The Schengen area lets more than 450 million people move between member countries without internal border checks. Here is how it works, which countries belong, and how its external borders are protected.
Behind Europe's borders sits a set of large-scale IT systems that authorities use to fight crime and manage travel. Here is a plain-language guide to SIS, VIS, Eurodac, ETIAS, the EES and how they fit together.
Behind the EU's border and security systems sits a Council body that coordinates how member states exchange information. Here is what the Working Party on JHA Information Exchange does and why it matters.
The EU and its member states are reinforcing the external borders of the Schengen area through a combination of a dedicated agency and large-scale IT systems. Here is how the main pieces fit together.
British citizens who also hold a foreign passport can no longer simply use that document to enter the UK. With full ETA enforcement now in place, here is what changed and the practical options for dual nationals.
One of the most important pre-trip tasks is making sure your passport is valid for your travel dates and renewed in good time. ABTA's guidance reads as a clear checklist covering validity, renewals, visa-free limits and the EU's ETIAS.
The UK is now enforcing its Electronic Travel Authorisation for visitors from 85 nationalities, with a grace period ending on 25 February 2026. The permit costs £16, is linked to your passport, and does not by itself guarantee entry.
Travelling in 2026 is set to become harder, pricier and more bureaucratic, from biometric borders in Europe to new fees on both sides of the Atlantic. Here is a plain-language guide to what is changing and how to plan around it.
As 2026 opens, the pace of change in travel policy and regulation shows no sign of slowing. Here is a clear explainer of what the year holds, with the EU's Entry/Exit System and ETIAS at the centre of the picture.
ETIAS will be required no matter how you travel to Europe, including overland. Here is how authorisation checks will work for bus, train and car journeys, with examples for each.