In view of the problems British travellers are suffering and facing due to new European entry and exit systems, new passport controls when entering the United Kingdom and the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, the Bulletin has asked Simon McCulloch, Chief Growth Officer from Staysure Expat some key question in order to try and help Britons fly to and from Spain, and other EU countries, this year.
What is the best advice re negotiating the new EES system?
“The key message for travellers is to plan ahead and expect some disruption. The new Entry/Exit System introduces additional biometric checks, including fingerprints and facial scans, which may increase processing timesat many airports.
“Our advice is to arrive significantly earlier than you normally would, particularly during peak travel periods, and build in extra time not just for check-in but for passport control both on departure and return. Where possible, check your airport’s guidance in advance, travel at quieter times of day, and follow airline advice closely.
“It also helps to be prepared for the process itself by having your documents ready and allowing time for biometric registration. While delays are outside your control, planning ahead can make a real difference in avoiding missed flights and unnecessary stress.”
Can you explain clearly what the issue with dual nationals now flying to the UK?
“What we’re seeing is a knock-on effect of the move towards digital border systems like the UK’s ETA and the EU’s EES. These systems make decisions before travel, based purely on the passport presented, and don’t always account well for dual nationality.
“As a result, some British dual nationals travelling on a non-UK passport are being treated as foreign travellers but are unable to obtain the required authorisation, which can lead to them being denied boarding.
“The most important advice here is to make sure you are travelling on the correct passport. If you hold British citizenship, you should use a valid UK passport when entering the UK. Travellers should also double-check entry requirements well in advance of travel and ensure their documentation aligns with their citizenship status.”
As a result of both complications, what happens if a passenger misses a flight or is banned from boarding?
“Unfortunately, in most cases, the responsibility sits with the passenger. If you miss your flight due to passport control queues or documentation issues, airlines are generally not obliged torebook or refund you, and you may need to cover the cost of alternative travel yourself.
“Our advice is to take a cautious approach and allow significantly more time at the airport than you normally would, particularly if travelling through busy hubs or during school holidays. If you are booking connecting flights, it is worth considering a single ticket with the same airline where possible, as this can offer more protection if delays occur.
“If you do run into issues, speak to your airline as soon as possible, as they may be able to offer rebooking options or support depending on the circumstances, although this is not guaranteed.”
In all cases what is the insurance coverage?
“Travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected events like medical emergencies, cancellations or lost baggage, but it does have limits.
“In most cases, policies typically do not covermissed flights caused by long queues at border control or issues with travel documentation, as travellers are expected to allow enough time to pass through the airport and ensure they have the correct documents before travelling.
“For that reason, it’s important to arrange cover early and check your policy carefully so you understand exactly what is and is not included. Make sure your policy includes essentials such as medical cover and cancellation protection, and think about how your journey is structured, as package holidays or single-ticket itineraries may offer more protection than separate bookings.
“Ultimately, preparation is key. Having the right documents, allowing enough time and understanding your cover will put you in the best position if things do not go to plan.”
If airlines do start grounding flights due to fuel shortages, what cover do passengers have and consumer rights?
“If airlines do start grounding flights due to fuel shortages, passengers do still have important consumer rights, but there are limits to what both airlines and travel insurance will cover. Under UK and EU air passenger rights rules, if your flight is cancelled, the airline is responsible for offering you a suitable alternative or a full refund, even if the disruption is outside their control. That could mean rebooking you on another flight, a different route, or even with a competitor airline if necessary. However, compensation is unlikely in these circumstances, as fuel shortages would typically be treated as an extraordinary situation.
“From an insurance perspective, cover can be more limited. Travel insurance is designed to protect against unexpected events like medical emergencies or cancellations, but it often will not cover additional costs linked to large-scale disruption such as fuel shortages, particularly where there is a link to wider geopolitical events. Holidaymakers who have booked flights and accommodation separately may be most exposed, as policies do not usually cover the knock-on costs of unused hotels or missed bookings in these scenarios. That is why, planning ahead, including putting insurance in place when you book, can help ensure you have some protection from the outset.
“Our advice is to think carefully about how you structure your trip. Package holidays offer the strongest level of protection, as the provider is responsible for delivering the full trip or offering a refund if flights are cancelled. If you are booking independently, it is important to check your airline’s terms and your insurance policy in detail so you understand what is and is not covered, and to consider flexible booking options where possible.
“If disruption does occur, contact your airline as soon as possible to explore rebooking options, and keep receipts for any additional costs in case you are able to recover them. Ultimately, while airlines have a duty to get you to your destination or refund you, travellers should not assume that insurance will cover every eventuality, so building in flexibility and understanding your cover is key.”
Will there be a rise in airfares this summer?
“Airfares are expected to rise this summer, with the Middle East conflict playing a key role. The disruption has pushed up global oil and jet fuel prices, increasing costs for airlines, which are already being passed on to passengers through higher fares and surcharges.
“At the same time, the industry is facing ongoing pressures such as staffing shortages and restricted airspace, which are adding to operating costs. Combined with strong demand for summer travel, this creates upward pressure on prices, particularly on popular routes.
“That said, increases won’t be uniform. Airlines price routes differently depending on demand and competition, so while some destinations may see sharper rises, others could still offer relatively good value.”
Is it best to book early or wait until the last minute?
“In this environment, booking early is generally the safer approach. With fuel costs rising and demand for summer travel remaining strong, prices are more likely to increase closer to departure rather than fall. Airlines typically release cheaper fares months in advance, with the best window often being several months before travel.
“Waiting for last-minute deals is risky, particularly during peak periods. While they do occasionally appear, airlines are more likely to raise prices closer to departure, especially when seats are limited or demand is high.
“Overall, planning ahead, including sorting insurance at the time of booking, gives holidaymakers a better chance of securing lower fares and avoiding disruption.”
Where do Brits in Spain have to turn to for sound coverage?
“Brits in Spain still have access to healthcare through the GHIC, which can be very valuable for emergency or necessary state treatment. However, it is important to understand that the GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It will not cover everything, such as private medical care, repatriation to the UK, or non-medical disruptions like cancellations or lost belongings.
“For that reason, anyone travelling to Spain should consider comprehensive travel insurance alongside their GHIC. This combination helps ensure they are protected not just for medical needs, but also for the wider, and often more costly, risks that can arise when travelling abroad.”
Traditionally, what is the biggest problems Brits in Spain travelling face?
“Traditionally, the biggest issues Brits travelling in Spain face tend to be unexpected medical needs, travel disruption, and misunderstandings about what they are covered for. While Spain has a strong healthcare system, costs can quickly escalate if private treatment or repatriation is required, with medical flights back to the UK alone costing as much as £38,000 in some cases.
“We also regularly see challenges linked to lost or delayed belongings, cancelled trips, and, increasingly, disruption linked to overtourism pressures in some destinations, including local protests or restrictions that can affect travel plans. In some cases, travellers rely solely on the GHIC without fully understanding its limitations.
“Being clear on what is and is not covered, and having appropriate travel insurance in place, remains key to avoiding unnecessary stress and expense.” https://www.staysure.com/expat/