Published on
August 30, 2025
Austria joins Greece, Czechia, France, Hungary, and Denmark as the UK issues a travel advisory for summer and autumn getaways, amid new visa and entry regulations. The advisory pays attention to important changes such as new visa and passport policies for the Schengen zone as well as new guidelines concerning the use of the UK Blue Badges in these countries which helps in understanding the needs of travelers with disabilities.
As international travel gradually resumes, the UK Foreign Office has issued an updated travel advisory for several European destinations, including Austria, Czechia, France, Greece, Denmark, and Hungary. These updates offer crucial insights into passport and visa requirements, safety concerns, and key changes in border control procedures. Travelers are advised to review the information carefully to ensure they comply with current regulations and to avoid disruptions during their trip.
One notable update is the inclusion of a link to information on using a UK-issued Blue Badge in these countries, providing greater clarity for travelers with disabilities. This article covers all the necessary details for each country, highlighting what British travelers need to know for a smooth and enjoyable journey during the summer and autumn seasons.
Austria
Austria, as part of the Schengen Area, has specific entry requirements that UK travelers must adhere to. The UK Foreign Office advises that travelers ensure their passports meet the Schengen area rules, which include:
Passport Validity: Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before your arrival date. Additionally, it must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.Visa Requirements: UK citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, whether for tourism, business, or short-term studies.Important Reminder: Overstaying the 90-day limit within the 180-day period could result in being banned from entering Schengen countries for up to three years.
Travelers should ensure they have their passports stamped upon entry and exit to avoid any confusion about overstays. Proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and a return or onward ticket may be requested at Austrian border control.
In line with the updated travel advisory, the UK has also included a link to information about using a UK-issued Blue Badge in Austria. This update provides essential guidance for travelers with mobility impairments, ensuring they can access public spaces and parking areas that cater to their needs while traveling.
Czechia
Czechia, also part of the Schengen Area, follows similar entry regulations as Austria. The UK Foreign Office has updated its advisory, advising travelers to ensure their passports meet the following criteria:
Passport Validity: As with Austria, passports must be issued less than 10 years before the date of entry into Czechia, and must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.Visa-Free Travel: British travelers can enter Czechia without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, or short-term studies. If traveling to other Schengen countries, remember that your total stay across all countries cannot exceed 90 days.Border Control Checks: Visitors may need to provide proof of accommodation, sufficient funds for their stay, and a return or onward ticket when entering Czechia.
Travelers should also be aware of potential delays or disruptions caused by ongoing global security concerns, including the risk of terrorism, which the UK Foreign Office has highlighted in its advisory.
In addition, the UK-issued Blue Badge update for Czechia ensures that travelers with disabilities have the information they need to access parking and other essential services during their stay.
France
France, another key destination for UK travelers, requires compliance with Schengen Area rules. The entry requirements are as follows:
Passport Validity: Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before the date of your arrival in France. Additionally, it must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area.Visa-Free Travel: UK citizens can travel to France without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, and short-term studies. However, for stays longer than 90 days, a visa is required.Border Control Procedures: Upon entry, travelers must ensure their passport is stamped. If the passport is missing a stamp, proof of entry (such as boarding passes) may be required to avoid issues with overstaying the 90-day limit.
The UK Foreign Office also draws attention to the use of the UK-issued Blue Badge in France, highlighting any changes or services available for travelers with disabilities. This includes parking accessibility, as well as other important mobility considerations.
Greece
Greece, a popular summer and autumn destination, comes with additional considerations due to its wildfire risk, particularly from April to October. The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advisory, urging travelers to stay vigilant.
Wildfire Risk: Greece faces a high risk of wildfires during the summer season, especially in popular tourist areas. Travelers are advised to stay updated on local weather conditions and emergency alerts.Passport and Visa Requirements: Similar to other Schengen countries, UK travelers can visit Greece without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport must meet the Schengen Area validity requirements.Terrorism Risk: Greece has also been flagged as a potential target for terrorist activities, and travelers are urged to remain aware of their surroundings.
The UK Foreign Office continues to provide Blue Badge information for travelers with disabilities in Greece, ensuring that those with mobility challenges can access the necessary facilities.
Denmark
Denmark is another Schengen country with specific entry regulations for UK citizens. Travelers to Denmark should ensure the following:
Passport Validity: Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before your entry into Denmark and valid for at least 3 months after your departure from the Schengen area.Visa-Free Travel: UK citizens can visit Denmark without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, whether for tourism, business, or short-term studies. For longer stays, a visa or residence permit is required.Entry Procedures: Travelers may be asked to show proof of accommodation and sufficient funds, as well as a return or onward ticket. Ensure your passport is stamped upon entry to avoid any complications with overstays.
As part of the updated advisory, the UK-issued Blue Badge guidance has been extended to Denmark, providing important accessibility information for disabled travelers, including parking and mobility assistance.
Hungary
Hungary, another key destination in the Schengen Area, has specific customs regulations that UK travelers should be aware of:
Customs Regulations: Hungary has strict rules regarding goods that can be brought into the country. Travelers should be aware of the regulations surrounding items such as alcohol, tobacco, pets, and medicines. Any prohibited or taxable items must be declared.Passport Validity and Visa-Free Travel: Similar to other Schengen countries, UK travelers can stay in Hungary for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa, provided their passport meets the Schengen validity requirements.Border Control Procedures: Upon entry, border guards may request proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket.
The UK-issued Blue Badge update also applies to Hungary, ensuring that disabled travelers have access to essential services and facilities.
Travel Insurance and Additional Safety Considerations
As always, the UK Foreign Office recommends that travelers purchase appropriate travel insurance before their trip. The insurance should cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other potential emergencies. Travel insurance can be especially important when traveling to countries with updated entry requirements or potential disruptions, such as those caused by wildfires or political protests.
The UK Foreign Office’s updated travel advisory provides critical information for British citizens traveling to Austria, Czechia, France, Greece, Denmark, and Hungary this summer and autumn. By understanding the entry requirements, visa rules, and the latest updates on using a UK-issued Blue Badge, travelers can ensure their trips are smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
Austria joins Greece, Czechia, France, Hungary, and Denmark as the UK issues a travel advisory for summer and autumn getaways, amid new visa and entry regulations, along with updated Blue Badge information for travelers with disabilities. These changes are essential for UK citizens to navigate smoother travel across these European destinations.
Whether you’re visiting for a summer holiday, attending a business meeting, or embarking on an autumn escape, staying informed about the latest travel regulations and safety considerations will help you navigate the Schengen Area with ease.