All the new travel rules you need to know for 2023 – or risk ruining your holiday
BRITS planning a holiday abroad this year are being warned of a number of new travel rules to be aware of.
Travellers face missing their holidays and being left out of pocket if they fail to take note.
Here are some of the changes in 2023 that you should check before going abroad.
US - new visa restrictions
All British travellers need to apply for an ESTA to visit the US, which works as a visa waiver.
Costing £18 - they went up in price last year - these can be applied for online and take just a few days to process.
However, new rules are in place that mean Brits who have been to Cuba are unable to apply for an ESTA and have a much lengthier and more expensive process instead.
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While the new rules were introduced last year, many Brits are only just realising how they will be affected.
Anyone who has visited Cuba since January 2021 must instead apply for a tourist visa to visit the US.
This is much more expensive, costing around £143, and requires an interview in London, where it can still be declined.
Europe - new visa and entry restrictions
This year will be the start of the new rules for Brits heading to Europe since leaving the EU.
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From November 2023, holidaymakers will need to apply for a visa waiver to visit Europe.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will cost around £6 and last for three years or until your passport expires.
A new website is yet to go live, but Brits will need to apply at least 96 hours before travelling, and only travellers under 18 or over 70 are exempt.
This visa only applies if visiting for less than 90 days - longer than this will require different visas.
The new European Union Entry and Exit System (EES) system is being rolled out across Europe later this year as well.
The new digital system will check the person’s name, biometric data and the date and place of entry and exit, and will replace the stamping of passports and instead scan the documents, but there are fears this will lead to huge queues at the border.
Croatia - different currency
Croatia has joined the Schengen Zone, meaning it is now part of the EU.
This means the current currency of the kuna will be scrapped.
The euro has been rolled out since January 1, although kuna can be used until January 15.
After this, only the euro will be accepted, but Brits have until the end of the year to exchange any leftover kuna.
Venice - entry fee
Brits heading to the popular Italian hotspot Venice will have to prebook and pay to enter.
Tourists will have to pay an entry fee between £2.60 and £8.80 in advance, using an online ticket booking system.
This is only for day-trippers - people staying overnight already pay a tourist tax fee instead.
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The city first announced the rules in 2018, although has since been delayed for a number of reasons.
While it was expected to start this month, it has since been pushed back to the summer.
