Tag: Travel

British travellers told to expect checks under EU’s Entry-Exit System

Travellers to Europe subject to new entry registrations from today under a phased implementation of the EU’s new digital border system

The Entry Exit System (EES) requires non-EU citizens to register at the EU border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photograph taken. 

From today, 12 October, British passport-holders will need to register on their first visit to a country where EES checks are operating. Registration is valid for a rolling three-year period or until the passport expires.  

The new system will be phased in over six months, meaning different ports may have varying requirements until April 2026. This should allow for a gradual implementation that minimises disruption, particularly at peak periods. 

On exit, and for subsequent visits to a participating country, travellers will only need to scan their passport and provide either fingerprints or a photograph at the border. 

EES will be a requirement when entering Schengen area countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. EES will not be required when travelling to Ireland and Cyprus.  

For travellers using the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, the process will take place at the border before they leave the UK. 

The government has supported these juxtaposed ports (Eurostar, St Pancras; Eurotunnel, Folkestone; and the Port of Dover) with £10.5m of funding for border infrastructure to make the change as smooth as possible for travellers.

While EES is an EU system, the government has been working closely with the travel industry, ports and transport operators to help raise public awareness and understanding of the border changes. 

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said: “We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible.  

“The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders and these modernisation measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration.”

Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, Keir Mather, said:  “We’ve backed our ports and operators with £10.5 million to help them get ready for the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, ensuring they have the infrastructure and systems in place to manage the changes.

“Our priority is to minimise disruption for travellers and hauliers, particularly at our busiest border crossings. We’ll continue working closely with European partners and local resilience forums to keep traffic flowing and journeys smooth.”

Travellers do not need to take any action before travelling and the process is free. Registration will take place upon arrival at the EU border and may take slightly longer than previous border checks. 

Whilst the checks should only take 1-2 minutes for each person, they may lead to longer wait times at border control upon arrival in the Schengen area. At the juxtaposed ports, where registration will be completed in the UK prior to departure, there may be longer waits at busy times. Eurotunnel, Eurostar and the Port of Dover have plans in place to minimise disruption as much as possible. 

Last month, the UK government launched an awareness campaign to help prepare British travellers for the new system.  

Messages advising the public about the changes have been shared across government social media channels, by transport operators and on travel websites. Up to date information can also be found on GOV.UK and FCDO’s Travel Aware pages. 

The EU has introduced EES to replace passport stamping for all non-EU citizens, helping them to track compliance with the 90-day visa-free travel rule and strengthen their border control. 

British citizens covered by Withdrawal Agreement residence documents and UK-EU dual citizens using their EU passports will be exempt from the new requirements. 

Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted but under the new EU rules, all travellers, including babies, will be photographed and have digital records created. 

The UK Government has rolled out its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which is a digital permission to travel for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays, or do not have another valid UK immigration status prior to travelling to the UK.​

Lorna Slater MSP: End of peak rail fares a Green win for everyone in Lothian 

GREEN WIN AS WE SAY GOODBYE TO  PEAK RAIL FARES

The abolition of peak rail fares is a huge win for commuters and climate, says Lorna Slater, the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian.

The policy was first introduced as a pilot project, which was secured by the Scottish Greens in 2023 while they were in Government, but it was soon dropped by the SNP in 2024. 

In the year between the pilot project ending and the Scottish Government permanently introducing the Green policy for cheaper rail fares, commuters across Scotland’s largest cities have forked out thousands of pounds to travel. 

At present, people from Glasgow had to spend £32 to get a train to Edinburgh. Now that peak rail fares are scrapped, this will be reduced by 48% 

Lorna Slater MSP for Lothian said: “This is a really welcome change and one that Greens worked hard to deliver. 

“I am delighted that the Scottish Government has agreed to remove this unfair tax on workers, students and regular travellers. For too long, peak rail fares have penalized people who often have no say on when and where they need to travel. 

“Commuters in Lothian will save hundreds, if not thousands of pounds per year from peak rail fares ending permanently. I hope that this will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and catch the train, making our roads safer and doing their part for the planet. 

“Travel shouldn’t cost the earth. The Scottish Greens want to continue making our public transport here in Scotland the best it possibly can be; affordable, accessible, and ecofriendly, so that we can protect our planet and make our roads and communities cleaner, greener and safer for everyone.” 

