Latest news with #travelrules
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Brits face new £185 visa fee when visiting the US under new rules
VISITORS heading to America could face a 'Visa Integrity Fee' under new rules. The new fee falls under President Donald Trump 's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' and could see Brits paying a substantial fee to visit America. 3 3 The fee will apply to anyone who needs a 'non-immigrant visa' - which includes people travelling for business, study and temporary work for more than three months. It will cost around $250 (£185.80) and is expected to be introduced before the end of 2025. The cost will also be on top of all existing visa application fees. Individuals will pay the fee once a visa is issued and if an application is denied, then you won't be charged the fee. The fee will also be reimbursed if travellers stick to their visa conditions such as not working illegally and not overstaying their visa by more than five days. The reimbursement will be given after your visa expires - although, the process is not clear yet. Once the fee is implemented, the money will go to the US treasury Department's general fund and is estimated to bring in $28.9billion (£21.3billion) over the next decade. There will also be an increase in the fee for the I-94 form, which records arrival and departure dates. The fee will rise from $6 (£4.46) to $24 (£17.84). According to CNBC, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security said: "President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill provides the necessary policies and resources to restore integrity in our nation's immigration system." Big Changes Coming to Airport Security: TSA Liquid Rule May Be Axed Soon However, under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) - which the UK is part of - most Brits travelling to the US for tourism or short business trips, do not need a visa. Instead, they will need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). As a result, Brits eligible for and using an ESTA, will not need to pay the new Visa Integrity Fee. Brits that will be impacted by the new fee include those travelling for a purpose not covered by the VWP such as long-term study or certain types of employment or those not eligible for VWP due to their travel history, like travel to restricted countries. According to the website, travellers can apply for an ESTA via the Official ESTA Application Website or by using the ESTA mobile app. Though travellers may be unable to apply for an ESTA visa waiver if they have been arrested, have a criminal record, have been refused admission into or have been deported from the US or have previously overstayed an ESTA visa waiver. An ESTA application costs $21 (£15.60) and can take up to 72 hours to be approved. Tourist visa waiver for US holidays to cost more THE fee for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is expected to rise in the future. Thanks to a new bill being passed, the price of an ESTA is set to double from $21 (£15.38) to $40 (£29.30). Before entering the US, Brits are required to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The fee is currently $21 (£15.38) to apply for an ESTA - a price which was introduced in May 2022. Prior to this date, the fee was $14 (£10.25) and will now rise to $40 (£29.30) although an official start date is yet to be confirmed. The rise in fees is part of US President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill". The current rules require every visitor from the UK to apply for an ESTA to be allowed access into the United States. An ESTA is generally valid for two years from the date of approval, or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. If your passport expires before the two-year period, your ESTA will be valid only until the passport's expiration date. These are the latest travel rules for Brits heading to America after European tourists have been stopped at the border. Plus, Brits will face a new £17 visa-waiver charge to travel to Europe next year.
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Popular Brit tourist hotspot BANS walking barefoot, picnics and drinking booze on streets in brutal crackdown
A popular British tourist hotspot has banned walking barefoot, picnics, and drinking booze on the streets among a swathe of other prohibitions in a brutal crackdown. Holidaymakers visiting Portofino, a small coastal town on the Italian Riviera in Liguria, are now facing fines for carrying out a variety of actions typically seen abroad. Starting today, travellers in Portofino will no longer be able to walk through the town barefoot, in swimwear, or topless - or sit in the piazza in any of these conditions. Consuming alcohol on public streets has also been prohibited, with only restaurants, bars, and designated areas left to booze in. Begging, sitting, or lying on the streets, walls, sidewalks and parks have also been banned along with having picnics. The new ordinance, signed by Mayor Matteo Viacava, will take effect during the summer season and temporarily expire on September 30. Anyone who is caught violating the regulations before then will be subject to a fine of between £22 and £433. The goal of the latest crackdown is to protect the 'peace and quiet of residents and tourists' in the exclusive coastal resort which brings in up to 100,000 tourists during peak season - despite the town only having a population of 400. The municipality had already attempted