Edinburgh and London: New Travel Fees and Minimum Wage Hikes – What to Expect in 2026

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A range of significant new laws will come into effect across the UK and Scotland in 2026, impacting everything from wages and travel fees to workplace rights and consumer protection. Key changes include a new £17 Europe travel fee, minimum wage increases, junk food advertising bans, and specific laws addressing ticket reselling and plastic pollution. These shifts will affect both business travelers and tourists, and it’s important for those planning travel or living in the UK to be aware of these crucial updates as the year unfolds.

Key Legal Changes Coming in 2026: What You Need to Know

Several major legal changes will take place across the UK in 2026, which will significantly affect travelers, businesses, and residents alike. These changes are set to enhance consumer rights, improve environmental protections, and provide new benefits and protections for workers. Among the most important updates are:

• £17 Europe Travel Fee: Starting late in 2026, a new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will introduce a €20 fee (around £17) for UK citizens traveling to certain EU countries. This system is designed to help streamline border checks and improve security for travelers entering the Schengen Area.
• Minimum Wage Increases: From April 2026, National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage will increase, giving workers a pay rise that reflects the cost of living adjustments.
• Junk Food Ads: In an effort to combat rising childhood obesity rates, the UK will introduce a ban on junk food advertising before 9 pm on television and online, targeting food and drink products high in fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS).
• Ticket Resale Laws: The UK government will introduce legislation to stop ticket touts from reselling event tickets at inflated prices, making live performances more affordable for fans.
• Plastic-Free Wet Wipes: In Scotland, a ban will be introduced on the sale of plastic-containing wet wipes, with a focus on reducing plastic pollution and promoting eco-friendly alternatives.

Travel and Consumer Rights: What Will Change for Tourists

One of the key changes affecting tourists is the ETIAS system, which will require UK travelers to pay a £17 fee to visit certain EU countries. This move is part of an effort to streamline border controls and enhance security. The ETIAS will be mandatory for UK citizens traveling to Schengen Area countries, such as France, Germany, and Spain. The good news is that the ETIAS application will be relatively simple, done online before travel.

Additionally, from February 2026, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will require visitors from 85 countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia, to register before entering the UK. This change makes the UK’s immigration system more streamlined and contactless, providing a smoother entry process for travelers.

In terms of consumer rights, travelers will benefit from new protections related to ticket pricing and advertising. The ban on junk food advertisements will ensure that families and children are exposed to fewer unhealthy product ads, aligning with the government’s wider health goals.

Impact on Business Travel: New Rules for Workers and Employers

For business travelers, several laws will enhance workers’ rights and workplace protections. Most notably, the minimum wage increase will impact employers and employees across the UK. Business owners will need to adjust their budgets to account for the rise in wages, while employees will see an increase in their weekly pay, improving their economic well-being.

The ban on junk food ads will likely affect the food and beverage industry, especially for companies that operate in sectors linked to children or fast food. Furthermore, businesses involved in event management or the entertainment industry will need to adjust their strategies to comply with the new ticket resale laws, which prevent inflated prices for concert or sporting event tickets.

For remote workers and those who have been working from home, the government will end the current tax relief for homeworking expenses from April 2026. This means employees who work from home and currently claim tax relief for household costs will no longer be able to do so unless their employer reimburses the expenses.

Environmental and Social Impact: Tackling Plastic Pollution and Supporting Communities

One of the most notable changes coming to Scotland in 2026 is the ban on plastic-containing wet wipes. This initiative aims to reduce plastic waste, which often contributes to pollution and harm to wildlife. As part of this effort, more retailers will switch to plastic-free alternatives, promoting a healthier environment. This policy is a part of Scotland’s larger goal to reduce plastic pollution, and it will spread to Wales by the end of 2026 and to England and Northern Ireland by 2027.

Additionally, there will be new sentencing reforms for prisoners, including a model for earned release for well-behaved inmates. This could lead to early release for prisoners who meet the requirements, with an emphasis on rehabilitation and reducing the prison population.

Tips for Travelers: What You Need to Do Now

1. Apply for ETIAS: If you plan to travel to Europe in 2026, apply for the ETIAS online before your trip to avoid any travel disruptions.
2. Prepare for ETA Requirements: For travelers planning to visit the UK from 85 countries, ensure you have your ETA approved before your journey.
3. Stay Informed on Consumer Rights: Keep track of any changes to ticket prices and advertising regulations if you plan to attend events in the UK.
4. Plan for Minimum Wage Changes: If you’re a business traveler or employer, make sure to understand the impact of the minimum wage increase coming in April 2026.
5. Switch to Eco-Friendly Products: For those in Scotland, prepare for the ban on plastic-containing wet wipes by switching to sustainable alternatives.

Conclusion: The Impact of 2026 Legal Changes on Travelers and Businesses

As 2026 approaches, the UK and Scotland will see several key legal changes that will affect both business and tourist travel. From the introduction of the ETIAS fee for European travel to the minimum wage increase, these changes will shape how travelers and businesses navigate the new year. For tourists, the focus on digital travel authorizations and eco-friendly initiatives will make travel smoother and more sustainable. For business travelers, understanding the new employment regulations and tax changes will be crucial to managing the evolving landscape of work and travel.

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