ScotRail: Peak fares ‘gone for good’

From today – Monday, 1 September – customers will pay the same fare no matter what time they travel, or the day of the week.

The policy announced by the Scottish Government in May this year is aiming to make train fares simpler, more flexible, and provide better value for money for rail users. A further aim of the change is to get more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail instead.

Removing peak fares will mean significant savings for customers across the country, with some journeys set to reduce by almost 50 per cent – including those between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Examples of the massive savings to be made include:

JourneyReturn fare from 1 SeptemberSavingPercentage saving
Edinburgh – Glasgow£16.80£15.8048%
Inverkeithing – Edinburgh£7.40£5.2041%
Perth – Dundee£11.20£5.1031%
Glasgow – Stirling£10.80£7.4040%
Inverurie – Aberdeen£10.10£2.5020%
Inverness – Elgin£16.30£8.5034%

There are some routes where no off-peak fare exists because the same fare is already available at any time of the day, and as such, customers will not see any change in those areas.

Customers can now check the ScotRail website, or the app, to see Off-Peak fares for their route, and get set for savings when peak fares are removed. The ScotRail website also has a fare comparison tool that helps customers find the best ticket option for their travel needs.

As part of the move to simpler and more flexible fares, a number of other tickets will also be updated:

  • Season Tickets will remain at their current pricing until 27 September, offering exceptional value. For regular travellers, this represents a saving of at least 40 per cent compared to purchasing five Anytime Day Return tickets at pre-1 September prices. This discount was part of a 12-month offer launched in September 2024.
  • Flexipass tickets will have adjusted pricing from 1 September to ensure they continue to offer a saving compared to buying multiple Anytime Single or Return tickets, while still providing flexibility for part-time or hybrid commuters.
  • Super Off-Peak Day Return tickets will be withdrawn, as the removal of peak fares means customers now benefit from great value fares all day, every day.
  • Railcards, concessions, and enhanced discounts will continue to be available, with most remaining valid for travel after 9.15am, in line with existing conditions.
    These changes are designed to make rail travel easier to understand and more accessible, while continuing to offer excellent value for a wide range of customers.

The significant change to the fare structure will support the Scottish Government’s ambition to achieve net zero, providing more people with the opportunity to use trains as their primary form of transport.

ScotRail was recently ranked as one of the best train operating companies for customer satisfaction. With an overall satisfaction of 91 per cent, ScotRail is performing better than all other large operators in Britain.

It has been a hugely successful summer for the operator, with more than 200,000 customers travelling on services to attend events across the country, including the Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen, music events at Hampden Park, the Edinburgh Festivals, and Oasis in concert at Murrayfield stadium.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “Public ownership has created the opportunity to deliver a railway which is run for the benefit of the nation. ScotRail is one of the fastest growing operators, with one of the best passenger satisfaction rates and we are building even further on this success by removing peak fares for good.

“We want more people to choose to travel by public transport for work, study and leisure but we know that many are still struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

“By removing peak fares, we are making ticketing more simple and more straightforward while at the same time supporting a shift towards sustainable public transport, protecting the climate, and saving people money.”

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said: “This is fantastic news, not only for our existing customers, but for everyone across the country considering rail travel for their commute or leisure journeys.

“Travelling by train remains one of the most convenient ways to get around, and with simpler, more affordable fares, we hope to see many more people choose ScotRail.”

Families could save up to £350 in Loganair’s Tartan Sale

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched its biggest-ever Tartan Sale, offering customers 17% off flights across its network and potential savings of up to £350 on selected journeys.

The sale runs from 29 August to 9 September 2025, covering a wide range of destinations across the airline’s extensive network of over 70 routes. Travellers can book discounted flights from 22nd September onwards.

Coinciding with the Tartan Sale, Loganair has also released its Summer 2026 schedule, enabling customers to plan ahead and secure reduced fares for next year’s peak travel season. This includes services linking key UK cities, lifeline island routes, and connections to major European destinations.

Through its partnerships with leading international airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Aer Lingus, Loganair customers can also take advantage of onward connectivity via hubs such as London Heathrow, Manchester and Dublin, all on a single booking with through-checked luggage.

Luke Lovegrove, chief commercial officer at Loganair, said: “Loganair’s Tartan Sale gives customers the opportunity to book ahead and access reduced fares across a wide range of routes.