to combat troublesome tourists in 2023. During that period, stopping at particularly popular viewpoints across the picturesque town was prohibited. In another Italian coastal town, the port city of Diano Marina, the mayor, Cristiano Za Garibaldi, has also drawn a line under the situation and issued similar strict guidelines. He told the Italian television station Telenord: 'This is not a punishment, but a gesture of respect for the town, its residents, and visitors.' Other cities across Italy have also implemented strict rules for tourists. Picnics on bridges or monuments are prohibited in Venice, bathing in fountains is forbidden in Rome, and noisy shoes are taboo on Capri. It comes after Albufeira, in southern Portugal, last month released a Code of Conduct banning everything from public nudity and sex acts to loud noise, and urinating in public. The harshest penalties - £426 and £1,500 - will apply to those caught fully naked or engaging in sexual acts in public. Partial nudity away from designated beach areas, public drinking, urinating or defecating in public, and creating excessive noise are also punishable by fines ranging from £255 to £1,277. Other violations listed in the code include spitting, misuse of public furniture, and abandoning shopping trolleys, as Albufeira City Council seeks to restore order and cleanliness in high-traffic tourist zones. The crackdown follows a series of incidents, including a viral video last year of eight British men dancing naked on a bar in broad daylight on Albufeira's main party strip, Rua da Oura. The UK Foreign Office issued a travel alert on Thursday, 26 June, warning British nationals of the new regulations, declaring: 'The municipality of Albufeira has introduced a code of conduct which bans inappropriate behaviour in public places. 'Check out the rules that are now in force. If you break the rules, you could be fined on the spot from between 150 and 1,800 euros.' Speaking in May, Mayor José Carlos Rolo said the code was part of a broader strategy to repair Albufeira's image, adding that the rules hope to 'promote harmony' between the tourism sector and local population. Meanwhile, Faro Airport in Portugal started the rollout of e-gate access to UK arrivals last month ahead of the peak summer season in the Algarve. The announcement comes after the Government said on May 19 that British passport holders will be able to use e-gates at more European airports as part of a UK-EU deal. Since Brexit, Britons arriving at EU airports have generally been forced to queue for manned desks to have their passports stamped, rather than use automated gates with facial recognition technology – leading to long waits, particularly in peak periods.
The Sun
22-06-2025
- The Sun
Full list of banned food and drinks passengers cannot bring onboard on TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 flights
PASSENGERS flying with TUI, easyJet, Ryanair or Jet2 this summer are being urged to check the full list of banned food and drinks before heading to the airport – or risk having their items taken away. From cold snacks to hot drinks and alcoholic beverages, the rules on what you can and can't take onboard vary between airlines – and breaking them could lead to your items being confiscated before take-off. 4 4 Passengers travelling from the UK are being urged to double-check airline guidelines before heading to the airport, especially as rules continue to tighten, particularly on flights to EU destinations. That's because under current post- Brexit regulations, any food products containing meat or dairy – including sandwiches, yoghurts or even packed lunches bought in the airport – are banned from being taken into the EU, regardless of where they were purchased. Here's a breakdown of what's banned or restricted on flights operated by the UK's biggest budget carriers: TUI offers complimentary meals and drinks on flights lasting over seven hours. For shorter journeys, snacks and beverages can be bought onboard via a trolley service – but passengers are also allowed to bring their own food. However, TUI is clear that any food brought onboard must be 'low-risk,' such as cold snacks or pre-made sandwiches. The airline also warns it cannot heat food for passengers, aside from baby bottles. Crucially, passengers are not allowed to drink any alcohol they've brought from home or bought in duty-free – even if it's sealed. Alcohol must be purchased on the flight if you want to enjoy a drink in the air. EasyJet is fairly relaxed about food onboard, and passengers are welcome to bring their own meals. However, they should be aware of liquid restrictions and destination-specific rules. According to the airline: 'You can bring food into the cabin, although we do sell a range of delicious food and drink on board. "There's a 100ml limit for liquid food, like soup or custard.' Hot drinks are allowed if purchased at the airport, but they must have a secure lid to reduce the risk of burns during turbulence. The airline also reminds passengers to check rules at their destination – some countries have stricter customs policies around food items. Ryanair takes a mixed approach, allowing passengers to bring their own cold food and soft drinks under its 'feel free' policy – but strictly banning hot drinks and alcohol. The airline advises: 'In the interest of safety we cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks or consume their own alcohol during the flight.' That means even if you've bought alcohol in duty-free or at the airport, you won't be allowed to drink it onboard. Cabin crew are authorised to confiscate items if rules are broken. Jet2 operates one of the strictest policies when it comes to food and drink. According to the airline: 'You may not bring hot food or hot drinks onboard the aircraft.' Passengers are also warned not to carry any items that are 'unsuitable for carriage' – this includes food that is strong-smelling, fragile or perishable, and anything that may impact the comfort or safety of others. Despite these rules, Jet2 does offer a wide selection of food and drinks for purchase during the flight, with options for most dietary requirements. 4
