Expect extra travel delays as ID data collection begins

October has come around quickly, hasn't it? The shorter days and colder nights may have your thoughts wandering to heating bills and dusting off the winter coat. But for travellers heading to Europe, there's something else to factor in.

- MARTYN JAMES

If you're travelling to a country in the Schengen area - the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (but not Ireland and Cyprus) - you'll need to provide more information that will allow you to be identified as you travel to or between other countries in the Schengen zone. The new rules began on October 12.

Before you react in horror at this attack on British travel freedoms, since April people from the EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have had to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. Irish citizens are the only exception. So it's extra bureaucracy all round for everyone.

That's not all though, because in late 2026, you'll need to get a new type of visa to enter Europe. The ETIAS will cost €20 and though I've been assured it will only take a few minutes to apply for, it's another thing travellers will need to be aware of.