday’s fighting came as the Iran conflict has distracted international attention from a US-backed peace push in the four-year war, which Kyiv says Moscow has no interest in ending.
Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever called on Saturday for the EU to be mandated by its member states to negotiate with Russia as it became apparent amid spiking oil prices caused by the Iran war that the US was easing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Since we are not capable of threatening Putin by sending weapons to Ukraine, and we cannot choke him economically without the support of the United States, there is only one method left: making a deal,” he told the Belgian newspaper L’Echo.
EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas has said in the past that the bloc must first reach an agreement on what is expected from Russia before directly approaching Putin, formulating its own “maximalist demands”.
However, the bloc’s inability to reach a common position was highlighted during the EU Council’s recent deliberations on extending sanctions.
Hungary and Slovakia, which have been sparring with Ukraine over blocked Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, had earlier opposed the extension of the restrictions, reportedly calling for some Russian oligarchs to be removed from the list of offenders.
Reacting earlier this week to soaring oil prices caused by the war in Iran, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged the EU to suspend sanctions on Russian energy.
Posting on X, Zelenskyy said, “Russia will try to exploit the war in the Middle East to cause even greater destruction here in Europe, in Ukraine.”