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Post-Brexit passport rule is still causing people to miss flights - here's how to avoid getting caught out
As a frequent flyer, I thought I was pretty clued up about travel rules. I'm organised when it comes to visa and vaccinations, always turn up early for flights and read up regularly on the travel industry, from trending destinations to new hotel openings. I was therefore quite surprised when, after a recent flight back to London Gatwick, I walked through passport control and was warned by the man on the desk that I needed to get my passport renewed as soon as possible. I had it on my radar that my passport was due to expire mid-2026, so I'd need to get a new on towards the end of this year, but certainly didn't realise that it needed to be done any sooner. 'It's the 10-year rule', the passport control officer patiently explained. 'Your passport needs to be under 10 years old to fly in the EU'. Although I had paid attention to the expiry date of my passport, it turns out the date of issue is just as significant – and mine showed that the passport would be 10 years old some months before it actually expired. Of course I felt very silly for not knowing about this rule before – since doing my research I discovered it has been in place for some time – but it turns out I am very much not alone. In recent weeks, I have spoken to at least three (very intelligent!) people who have been turned away from flights because they had no idea about the rule, none of whom had received any warning from their airline when they checked in online before the flight. In fact most had got to the actual gate for boarding before they found out they couldn't travel. With the summer holidays on the way therefore, it seems worth restating the rules, in case like me this had completely passed you by. And if you're much cleverer than me and already knew, then well done! When travelling to the EU, a 10-year British passport is only valid for entry for exactly 10 years after the date of issue, regardless of the date of expiry. Before September 2018, passport holders could have up to nine months added to their passport expiry date if they renewed their 10-year passport early. Post-Brexit, however, although the official validity of your passport may be beyond 10 years, the EU does not recognise these extra months if your passport is older than 10 years on the date that you enter the EU. On top of this, you must also have at least three months' validity on your passport beyond the date you intend to leave the EU's free-movement Schengen territory. Outside of the EU, the rules vary by country, so it is always worth visiting the website for specific entry requirements. For instance, while most countries such as Australia, Canada and the USA just need your passport to be valid for the length of your stay, other countries such as China, Thailand, Egypt and Turkey need at least six months. If you realise the rule is going to impact you, then you can renew your passport online for £94.50 or using a paper application form for £107. If it's urgent, you can also pay £222 for the 'one day premium' service where you visit the passport office (the earliest you can get an appointment is two days after you apply) or pay £178 for a 'one week fast track' passport to be sent to you. All the information is on the government website. To get more of what you love from your favourite Sunday supplement, follow us on Instagram (@youmagazine), Facebook (YOU Magazine) and X (@YOUMagSocial).
Forbes
31-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Tourists, Beware: Europe Cracks Down With Bans, Fines And Restrictions For 2025
A packed beach in Tropea, Calabria. As tourism surges, popular European destinations like Italy are introducing new rules, laws, bans and fines to control the crowds. Heading to Europe this summer? Think twice before lighting a cigarette on the beach or strolling shirtless down a boardwalk. With visitor numbers predicted to surge to record levels in 2025, many destinations are cracking down. Europe travel rules—and the list of things that can get you in trouble—are growing, with new bans, fines and restrictions that could cost you hundreds (if not thousands) of euros. Some of the new rules are dramatic—like banning music on beaches, outlawing drinking in certain public areas and limiting selfies in overtouristed villages. Some countries can even fine you for wearing flip-flops while driving (even though it's not technically illegal). It's all part of a growing movement to combat overtourism at a moment when tensions are boiling over. In April and May, anti-tourism protests broke out across Spain, from Madrid to Mallorca to the Canary Islands. And on June 15, activist groups will be staging massive protests across several