Latest news with #IvayloDanailov
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Brits travelling to Spain, France and Greece warned of new 20 euro entry fee
The new fee will have to be paid for every eligible traveller in your group. British travellers and other non-EU travellers are being reminded of a new rule which will see them have to pay to enter 30 European countries as part of a new travel scheme. Following Brexit, UK passport holders will legally have to register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to gain access to certain European nations. The travel permit is being introduced to strengthen security and the borders of the Schengen zone. An ETIAS was reportedly originally planned to cost 7 euros per person, however, EU bosses, it's now been announced it will cost almost three times that at 20 euros per eligible traveller. Tourists over 70 and those aged under 18 are exempt, so for a family of four travelling with two children, the cost would be 40 euros. When travellers have purchases a ETIAS, they will be able to gain access to European countries as frequently as they would like for short-term stays, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The scheme has been delayed several times already. Speaking earlier this year, EU's Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs estimated that the ETIAS will be introduced in the final quarter of 2026, reports the Liverpool Echo. There will then be a grace period, so applying for an ETIAS will not become mandatory until 2027. The ETIAS is stored electronically against the passport and will be necessary for travel to the following countries: Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland It will also be needed for Cyprus travel when Cyprus joins the Schengen area. Most applications are expected to be approved "almost immediately", but if the system identifies an error in your ETIAS request, it could be rejected. Reasons for ETIAS applications being declined could are said to include an invalid passport, being considered a "risk" or having a Schengen Information System (SIS) alert, submitting an incomplete application, or failing to attend a required interview. A travel expert recently warned those travelling from the UK to EU countries - including France, Spain, Greece and Portugal that they may face longer queues and potential travel delays this year due to new regulations. The travel insider, Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of SkyRefund, believes that while the system could eventually streamline travel, significant delays are likely as the new system 'beds in' this year. The European Union has officially announced the launch of its Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border control platform set to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area - countries such as Spain and Greece. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Major new EU travel rules 'set to create longer queues for UK tourists' in 2025
The (EES) will apply to 29 participating European countries and is expected to have an impact on overall passenger flow, especially at border control points A travel expert has issued a warning to those travelling from the UK to EU countries - including France, Spain, Greece and Portugal. They are being warned to anticipate longer queues and potential travel delays this year due to new regulations. The travel insider, Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of SkyRefund, believes that while the system could eventually streamline travel, significant delays are likely as the new system 'beds in' this year. The European Union has officially announced the launch of its Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border control platform set to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area - countries such as Spain and Greece. The system is scheduled for a gradual rollout starting in October and will be applicable to 29 participating European countries. Approved last week by the European Parliament with a vote of 572 to 42 (with 67 abstentions), the EES introduces biometric registration and automated entry logs at external EU borders, reports Belfast Live. It forms part of the EU's broader digital transformation of border management, with the aim of improving security, detecting overstays, and streamlining border procedures. Ivaylo Danailov said: "While the Entry/Exit System is primarly about immigration control rather than security screening or boarding, it will still likely have an impact on overall passenger flow, especially at border control points. Biometric capture and passport scanning should be able to process multiple passengers simultaneously and reduce border queues, helping passengers reach security and boarding gates more quickly. "Since the Exit/Entry system will hold recent travel history and biometric data, less time per passenger should be needed, especially for regular or low-risk travellers. It also means airlines and border authorities will have more accurate, real-time information about who has entered or exited the Schengen area. That should help reduce cases of denied boarding due to visa overstays or documentation issues, which can delay flight departures. "But there may be some short-term challenges. It's not unrealistic to expect longer lines at border control as travellers and staff get used to the new systems. Biometric capture, especially for first-time users, can take longer than a passport stamp, which could potentially become an issue at busier airports. "This doesn't affect security screening, which as a separate process can become a bottleneck in itself. So, passenger flow through security won't directly improve unless airports coordinate better pre-check and biometric systems throughout the whole journey and, as it is focused on entry/exit at national borders, not gate boarding, unless it becomes integrated with airline systems in the future, it may not directly speed up boarding."
