Travel updates

Travel to the United Kingdom: Travel requirements to the UK are changing. This includes moving from physical immigration documents to eVisas and introducing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which is a digital permission to travel.

If you do not need a visa to visit the UK for short stays of up to six months, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Check when you need an ETA to travel to the UK and apply: www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation. From 25 February 2026, eligible visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot legally travel to the UK.

If you hold a UK visa and use a physical immigration document to prove your rights, or if you have an expired biometric residence permit (BRP) or card (BCP), you should take action now to access your eVisa by creating a UK Visas and Immigration account: www.gov.uk/eVisa.

If you have indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and prove your immigration status with a passport stamp or vignette, you can make a free No Time Limit application to access an eVisa.

If you already have an eVisa, please tell the UK Government about the passport you intend to use for travel if it is not already linked to your eVisa UK Visas and Immigration account: www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details.

From 12 October 2025, the European Union will begin introducing a new Entry/Exit System (EES) at Schengen borders. This system replaces the manual passport stamping process with a digital record of your entry and exit, including basic details and biometric data (such as fingerprints and a facial image). 

If you are a non-EU/Schengen national travelling to or from the Schengen Area for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), the EES applies to you.

When you first arrive border officers will collect your biometric data (fingerprints and facial scan) along with your passport details. This will be stored securely in the EES database.

On subsequent visits, you will not need to repeat the full process — your data will already be in the system. Your entry/exit will simply be recorded digitally.

EU citizens, Schengen residents, and those holding long-stay visas or residence permits are not affected.

Please allow extra time for border checks, especially on your first trip after the system goes live.

For more information, please visit the official EU EES information page.

From 1 October, using or charging a power bank on board Emirates flights will no longer be permitted. Customers can still carry one power bank on board and it must be in cabin baggage. Power banks are not permitted in checked-in baggage.

The power bank can have a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hour (Wh) and the capacity rating must be clearly visible on the power bank.

On the aircraft, power banks cannot be stowed in the overhead lockers. Your power bank must be placed in a bag under the seat in front of you or in the seat pocket in front of you. Power banks cannot be used to charge any personal devices on board and charging the power bank is also not permitted.

These enhanced measures are designed to minimise the risk associated with power banks during the flight. For more information, please visit the Dangerous Goods Policy page.