Travelling in 2024? Learn About the Latest Travel Regulations [UK]

Manchester, a key business and leisure travel hub, advises visitors and residents to be aware of regulatory changes that will take effect in 2024. The imposition of a tourist tax across Europe, as well as new travel laws for UK residents, highlight the ever-changing nature of the travel industry, particularly when it comes to visa requirements and budgeting costs.

Because changes to the UK travel industry are likely to affect the landscape of the industry as a whonaturewle, new regulations encourage research into its impact on business and leisure travellers across the globe.

Keep reading to learn more about changes in travel regulations that will affect inbound and outbound travel around Manchester in the coming year.

EU Border Control Changes

Manchester is known as a key city for business and leisure travelling, meaning that people travelling into and out of the city should remain informed about the changes in regulation both when entering and exiting Manchester. The Entry/Exit System (EES), which is scheduled to go into effect in the autumn of 2024, is designed to replace the stamps on passports when travelling abroad, making this a big step forward for Britons visiting EU countries.

The digital protocol includes an extensive registration procedure that gathers vital data, including the person’s name, travel document type, fingerprints, facial images, and entry and exit details. The main goal of the EES is to speed up and simplify the entry/exit process, however travellers from Britain are cautioned that there may be some unanticipated delays and longer lines during the transition.

Additionally, the potential implementation of ETIAS (EU Travel Information & Authorization System) in early 2025 could influence entry requirements for those coming into Manchester from EU countries. Inbound travelers should stay informed about these changes, be prepared for potential adjustments in entry procedures, and check for any visa-related requirements as they plan their trips to Manchester.

Liquids Stored Inside Your Hand Luggage

UK airports, including those in Manchester, are gearing up for changes aimed at expediting security procedures and enhancing the travel experience. Soon, departing travelers from the UK will be allowed to carry up to two litres of liquid in their hand luggage. However, the full implementation across all UK airports is expected by June 2024, leading to a smoother experience for passengers.

While some airports have already adopted the new system, the existing policy limiting liquids to 100 millilitres in hand luggage will persist until the nationwide update is complete. It’s crucial for travelers to be aware that this change applies specifically to UK airports, and they should check destination rules before embarking on their journeys.

New Visa Regulations

Individuals travelling to Manchester may be affected by changes in the upcoming visa system. Inbound travellers should be aware of changing visa requirements when exiting Manchester, as relaxed rules may facilitate entry into the city, while their country of residence maintains existing rules on return. Staying up to date on international developments is critical for those planning to visit Manchester in order to navigate potential changes and have a more pleasant travel experience.

Restricted Airspace

The ongoing conflicts and air travel restrictions described can significantly impact individuals traveling into and out of Manchester. For those departing, increased travel costs and potential rerouting may arise due to the prohibition of direct flights to certain conflict zones, such as Russia, while navigating restricted airspace in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine. This could lead to disruptions and longer, more expensive journeys. Conversely, travelers arriving in Manchester may also face altered flight routes and potential delays, impacting the overall travel experience.

The resolution of conflicts in 2024 could alleviate restrictions, reduce costs, and improve travel efficiency, but until then, disruptions and higher expenses are likely to persist. Travelers should stay informed and anticipate potential adjustments to their travel plans.

Tourist Taxes

A number of tourist destinations, including Venice, Paris, Amsterdam, and Valencia, are facing challenges in accommodating growing tourist numbers and are preparing to impose additional taxes in 2024 to balance the scales. To control the number of visitors, many well-known cities throughout the world already collect tourist taxes, but this is set to increase in the new year.While the direct application of tourist taxes is specific to the destination, individuals traveling to Manchester may still be affected if these measures lead to changes in overall travel trends or costs.

Notably, tourist taxes in Paris will rise by almost 200% in the next year, while transport costs will increase in anticipation of the 2024 Olympics. Increased transport costs related to the 2024 Olympics in Paris could also have a cascading effect on travel expenses for those arriving in Manchester. Travelers should consider potential impacts on their budgets and stay informed about any changes in fees or costs associated with their journey into Manchester.

Travelling in the new year?

As we enter 2024, notable shifts in European travel and tourism emphasize the importance of patience and adaptability for those journeying into Manchester. Despite challenges such as visa regime adjustments and security upgrades, positive outcomes emerge, notably in the form of streamlined processes through the digitalisation of travel documents.

These advancements highlight the need for travellers to stay informed and flexible, ensuring a smoother and more efficient journey in the coming year!