All the major new travel rules coming in 2024 including 100ml liquid changes
If you've got 'do more travelling' at the top of your New Year's resolutions list then you may want to stay tuned to find out about all the major new travel rules coming in 2024.
From 100ml liquid limit changes and tourist taxes all the way through to border controls and no fly zones - here's every change that's a part of the biggest shake-up of airport security rules in decades.
So without further ado, let's get into it - shall we?
100ml liquids rules for hand luggage
The government has set June 2024 as the deadline for airports to install new security technology which will, at long last, bring about the eventual end to 100ml rule on liquids at large airports - meaning no more overpriced mini's or trying to squeeze a whole week's worth of suncream into a teeny bottle.
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Passengers in the UK will soon be able to take up to two litres of liquids onboard planes in their hand luggage because of the new security scanners.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but that’s all set to change. I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security.
"By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats.
"Of course, this won’t happen straight away – this is going to take 2 years to be fully implemented. Until then, passengers must continue following the existing rules and check before travelling."
Christopher Snelling, Policy Director at The Airport Operators Association (AOA), added: "This investment in next-generation security by the UK’s airport operators will provide a great step forward for UK air travel, matching the best in class around the world.
"It will make the journey through the UK’s airports easier and air travel itself more pleasant."
This change, however, only applies for UK airports, so the old rules about liquids may apply at airports abroad.
Children and e-Gates
Since July of this year, children as young as 10 can use e-Gates at the airport which makes travel a whole lot quicker - and less stressful - for families.
Previously, they had to be 12 to use them.
The gates are installed at 13 UK airports including; Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, London City, Luton, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle airports.
Additionally, they are also used at UK border controls at the Eurostar terminals in Brussels and Paris.
Passport rules
If you're wanting to board a plane then your UK passport needs to be less than 10 years old on the day of travel, and must have at least three months remaining after you return.
Now, these requirement have been around for quite some time now, but a lot of passengers still end up getting their travel disrupted for not properly adhering to the rules, so be sure keep an eye on your passport's expiration date.
Tourist taxes
There will be 10 popular holiday destinations increasing their tourist taxes next year, including the likes of Venice, which will be charging a €5 entrance fee for those people just visiting for the day. Also, the hotel room tax rate in Amsterdam will go up to 12.5 per cent.
If you're looking to travel to Paris then be prepared to fork out for a charge that is almost 200 per cent higher than the current price, as well as Valencia, which will charge tourists a fee varying between €0.50 and €2 per night.
New EU border controls
The entry/exit system (EES) is set to be brought in by Autumn of 2024 and it will apply to any non-EU citizens travelling into EU countries.
This digital process will include registering the person's name, their type of the travel document, fingerprints/captured facial images, and the date and place of entry and exit.
Visas
The subject of visas will also change with Claudia Gualdi, travel intelligence data lead at Riskline, telling the Mirror: "We have seen many countries easing visa requirements lately, even during limited periods of time for trial periods to boost tourism.
"In January we have the visa free regime for Kosovo. Kosovan passport holders will be able to enter Schengen Area. Iran and Russia have signed an agreement for January, while Israel is joining the US waiver programme.
"Finland recently closed most of its border with Russia. It is quite active times for Europe."
Claudia added that the 'ongoing digitalisation of visas' is now a major trend when it comes to global travel, set to kick off in the Schengen Area.
From October 6 of next year, an automated IT system for registering travellers from third-countries will be introduced, known as the Entry/Exit System or EES.
Once this is sorted, an electronic visa system called EU Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, is likely to launch in early 2025. This means most non-EU citizens travelling to the bloc will be charged €7.
Restricted airspace
Travellers can expect to see a number of 'no fly zones' airspace currently in place due to conflicts.
Most European countries have banned direct flights to Russia following its invasion of Ukraine with Claudia explaining: "We expect the Ukraine conflict to continue for the next year, which will mean airlines are restricted or have to make alternative routes. The limited availability is the factor that puts up ticket prices."
Paris Olympics
And last but not least is the Paris Olympics.
Next year's Summer Olympics will be hosted in Paris, so you may want to re-think that romantic Parisian getaway as your trip could be affected by the major event.
Topics: News, Plane Etiquette, Travel, UK News, Sport
Rhiannon Ingle