countries, with marches, picketing at airports, tour bus blockades and more expected. So before you head off on that dream European getaway, be sure to research the rules for wherever you're going. Here's a small sampling of what you need to know, from new rules and fines to surprising ones that have quietly been on the books for years. Tourists crowd La Rambla in Barcelona. Spain has introduced strict new rules this summer, from smoking bans on beaches to fines for walking around in swimwear. Spain is leading the charge when it comes to regulating tourist behavior—and this summer, the rules are stricter than ever, especially when it comes to beaches. Dozens of coastal towns—including spots in Barcelona, the Balearic Islands and on the Costa del Sol—have banned smoking on beaches, with fines up to €2,000 (about $2,260, based on the conversion on the date of publication). In some regions, you can be fined up to €250 (about $283) for reserving a sunbed and then disappearing for hours. Public urination—yes, even peeing in the sea—is a punishable offense in places like Marbella and Vigo, with fines up to €750 (about $848). And be careful what you wear: Cities such as Malaga have imposed fines for walking around in swimwear when you're not at the beach, while Barcelona enforces penalties for wearing bikinis in public areas. The rules don't stop once you leave the beach. Spanish authorities are targeting tourists behind the wheel. Driving in flip-flops isn't explicitly illegal, but police can fine you up to €200 (about $226) if they decide your footwear is unsafe. And be careful about getting your party on: In hotspots like Mallorca, Ibiza and the Canary Islands, authorities are clamping down on rowdy tourism with a host of strict new measures. Pub crawls and party boats are banned in notorious nightlife hubs, while public drunkenness can result in fines up to €3,000 (about $3,390). Tourists gather at the Trevi Fountain in Rome at sunset. With overtourism on the rise, Italy is cracking down with entrance fees, dress codes and steep fines for unruly behavior. Italy's most iconic destinations are stepping up enforcement as overtourism continues to put a strain on popular sites. Nowhere is this more evident than Venice, which began charging day trippers a fee to enter the city, ranging from €5 (about $5.65) if booked in advance to €10 (about $11.30) for last-minute arrivals. (Visitors with hotel reservations are exempt.) Tourists caught without proof of paying the fee can be fined up to €300 (about $339). The city has also banned loudspeakers, large tour groups and swimming in its iconic canals, which could get you a fine of €1,000 (about $1,130). Other Italian towns are also cracking down on bad tourism behavior. In certain no-waiting zones in Portofino, you can get fined up to €275 (about $300) for taking a selfie and holding up pedestrian flow. In Lake Garda, police have fined tourists up to €700 (about $763) for jumping off cliffs and swimming in dangerous areas and even a rowdy game of football could cost you €600 (about $654). Dress codes are another hot topic: In Sorrento, walking around in swimwear beyond the beach or pool areas carries a fine of up to €500 (about $545). And hotspots are limiting visitors: Pompeii is limiting visitors to 20,000 a day in 2025. In Rome, there's a limit of 3,000 visitors at any one time at the Colosseum, and scam artists selling tickets are being fined (be careful who you buy from). A picnic along the Seine in Paris may look idyllic—but drinking alcohol in many public areas is banned. In France, authorities are increasingly asking visitors to show a little more respect. Take Paris. While having a picnic of wine and cheese in a park or along the Seine might seem très romantique, drinking alcohol is banned in many public areas, so research the rules. If you're caught, fines can reach €135 (about $153). In France, the fashion police is a real thing. Several towns along the Côte d'Azur have banned overly revealing swimwear away from the beach, including Cannes, where walking around shirtless or in a bikini can result in a fine of up to €38 (about $43). Sunset crowds in Kastro, Oia. With visitor numbers surging, Greece is capping cruise ship arrivals and introducing new tourist fees to help ease overtourism on islands like Santorini. Greece is getting serious about protecting its cultural landmarks and natural beauty. Starting this summer, cruise passengers disembarking at Santorini or Mykonos between June and September will face a €20 (about $23) per-person fee. The islands are also limiting cruise arrivals—Santorini now caps daily cruise visitors at 8,000 to ease overtourism. Greece has also implemented beach preservation rules, requiring 70% of public beaches to remain free of sunbeds. Drones are used to monitor compliance. And forget about bringing home a souvenir from nature: In many areas of the country, collecting seashells or pebbles from beaches is illegal, with fines up to €1,000 (about $1,130). There are land-based rules, too. Wearing high heels at archaeological sites is prohibited, with fines of up to €900 (about $1,017) to prevent damage to fragile ancient surfaces. The Acropolis now has a cap of 20,000 visitors per day, with timed-entry tickets to reduce crowding. Tourists crowd Dubrovnik's Old Town, a UNESCO site long impacted by overtourism. Croatia has introduced cruise ship caps, cut taxi numbers and imposed fines to help restore calm. Croatia is cracking down on unruly behavior