“The launch of our Summer 2026 schedule alongside the sale means there is more scope than ever for travellers to plan trips in advance, whether that’s for leisure, business, or to connect with friends and family. Our focus remains on providing reliable, convenient services that link communities across our network and beyond.”

Earlier this year, Loganair was ranked second in the Which? annual customer survey of short-haul airlines, achieving a 72% customer score. The airline received a five-star rating for customer service and four stars for booking, boarding, and cleanliness.

Additionally, the airline was named the most punctual for UK arrivals and departures in Q2 2025 by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, with 86% of its flights arriving and departing on time.

Customers flying with Loganair benefit from a 21kg luggage allowance as standard and convenient connections to the wider UK through the airline’s growing network and partner carriers.

Bookings can be made at loganair.co.uk until midnight on 9 September 2025 via this link: 

https://www.loganair.co.uk/?utm_campaign=tartan-sale&utm_medium=press&utm_source=lm

Jet2.com announces children under 2 will travel for free

Leading leisure airline Jet2.com has further strengthened its family-friendly offer, by announcing that children under 2 will now travel for FREE.

The announcement means that Jet2.com is the only UK airline to not charge a fee for children under 2 to travel to destinations across Europe, the Canaries and the Mediterranean.

This new policy applies to all new bookings made from today (Friday 22nd August 2025), and children must be under 2 at the time of travel for it to apply.

With children under 2 already going free when they travel with Jet2holidays, this now means that all under 2’s travel free with Jet2 – whether on a package holiday with Jet2holidays or on a seat-only flight with Jet2.com.

In addition, Jet2.com has introduced a new family-friendly change to its child and infant equipment allowance, meaning that no excess baggage will be charged for child or infant equipment being checked into the hold. This policy is effective immediately.

Alongside an extra 10kg baggage allowance for children under 2[i], customers can bring up to two items per child under 2 free of charge to be checked into the hold.

These can include a collapsible pushchair, pram or buggy, car seat or booster seat, baby carrier, or travel cot and the 10kg weight limitation no longer applies to these items.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “As a family friendly airline and tour operator, we are always looking at how we can make the experience even better for families travelling with us.

“By putting our customers first and making these changes, meaning that all children under 2 now travel for free whether on a package holiday or a seat-only flight, we are making travel even more accessible for millions of families.”  

To take advantage of these fantastic savings, visit:

 www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com.

Blind comedian highlights accessibility barriers at Fringe

Performing at the world’s largest arts festival is no small feat. But for blind comedian Jamie MacDonald, just getting to his venue each day reveals a challenge that blind and partially sighted people face every day: getting to work.

Jamie, who is blind due to a degenerative eye condition, is returning to the Edinburgh Fringe with a brand-new show. Navigating busy streets, temporary venues, and the unpredictable festival layout can be difficult without the support that many sighted performers might never need to consider. 

“Getting about Edinburgh is already a total nightmare for blind people and folk with mobility issues,” Jamie says. “Medieval folk seem to have been four-feet tall with a love for steep, stone stairs.

“When you add in the road closures, crowds and performers that the biggest art festival in the world brings, moving about becomes lethal!”   

With no official assistance service available, Jamie reached out to RNIB, the national charity supporting people with sight loss. Two of the charity’s volunteers, Bill and Iain, stepped forward to support Jamie with getting to and from his venue throughout his run. Although providing one-to-one travel support isn’t within the charity’s usual role, RNIB Scotland was happy to help connect Jamie with volunteers ready to help, coordinated by Community Social Action Manager Jane Coates.  

Although Jamie is known for tackling blindness with humour, he’s serious about challenging the way society views disability. As he puts it, being blind seems to automatically make him a “role model,” whether he wants to be or not. He’s using comedy to question why disabled people are expected to be heroes rather than simply being complex, contradictory, or even a bit difficult – just like anyone else.  

That same questioning extends beyond attitudes to the practical barriers disabled performers face. 

“There must be a tonne of disabled performers who face the same or similar struggles to me,” Jamie says. “It would be sad, but not surprising if it put some people off coming to perform. I’m not pointing the finger at anyone here, I just think there could be more of a focus put on accessibility.” 

The Fringe has introduced several accessibility initiatives in recent years such as audio-described and BSL-interpreted performances. However, support and accessibility can vary depending on the venue. The historic layout of Edinburgh, coupled with the festival’s pop-up nature, adds to the challenge. 

Jane Coates, Community Social Action Manager for RNIB Scotland, says Jamie’s situation reflects a wider issue: “Accessibility shouldn’t come down to individual goodwill,” she says. “We need systemic solutions that make it easier for blind and partially sighted people to access cultural life, as audience members, and as creators and performers too.” 

For Jamie, the support from volunteers hasn’t solved the wider challenges, but it’s made all the difference in making the Fringe possible this year. 

“Bill and Iain are legends,” he says. “I’m lucky. I’ve got my volunteers in shining armour, Iain and Bill, guiding me through the mayhem.

“Legends without whose help and support would probably see me seriously injured or worse, late for a show. So a heart-felt thanks to them.” 

** Jamie MacDonald is performing ‘Toxic Bastard’ at Venue 24: Dram at Gilded Balloon Patter House from 15 – 24 August.

Tickets available at:

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jamie-macdonald-toxic-bastard

Loganair to reunite distant friends with free return flights

Loganair is calling on the public to help track down some of the country’s longest distance friendships across its network, as the regional airline looks to bring one deserving duo back together with complimentary flights.

Whether it’s childhood best friends who now live hundreds of miles apart, or university flatmates who haven’t seen each other since graduation, Loganair’s latest Season of Connections campaign is a celebration of friendship that endures, no matter the postcode.

The competition, launching this week on the airline’s Instagram and Facebook channels, invites people to share their story and explain why their long-distance friendship deserves a long-overdue reunion. The winning pair will receive return flights to each other’s city, helping bridge the gap.

It follows the huge response to Loganair’s Christmas giveaway, inspired by its festive advert, Loganair, Actually, offering one lucky winner a year of free flights across Loganair’s extensive network.

Now, Loganair hopes to bring another memorable reunion to life, this time between two friends kept apart by distance but still closely connected.

Lyn MacDonald, head of marketing and brand at Loganair, said: “This campaign is all about celebrating the real, meaningful connections that define our lives, and demonstrating the role regional travel can play in bringing people together.

“Whether it’s been months or years since friends last met in person, we want to help make that reunion possible.”

The competition runs until Sunday, 17 August. To take part, visit Loganair’s Instagram or Facebook pages and follow the link in bio to submit your story.

The winning friends will be announced later this summer, with their reunion taking place in the autumn.

Loganair’s extensive network of flights allows passengers from across the UK and beyond to explore a wide range of destinations. The airline’s 21kg (15kg hold allowance plus 6kg carry-on bag) ensures passengers can bring all they need for trips to reunite with friends and loved ones.

The UK’s leading regional airline, Loganair connects communities across the UK, from remote islands like Orkney, the Isle of Man and Guernsey, to bustling business hubs including Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Codeshare agreements with partner airlines, including British Airways and KLM, open up even more opportunities to connect with friends and family further afield.

Earlier this year, Loganair was ranked second in the Which? annual customer survey of short-haul airlines, achieving a 72% customer score. The airline received a five-star rating for customer service and four stars for booking, boarding, and cleanliness. 

For more information and to enter, visit Season of Connections – Reuniting Long-Distance Friends | Loganair

100ml liquid rule lifted at Edinburgh Airport

The 100ml liquids rule for airport security has been lifted at Edinburgh Airport for the first time since it was introduced in 2006 following the installation of top-of-the-range security x-ray technology.

It means passengers will be able to keep liquids in their bags when going through security, and those liquid containers can now be up to two litres each.

Edinburgh Airport, now part of the VINCI Airports network, is the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule.

It comes after eight new X-rays were installed as part of a £24 million investment to transform the security process at Scotland’s busiest airport. Large electricals, such as tablets and laptops, can remain in bags, and liquids in containers up to two litres can now also be kept inside.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “This is a big day for our passengers and the airport team – we are delighted to be able to lift this rule and really transform the whole security process, making it easier for everyone.

“A whole generation of travellers have only known the 100ml rule to be the case, so it really is a momentous day as we become the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule since it was introduced in 2006.

“The change allows more flexibility for passengers to take liquids through security, all while maintaining and improving our high safety levels through the use of 3D technology. But it is important that passengers continue to check with the situation at their return airport as not all airports will be moving away from 100ml just yet.”

Goa Tourism Showcase in Edinburgh

Goa Tourism Unveils Regenerative Travel Vision 

India’s coastal gem reimagines itself beyond beaches and casinos at landmark cultural showcase, drawing dignitaries and Scottish Tourism Leaders

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), in collaboration with a Scotland-based cultural initiative, unveiled its bold new identity as a global leader in regenerative tourism.