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
Chaos as easyJet, Ryanair and Air France cancel hundreds of flights
easyJet and Air France have cancelled 187 flights between them and French regional airline Air France Hop (HOP!) has another 60 flights cancelled because of major industrial action in France. Ryanair said it has been forced to cancel more than 170 flights because of French air traffic control strikes. The Irish carrier said the cancellations on Thursday and Friday will affect flights to and from France, and also flights over the country to destinations such as the UK, Greece, Spain and Ireland. A walkout by French air traffic controllers today and tomorrow could mean chaos at many French airports and further afield. Disruption for passengers could be widespread, with airports in Paris and the south of the country worst affected. READ MORE: Tourists evacuated in Crete as wildfire whipped up by gale-force winds READ MORE: Diogo Jota dead at 28 as Liverpool star killed in car crash The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has asked for a reduction in airport capacity across the country, meaning airlines will have to cancel flights. It comes on the eve of the school summer holidays in France, when air traffic peaks. These dates are some of the busiest of the year, according to DGAC, as many head off on their summer break. DGAC tells airlines how many flights need to be cancelled during strikes, then they have to decide which ones they axe. On Thursday 3 July, over half of all flights to and from Nice airport will be cancelled. More than half at Bastia and Calvi airports on the French island of Corsica will also need to be cancelled by airlines. At Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Ajaccio and Figari, DGAC has asked airlines to reduce flights by 30 per cent. And 25 per cent of flights to and from Paris's airports - Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Paris Beauvais - will also be cancelled. "Despite these preventative measures, disturbances and significant delays are to be expected at all French airports," DGAC said. It added that passengers should check the status of their journey with their airline before leaving for the airport and change their travel dates if they are able to. Though the walkout will continue on Friday 4 July, only one of the two unions is taking part, meaning less disruption. The strikes could also impact 'overflights' or those which travel through French airspace. This may mean aircraft have to be rerouted around France, leading to delays. Flights to and from Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Morocco have been among the worst affected during previous ATC actions in France. Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund, said: 'If your flight is affected by the French air traffic controller strike, your rights as a passenger will depend on several factors including where you are flying from, your airline, and the reason for the disruption. "You are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004 if you are flying from any EU airport (including France), regardless of airline nationality, and if you are flying into the EU with an EU-based airline (e.g. Air France, KLM, Lufthansa). "If Your Flight Is Cancelled, you have the right to reimbursement or rebooking - a full refund within seven days for unused parts of your ticket or an alternative flight to your final destination, as soon as possible, or on a date you choose. This applies even if the cancellation was due to a strike. "While waiting for your rebooked flight, the airline must provide meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required, transport between the airport and accommodation, and two free communications. Financial compensation depends on the reason for the cancellation. If the cancellation was caused by the ATC strike, passengers may not be entitled to compensation because air traffic control strikes are generally considered an 'extraordinary circumstance' beyond the airline's control. In that case, you won't receive compensation (which normally ranges from €250 to €600) but you are still entitled to rebooking or a refund and duty of care. "If your flight operates but with long delays (2–5+ hours), you are entitled to meals and refreshments after 2 hours (for flights of less than 1500 km); 3 hours (for flights between 1500 and 3500 km), and 4 hours for long-haul flights "Our advice is to contact your airline immediately to confirm flight status and rebooking options; ask for assistance at the airport (especially for food or accommodation); keep all receipts if you incur extra expenses and if you booked through a travel agent or aggregator, contact them too. It's also worth checking your travel insurance as some policies cover strike-related costs.'
Wales Online
03-07-2025
- Wales Online
Chaos as easyJet, Ryanair and Air France cancel hundreds of flights
Chaos as easyJet, Ryanair and Air France cancel hundreds of flights Expect severe disruption if your going to France, Greece, Spain or Ireland - as well as other destinations An Airbus A319-111 flown by easyJet easyJet and air france have cancelled 187 flights between them and French regional airline Air France Hop (HOP!) has another 60 flights cancelled because of major industrial action in France. Ryanair said it has been forced to cancel more than 170 flights because of French air traffic control strikes. The Irish carrier said the cancellations on Thursday and Friday will affect flights to and from France, and also flights over the country to destinations such as the UK, Greece, Spain and Ireland. A walkout by French air traffic controllers today and tomorrow could mean chaos at many French airports and further afield. Disruption for passengers could be widespread, with airports in Paris and the south of the country worst affected. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has asked for a reduction in airport capacity across the country, meaning airlines will have to cancel flights. It comes on the eve of the school summer holidays in France, when air traffic peaks. These dates are some of the busiest of the year, according to DGAC, as many head off on their summer break. DGAC tells airlines how many flights need to be cancelled during strikes, then they have to decide which ones they axe. On Thursday 3 July, over half of all flights to and from Nice airport will be cancelled. More than half at Bastia and Calvi airports on the French island of Corsica will also need to be cancelled by airlines. At Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Ajaccio and Figari, DGAC has asked airlines to reduce flights by 30 per cent. And 25 per cent of flights to and from Paris's airports - Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, Paris Beauvais - will also be cancelled. Article continues below "Despite these preventative measures, disturbances and significant delays are to be expected at all French airports," DGAC said. It added that passengers should check the status of their journey with their airline before leaving for the airport and change their travel dates if they are able to. Though the walkout will continue on Friday 4 July, only one of the two unions is taking part, meaning less disruption. The strikes could also impact 'overflights' or those which travel through French airspace. This may mean aircraft have to be rerouted around France, leading to delays. Flights to and from Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Morocco have been among the worst affected during previous ATC actions in France. Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund said: 'If your flight is affected by the French air traffic controller strike, your rights as a passenger will depend on several factors including where you are flying from, your airline, and the reason for the disruption. "You are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004 if you are flying from any EU airport (including France), regardless of airline nationality, and if you are flying into the EU with an EU-based airline (e.g. Air France, KLM, Lufthansa). "If Your Flight Is Cancelled, you have the right to reimbursement or rebooking - a full refund within seven days for unused parts of your ticket or an alternative flight to your final destination, as soon as possible, or on a date you choose. This applies even if the cancellation was due to a strike. "While waiting for your rebooked flight, the airline must provide meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required, transport between the airport and accommodation, and two free communications. Financial compensation depends on the reason for the cancellation. If the cancellation was caused by the ATC strike, passengers may not be entitled to compensation because air traffic control strikes are generally considered an 'extraordinary circumstance' beyond the airline's control. In that case, you won't receive compensation (which normally ranges from €250 to €600) but you are still entitled to rebooking or a refund and duty of care. Article continues below "If your flight operates but with long delays (2–5+ hours), you are entitled to meals and refreshments after 2 hours (for flights of less than 1500 km); 3 hours (for flights between 1500 and 3500 km), and 4 hours for long-haul flights "Our advice is to contact your airline immediately to confirm flight status and rebooking options; ask for assistance at the airport (especially for food or accommodation); keep all receipts if you incur extra expenses and if you booked through a travel agent or aggregator, contact them too. It's also worth checking your travel insurance as some policies cover strike-related costs.'
Wales Online
02-06-2025
- Wales Online
Turkey fines tourists making common mistake - and other countries may follow
Turkey fines tourists making common mistake - and other countries may follow Travel experts say other popular holiday destinations may now make similar rules Passengers waiting to get off a plane Turkey is to implement a policy which will penalise passengers who smoke on board aircraft - as well as those who stand up before the aircraft is parked and the seatbelt signs are turned off. In 2024, an estimated 4.4 million British tourists visited Turkey, a 16.6% increase compared to the 3.3 million visitors in 2023. That means millions could be at risk of the common mistake - as many people undo their seatbelts and stand while the plane is taxiing towards the departure area in a bid to grab their bags and coats from the overhead locker, or beat the rush to get into the aisle. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Turkey: "The 'Passenger Announcements Circular' No. UOD – 2025/01, prepared to revise and promptly implement standard, up-to-date announcements with the aim of warning passengers who smoke or use tobacco products on board, as well as those who stand up and disrupt order before the aircraft reaches its parking position and before the seatbelt signs are turned off, in order to discipline such passengers and raise awareness among all passengers, was approved by the Directorate General and entered into force on 02.05.2025." Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund said: 'On the positive side, this is clearly intended to enhance passenger safety. If it encourages passengers to remain seated, reducing risks of injuries due to unexpected turbulence or abrupt aircraft movement while taxiing, that's to be welcomed and it is likely to support crew efforts to enforce safety rules more effectively. "It may also deter passengers from engaging in disruptive or premature movement in the cabin, making disembarkation more orderly, which, in turn, may help airport operations. It also positions Turkey's aviation authority as serious about enforcing international flight safety standards and could set a precedent for other countries to implement similar measures. However, it could lead to passenger frustration or even confusion with tourists unfamiliar with the rules potentially feeling unfairly targeted or surprised by fines. Enforcement could be seen as overly aggressive. Article continues below "Airlines, in turn, may need to train staff to report violations, handle disputes, and manage documentation for fines. Delays or conflicts could arise during enforcement, especially on short-haul or budget flights. "Consideration will need to be given as to how are passengers identified, warned, and fined, with a potential for disputes if fines are perceived as arbitrary or unevenly applied. If - and it's a big if - it is perceived as hostile or inconvenient, it may affect Turkey's image among some tourists, particularly in peak travel seasons. "But, if it is successful, other countries may follow suit, especially those already dealing with unruly passenger behaviour. It could influence best practice or recommendations for post-landing safety protocols.'"