and crowd control, especially in its most popular summer hot spots. In Split, walking around the historic city center in swimwear—or worse, underwear—is strictly forbidden, with fines up to €150 (about $170). The rules are even tougher in nearby Hvar: There are new quiet hours, and visitors can be fined €600 (about $678) on the spot for drinking in public Meanwhile, the mayor of Dubrovnik—one of the most overtouristed locations in Europe–is pushing back in a big way. Only two cruise ships are allowed to dock in the city per day, souvenir stands have been shut down, cafe chairs have been reduced, taxi service has been curtailed and more. The goal? A calmer, more livable city—for locals and tourists alike. A busy beach day in Albufeira, Portugal. As tourist numbers soar, coastal towns like this are enforcing stricter rules—banning public drinking, limiting noise and imposing fines for walking around in swimwear. Portugal is cracking down on unruly behavior, especially in coastal hotspots like Albufeira, where tourists can be fined a staggering €1,500 (about $1,695) for walking around town in swimwear—and even higher penalties for public nudity. The rules also target street drinking, urination and spitting. Noise is also under fire in Portugal: High-volume speakers are now banned on many beaches, with fines up to an eye-watering €36,000 (about $40,680). Some areas are shortening bar hours to curb late-night chaos. And in Sintra, protests by locals have officials considering limits on hotel development to preserve the town's historic charm. A crowded scene on the IJ River in Amsterdam. As overtourism spikes, the Netherlands is introducing stricter rules for boat parties, group tours and cannabis use to protect the city's quality of life. Amsterdam is cracking down on tourism in a big way. The city's 'Stay Away' campaign targets partygoers with ads warning them not to come. Smoking cannabis on the street in the Red Light District is now banned, bars close earlier, and group tours face stricter limits. Boat parties have new rules around noise and alcohol. New hotel development is being banned. Locals are even suing TikTok famous shops that are attracting overtourism. The message is clear: respect the city—or stay home. Tourists crowd the lakeside streets of Hallstatt, Austria—a fairytale village grappling with overtourism. The town temporarily installed a 'selfie fence' to reduce congestion at popular viewpoints. Austria is cracking down on overtourism with rules that target both selfies and short-term rentals. In the mountain town of Hallstatt—said to have inspired Disney's Frozen—a temporary 'anti-selfie' fence was installed to block crowds from overwhelming the town's famous lake views. And here's a lesser-known rule: Leave that dashcam at home. They are largely banned in Austria due to privacy laws, and using one can lead to fines as high as €25,000 (about $28,250). Rave the Planet, Berlin's famous techno parade, draws massive crowds each summer. But with noise complaints on the rise, authorities are enforcing stricter rules to curb rowdy tourist behavior. In Germany, bad behavior behind the wheel can cost you—literally. Shouting insults or making rude gestures while driving (even at other drivers or the police) is considered 'road rage' and can result in fines up to €4,000 (about $4,520). The country has also cracked down on rowdy tourist behavior in cities like Berlin, where noise ordinances and public drinking bans are increasingly enforced in neighborhoods fed up with party tourism. And be careful about jaywalking: It's illegal. Crowds of tourists cross Prague's iconic Charles Bridge. As visitor numbers surge, the city is cracking down on pub crawls, beer bikes, and late-night partying to preserve its historic core. Prague is trying to shed its party capital image. The city has banned beer bikes, limited noise in historic areas and cracked down on public drinking, pub crawls and rowdy bachelor and bachelorette parties. Bars even face fines if they serve already-intoxicated tourists. A coastal road in Cyprus overlooking the sea. Local authorities are enforcing little-known driving rules—like banning eating or drinking (even water) behind the wheel—with fines for violations. Thinking of sipping a bottle of water while driving in Cyprus? Don't. Eating or drinking anything behind the wheel—including water—is against the law and could get you fined €85 (about $96). It's considered a distraction, and local police enforce it. Off-road driving is banned in Iceland to protect its fragile environment. Violators face steep fines. Iceland has had enough of tourists trampling its fragile landscapes. Off-road driving is strictly banned and can result in fines up to ISK 500,000 (about $3,600). Disrespect the rules, and you'll pay—literally and environmentally. Switzerland's picture-perfect landscapes come with strict protections. Littering and noise violations can result in on-the-spot fines to help preserve the peace. Switzerland is picture-perfect, and there's a reason why. The country has strict rules to preserve its pristine environment. Littering can result in on-the-spot fines, and being too loud late at night or leaving behind trash in public areas can earn you hefty penalties. In Zermatt, the town is car-free, and gasoline vehicles are prohibited to reduce pollution; electric taxis are the norm. And remember: Wherever you're headed, make sure you're up to speed on the latest Europe travel rules—or risk paying the price.