Hosted at the elegant elegant Virgin Hotels in Edinburgh on 27th June, the event drew senior Indian delegates, British parliamentarians, cultural leaders, and tourism innovators into a shared dialogue to promote Goa’s evolving identity as a hub for regenerative tourism, wellness, and cultural heritage.

A Prestigious Gathering

The event was spearheaded by Dr. Naval Kumar Verma, Advisor (Medical & Wellness Tourism) to GTDC, who travelled from India alongside Mr. Parvesh Shukla, Director of Worldwide Travel and NRI Head at Rejoice Health Foundation, and Mr. Jigar Bhaglia, Deputy Chair of Selly Oak Conservatives.

The evening was graced by MP Christine Jardine and MP Dr. Scott Arthur, alongside respected voices from Scotland’s tourism, education, and cultural diplomacy sectors. Celebrated author and India advocate Ms. Aline Dobbie also graced the gathering, underscoring the evening’s spirit of Indow-Scottish amity.

Celebrating Culture and Connection

The programme opened with the auspicious lamp lighting ceremony, symbolising unity and enlightment, led jointly by the Indian and Scottish dignitaries.

A captivating Odissi performance by classical dancer Shilpi Dhar set the cultural tone for the evening. The event was seamlessly emceed with warmth by Mrs. Nidhi Walker, a bridge between Indian roots and Scottish identity.

In a keynote that stirred minds and hearts, Dr. Verma presented Goa’s pioneering approach as India’s first state to embrace regenerative tourism — a paradigm that transcends sustainability, focusing on restoring ecosystems, empowering local communities, and preserving and honoring cultural legacies.

“Goa is not just about beaches and casinos,” said Dr. Verma. “It’s a land of Ayurveda, spiritual heritage, waterfalls, wellness festivals, and sacred sites — where tourists can now leave a positive impact through mindful travel.”

Speeches from Dr. Scott Arthur, MP Christine Jardine, Ms. Aline Dobbie, and Ms. Preena Verma echoed these themes emphasizing the potential for India and Scotland to build equitable, eco-conscious partnerships in tourism and culture.

 A Colourful Cultural Showcase

The showcase culminated in an exuberant cultural segment that brought Goa’s vibrant spirit to life. Youthful performers Aarya, Tiara, Aadhya, and Anoushka enchanted the audience with traditional Goan dance, culminating in a breathtaking Kathak recital by Himadri, whose elegant footwork drew heavy applause.

Curated short films transported attendees to Goa’s diverse landscapes — from spice plantations to colonial-era churches, serene temples to Sufi shrines — painting a cinematic portrait of a state where spirituality, biodiversity, and community coalesce.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, affirming a shared vision between India and the UK: one where tourism becomes a transformative force for cultural diplomacy and planetary stewardship.

 About Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC)

GTDC is the official body under the Government of Goa responsible for the promotion and development of tourism in the state. GTDC is committed to positioning Goa as a holistic destination that champions regenerative tourism, wellness, and heritage.

Jet2.com offering thousands of July seats for £49 or less

Jet2.com puts thousands of July seats up for grabs at £49 or less

Jet2.com has kicked off July in style by announcing fantastic savings for holidaymakers looking to grab a July getaway – with thousands of one-way July seats up for grabs for £49 or less.

Customers looking to book a getaway to a sunny hotspot or a European leisure city this month have more reason than ever to get clicking.

With over 475 routes on sale from across 13 UK airport bases in Summer 25, customers travelling with Jet2.com are spoiled for choice when it comes to getting some well-deserved sunshine across Europe, the Mediterranean, Morocco and Canary Islands.

As well as enjoying the best destinations for just £49 or less this July, customers can also experience Jet2.com’s award-winning flights and customer service, with 10kg hand luggage included, which has seen the airline win an array of high-profile awards, including Which? Recommended Provider status for the past ten years running.

A spokesperson for Jet2.com said: “There is no better feeling than securing a spot in the sunshine for less, so we are getting July off to the best start by announcing this sale, which means cheaper flights and cheaper holidays.

“With thousands of seats in July available for £49 or less on our award-winning airline, we know there will be enormous demand, so we are expecting seats to sell very quickly.”

To take advantage of these fantastic savings, visit www.jet2.com.

Full details available here: https://www.jet2.com/promotions