Irish tourists travelling to UK warned of two major rule changes at airport

Two major changes have been implemented for UK travel as Irish tourists have been warned the new rules could impeded their travel.

As of last month, new travel regulations in the UK now require EU citizens and Irish passport holders to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The rule applies to visitors who don't require a visa to the UK for short stays of up to six months or those without existing UK immigration status.

Travellers getting connecting flights in the UK will need an ETA, depending on their nationality, however, Irish citizens will be exempt from the rule

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Irish citizens are still advised to hold proof of citizenship to travel to the UK, these include,

• Irish driving licence/learner permit
• Medical card/GP visit card
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• Irish Residence Permit
• Permanent Residence Certificate
• National Age Card
• Diplomatic Identity Card

Documents must be issued by the Irish Government and valid at the time of travel. Under 16s are not required to provide proof of residence.

Detailed guidelines can be found here

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Another major rule change which could affect Irish travellers is a very popular travel item which has now been banned from checked baggage.

Portable chargers are now banned from being taken in hold-on luggage said the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The CAA said in a statement on their website,

"Poorly manufactured, faulty and misused lithium batteries and those which have not been protected against short circuit can experience something called 'thermal runway'.

"This results in them getting so hot that they can catch fire, explode and ignite other nearby batteries. If that were to happen on the flight deck it could significantly disrupt the operation of the aircraft and cause serious injury to flight crew.

"Similarly, if such an event occurred in the passenger cabin it could cause serious injury to a passenger or crew member. Accordingly, Controlled portable electronic devices (C-PEDs) are subject to safety design and operational standards."

You can find more information here