Latest Operational
Updates

Official figures published on the number of Schengen visas issued and applied for in 2024.

The European Council and Parliament have provisionally agreed a progressive start for EES

EU/EFTA nationals (excluding Irish) require an ETA to travel to the UK unless exempt e.g. resident in UK.

The application fee for a short stay visitor visa will increase to £127 from 9 April 2025. Applications made before 9 April are £115.

New overnight stay tax proposed to be implemented from 1 July 2025.

New tourist tax initially approved.

Tourist tax rate increase delayed until 1 October 2025.

A 'City Visitor Charge' of £2 per room, per night (excl. VAT) has been approved to be implemented from 1 June 2025.

The Norwegian government has submitted a bill to parliament that would allow municipalities to charge a 3% tourist tax on paid overnight stays

New coach access arrangements implemented on a trial basis.

Coach Parking: Suspension of the Pass Autocar Service and Temporary On-Site Payment Option

Coach Permits Rates provisionally revised following a court ruling

Vehicle access restriction at the Lawnmarket planned to be implemented between certain times from July 2025.

Amendments to the ZTL applicable to vehicles with 10 or more seats.

Update on Notre Dame group ticket allocation

From 1 July 2025, tickets will only be sold online

Trial Exit Route from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Square has been reintroduced - with guide only

Zaanstad plans to introduce mandatory tourist tickets for Zaanse Schans starting in April 2026

In order to streamline access to the museum during the Easter Holidays a new entrance will be available to small groups with a guide.

UK Government has launched a consultation on review of its Package Travel Regulations which will close on 30th June.

The European Council proposes removing Linked Travel Arrangements (LTAs) and instead requiring consumer notification if a booking isn’t a package. The European Parliament's IMCO committee will draft a report, with a vote expected by June 2025

Revision of some EU driving and rest time rules for occasional services (i.e. coach tours) is now in force across the EU. These changes do not currently apply in the UK, where the EU rules prior to 22 May 2024 remain in effect

Joint industry position about the European Commission’s proposed amendments to the Package Travel Directive

For recording of 19th March 2024 webinar on new regulation affecting guiding in Italy click on Read More below

Italy has published new law affecting provision of guiding services. This will have significant impact on professional not established in Italy intended to provide services there. Submitting a ‘prior declaration’ as soon as practical is advised to minimise risk of fine

The European Commission approved reforms to the Package Travel Directive, including a cap on prepayments at booking to 25% of the package price, except when higher costs (e.g., full flight payments) justify more. The proposals now go to the European Parliament and Council for further review.

The UK government was reported to have been considering all options, including a complete redraft of its Package Travel Regulations. Members were invited to answer to the consultation closed on 13th December 2023.