Latest news with #BritishCitizen
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Foreign Office's summer 2025 rules for Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Portugal
People should be aware of the latest developments before they jet off on a summer getaway With the school holidays now in full swing for most families, people will be looking forward to some summer sunshine to break up the time spent at home in the UK. But with the unpredictable British weather, the best solution for some guaranteed sunshine is often to head abroad. Some popular European destinations—such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal — are often packed with holidaymakers in the next few weeks. Most of these countries are a few hours away from the UK by plane, making it manageable for those travelling with little ones. But, it's worth getting up to date with the latest rules and regulations before setting off to a new country. The UK Foreign Office provides most of the information you need, covering updates on every country worldwide. We've picked out some of the more popular destinations to help people be fully aware of any risks or new rules they might not have had to deal with on their last holiday. For example, the latest updates suggest people travelling to Portugal will be affected by strikes. The website reads: "Industrial action by baggage handlers at Portuguese airports from Friday to Monday during July and August may cause delays." This advice was correct at the time of writing (July 25, 2025). However, these are always subject to change, so the best place to check for new updates would be directly with the Foreign Office on the website, selecting the relevant country. This guide offers general advice on some of the significant things travellers need to know in advance, with more details available online. Passport requirements: For all of the above destinations, passport rules are essentially the same. Before you are allowed to jet off, your passport must be: issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the 'date of issue'). valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the 'expiry date'). Check that your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before October 1, 2018, then extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This advice reflects the UK government's understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full 'British Citizen' passport from the UK for the most common types of travel. The authorities in the country you are visiting set and enforce entry rules. If you're unsure how these requirements apply to you, contact the local embassy or consulate in the UK. Check with your travel provider to ensure that your passport and other travel documents meet the requirements. If necessary, renew your passport. Do I need a visa? You can typically travel without a visa from the UK to Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece. These countries are part of the Schengen area of the EU, which grants travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training. The area covers 29 European countries and 4 non-European countries, all listed on the website. The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is not currently operating but is expected to start in October 2025. This new digital border system will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area. The European Union will provide more updates about the specific start date before its launch. Vaccination requirements and medical care: Travellers should be updated with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. Under the International Health Regulations, there are no certificate requirements. This applies to all of the countries mentioned in this article. All travellers should ensure they have adequate travel health insurance. If visiting European Union (EU) countries, carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) as this will allow access to state-provided healthcare in some countries at a reduced cost.
The Independent
03-07-2025
- The Independent
Investigation launched after British man, 67, dies on cruise ship travelling through Corfu
Authorities are investigating after a British tourist died on a cruise ship travelling through Corfu. A 67-year-old man died while on a cruise ship that was flying a Maltese flag, the Corfu Port Authority said in a statement. The man's body was taken to the hospital for an autopsy and the authority is investigating his death, they added. "In the morning hours today, the Corfu Port Authority was informed of the death of a 67-year-old foreign passenger (British citizen) on a cruise ship (C/Z) flying the Maltese flag in the port of Corfu,' the statement said. "The body was transferred to the Corfu General Hospital for an autopsy. "A preliminary investigation is being conducted by the Corfu Central Port Authority." A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities.' The death comes after another British man went missing on the Greek island of Karpathos, sparking a large-scale search in rough terrain. The man's disappearance was reported on Saturday by an accommodation owner, who had not heard from her guest since the previous day, according to Greek newspaper Ethnos. A search involving teams from the fire department, Greek police and local residents and volunteers was immediately launched, and the man's hire car was found, but despite days of searching, there has been no report that he has been found. His vehicle was located in a remote area of Tristomo, making the search effort difficult, local media reported. The search was bolstered with a five-member hiking team from Rhodes, who joined the operation on Wednesday according to Karpathiaka Nea. Rescue teams are also using a drone to help track the man down. The man had reportedly gone hiking in the area several days ago, and the island has been experiencing temperatures of up to 34C each day.
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS British tourist, 67, dies on cruise ship in Corfu: Urgent probe launched
An elderly British man has died on a cruise ship travelling through a Greek holiday hotspot. The 67-year-old man passed away while on board the vessel which was 'flying the Maltese flag' in the port of Corfu. The Port Authority said in a statement on Tuesday: 'In the morning hours today, the Corfu Port Authority was informed of the death of a 67-year-old foreign passenger (British citizen) on a cruise ship (C/Z) flying the Maltese flag in the port of Corfu. 'The body was transferred to the Corfu General Hospital for an autopsy. 'A preliminary investigation is being conducted by the Corfu Central Port Authority.' MailOnline has approached the Foreign Office for comment. The tragedy comes just two months after cruise ship passengers were stunned to learn their captain had tragically died in the middle of their 19-day voyage in Asia. Devastation ensued upon Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess ship in May when guests received a letter breaking the news of Captain Michele Bartolomei's sudden death. The 52-year-old, who lived in Canada, died from a medical emergency and was discovered Monday morning while the ship was docked in Keelung, Taiwan.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- The Sun
Tragedy as Brit tourist, 67, dies on cruise ship in popular Greek island
A BRITISH tourist has died on a cruise ship travelling through a popular Greek island. The 67-year-old man passed away on the vessel "flying the Maltese flag" in the port of holiday hotspot Corfu. The Port Authority said in a statement on Tuesday: "In the morning hours today, the Corfu Port Authority was informed of the death of a 67-year-old foreign passenger (British citizen) on a cruise ship (C/Z) flying the Maltese flag in the port of Corfu. "The body was transferred to the Corfu General Hospital for an autopsy. "A preliminary investigation is being conducted by the Corfu Central Port Authority."
Daily Record
30-06-2025
- Daily Record
Holidaymakers heading to Turkey warned to make 2 passport checks now
Turkey is a favourite holiday destination for Brits looking for sunshine and last year saw 4.4 million UK holidaymakers head to the country. That was a 16.6 per cent increase on 2023, according to and this year, it's set to be just as popular. While the Foreign Office warn against all travel to within 10km of the Syrian border, the country has cemented itself as tourist-friendly. Indeed, while protests in Spain about over-tourism and lack of affordable housing rage, Turkey seems happy to welcome holidaymakers. But those heading there over the summer need to make two vital passport checks to ensure they're not turned away. Entry requirements for the country, home to tourist resorts such as Marmaris, Antalya and Bodrum, state that those travelling with a full British Citizen passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 150 days after you arrive. This equates to 5 months and is different to the rules around heading to EU countries which state passports need to an 'expiry date' of at least three months beyond the date they plan to leave. So don't be caught out. The Foreign Office also warns passports should have a full, blank page to allow for entry and exit stamps. If your document does not have either of these, you should apply for a new passport. The current waiting times for new or renewal passports is three weeks from submitting an application, according to His Majesty's (HM) Passport Office. And it could be sooner. The independent platform, UK Passport Waiting Time, collects data from the public and has found recent statistics suggest the current wait is around 19 days for a first adult passport and approximately 13 days for renewals or replacements. The average processing time for a first child passport is 16 days, and for a replacement, it's 15 days, as per the website. The Foreign Office says that if you live in Turkey, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive. And, if entering at a land border, make sure officials stamp and date your passport at the border crossing. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which issues advice and warnings about travel abroad, state: "You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen." They recently issued fresh advice for tourists heading to Turkey. It pertained to those Brits entering from Iran. On Friday, June 20, it issued an alert, which read: "If you are a British national wanting to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you will need to request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border, indicating whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative. "You will need to provide personal details (name, date of birth, details of travel document used to enter Turkey). This is required by the Turkish authorities. "The usual entry requirements will apply, including that British nationals can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you intend to leave Iran overland, you do so at your own risk."
