New UK Laws in 2026: What Travellers Need to Know About Changing Travel Fees, Border Controls, and More

Published on December 28, 2025

As 2026 approaches, new laws in the UK are set to impact both residents and visitors alike. These changes, which span from border controls to household recycling rules, will have significant implications for holidaymakers planning to travel to and from the UK. Whether it’s the new travel charges for visiting Europe, stricter border control measures, or evolving waste management regulations, tourists will need to prepare for these upcoming transformations. Here’s a look at some of the key changes and how they might affect your travel plans.

New Border Controls and £17 Travel Charge for Europe

Starting from the end of 2026, a new fee will be introduced for British travellers heading to Europe. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require all UK nationals to pay a £17 fee, valid for up to three years. This online application, which travellers must submit before their trip, will be mandatory for anyone travelling to Schengen Area countries such as France, Spain, or Germany.

This system is part of broader changes to border control procedures in Europe. Non-EU citizens, including British nationals, will need to register at the EU border by scanning their passport and providing biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs. These changes are already in place for some airports and will continue to roll out until April 2026. However, it’s important to note that the new ETIAS fee will be separate from this process and will need to be paid prior to departure.

For travellers arriving in the UK, starting February 25, 2026, all visitors from 85 countries—including the United States, Canada, and France—will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This digital document, which costs £16, must be obtained before departure.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• Apply for your ETIAS or ETA in advance. For ETIAS, make sure to pay the £17 fee online.
• Keep updated on new border control measures for smoother travel into the UK or Schengen Area.
• Check travel regulations before booking flights to avoid delays at the airport.

Changes to Recycling Rules in the UK

For UK residents, new waste collection regulations will be enforced starting in March 2026. The “Simpler Recycling” initiative will require every household in England to separate waste into four distinct bins: food and garden waste, paper and cardboard, dry recyclable materials like glass and plastic, and non-recyclable waste. This change aims to streamline recycling and make it easier for households to adhere to environmental standards.

The new regulations will impact businesses as well, particularly in the retail and waste management sectors. The initiative will help reduce waste and increase the UK’s recycling rates, a move that aligns with the country’s broader environmental goals.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• If you’re staying in the UK long-term, get familiar with the new bin collection system to ensure proper waste disposal.
• Consider using sustainable travel options and recycling where possible to adhere to local laws.

Junk Food Advertisement Ban and Health Measures

A new law will prohibit advertisements for junk food on TV and online from 2026. The government is taking aim at the rising childhood obesity crisis by restricting high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) products in advertisements shown before 9pm. This measure will also cover outdoor ads on buses, billboards, and taxis.

Additionally, the UK will introduce legislation to restrict the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to anyone under 16, responding to growing concerns over the health impact on children. These changes aim to curb unhealthy eating and improve public health outcomes. For tourists visiting the UK, this may impact what they see advertised while shopping or dining out.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• Be aware of the new restrictions if you plan to travel with children, particularly around food and drink options.
• Look out for health-conscious promotional material and choose healthier food alternatives when possible.

Changes for Renters in England

For those planning to rent accommodation in the UK, new laws set to be implemented in May 2026 will offer significant protections for renters. Among these changes, landlords will no longer be allowed to issue “no-fault” eviction notices, giving tenants more stability. Rental contracts will also shift from fixed-term agreements to ongoing tenancies, providing tenants with greater flexibility.

Landlords will be prohibited from demanding excessive rent increases or denying tenancy to people with children or on benefits. These changes will provide better security for renters, but tourists looking to rent property in the UK should be aware of the evolving landscape, especially if you plan on staying long-term.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• Familiarize yourself with the UK rental system if you’re planning to stay for an extended period.
• Ensure you are aware of the new tenant rights when booking long-term accommodation.

New Employment Laws and Worker Protections

Starting in April 2026, new worker protections will be enacted in the UK under the Employment Rights Act. These changes will provide more comprehensive sick leave policies and stronger parental leave rights. Additionally, new legislation will prevent employers from using “fire and rehire” tactics, ensuring that workers’ rights are better protected.

As a result of these changes, tourists traveling for work purposes or considering temporary work in the UK should be aware of these new employee protections, which could impact their employment contracts.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• If you’re planning to work temporarily in the UK, make sure to understand your rights under the new employment laws.
• Ensure that your employer provides clear terms regarding sick leave and parental benefits.

Minimum Wage Increase and Impact on Visitors

In April 2026, the National Living Wage will increase to £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and above. The increase is expected to benefit millions of low-paid workers and may have an indirect impact on tourism and hospitality industries. With better wages, workers in the tourism and retail sectors may be more motivated to provide excellent customer service, potentially enhancing the overall visitor experience in the UK.

Quick Tips for Tourists:

• Be prepared for potential changes in pricing in hospitality sectors, as increased wages may lead to slight price adjustments.
• Consider tipping employees in tourism and service industries as a sign of appreciation for improved services.

The Impact on Business and Tourism

For businesses in the UK, especially those in hospitality, retail, and travel sectors, these new regulations will bring both challenges and opportunities. Changes in border controls, the new travel charge, and changes to employment law could impact how businesses operate and how tourists interact with them. Business owners may need to invest in new technologies and adjust their practices to comply with these evolving laws.

For tourists, being aware of these changes will help ensure a smoother experience when traveling to the UK. Whether it’s understanding the new travel charges, staying informed about health regulations, or adjusting to new rental rules, these changes are part of the UK’s ongoing efforts to adapt to modern challenges.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated