The onset of the new year brings a wave of fresh regulations that Brits should be mindful of in the upcoming months.
Travelers should take note of the new border controls and a £17 fee for European travel starting in late 2026. Additionally, households may be required to use an extra bin due to updated recycling guidelines that mandate sorting waste into four categories.
Efforts to combat unhealthy eating habits continue with the implementation of a ban on junk food advertising and restrictions on children purchasing high-caffeine drinks. Workplace regulations will also be enhanced to improve employee rights and protections, complemented by a minimum wage increase in the spring.
Renters are in for significant changes with the introduction of a ban on no-fault evictions and the discontinuation of fixed contracts and bidding wars. Furthermore, the government is intensifying its crackdown on benefit fraud with the introduction of new measures for automatic debt collection.
A new system, the Entry Exit System (EES), is being rolled out for non-EU citizens, including Brits, requiring registration at the EU border by scanning passports and providing fingerprints and photos. This system applies to entry into Schengen area countries but excludes travel to Ireland and Cyprus.
In addition, a new fee of £17 for visitors to EU countries will be introduced towards the end of 2026 through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This fee allows registration valid for up to three years and requires online application before travel.
New regulations for non-British visitors to the UK will come into effect on February 25, requiring Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visitors from 85 countries. The ETA scheme ensures digital permission for UK visits, with applications available through the official UK ETA app at a cost of £16.
Moreover, the UK government is implementing new recycling laws to improve waste management practices across England. The ‘Simpler Recycling’ regulations will mandate the separate collection of four waste streams, necessitating each household to have four distinct bins for waste sorting.
These changes aim to simplify recycling processes and promote consistency in waste management across different regions. The new regulations are set to be fully enforced by March 31, with specific guidelines on collecting food waste, recyclables, and non-recyclable materials.
Overall, these legislative changes are expected to bring about significant impacts on various aspects of daily life for Brits in the upcoming months.