Plenty of families might be preparing for trips away and days out as February half-term approaches.
But travel trade association ABTA has urged holidaymakers to prepare for the busy travel period.
Some 15 per cent of families with children will be jetting off abroad during the half-term, according to recent research into the UK’s holiday habits.
From catching some winter sun to hitting the slopes skiing or snowboarding, many Brits are going to be travelling over the next few days.
ABTA has urged travellers to carefully plan and prepare for their half-term trips – warning of travel-related changes.
Destinations across Europe are rolling out the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) which is a new biometric system that requires fingerprints and photos from non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, entering the Schengen Area, which includes most of the EU, plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
The automated IT system was first launched in October 2025, but airports and ports initially had until April 2026 to fully implement the technology as a mandatory requirement.
A similar process, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), is set to launch in British airports from February 25, 2026. New rules will require international visitors to obtain digital permission to enter the UK through either an ETA or an eVisa.
As families prepare to head off on city breaks and ski holidays this February half term, ABTA has issued some advice
The ETA will allow foreign tourists to enter the UK and stay for up to six months for reasons including tourism, business, visiting family or short-term study.
It is set to be linked electronically to passports and after being approved, final permission needs to be sought from a Border Force officer on arrival in the country.
British citizens and dual-nationals won’t need an ETA but ABTA warns if you are dual-national British citizen travelling back on or after this date, you will be required to bring your British passport or certificate of entitlement to present on your return.
But where are Brits heading for their winter breaks?
ABTA found between November and March, 37 per cent of holidaymakers with school-age children plan to go on a trip to a city.
Some 38 per cent will be hopping on a cruise and 26 per cent intend to catch some winter sun.
The research found 15 per cent want to hit the slopes and go either skiing or snowboarding.
ABTA urged holidaymakers to be careful when taking out travel insurance for a ski holiday, as many policies don’t cover winter sport activities.
Research found 15 per cent want to hit the slopes and go either skiing or snowboarding this winter
Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, said: ‘We know how important holidays are for family life – a chance to take time out and be together, uninterrupted by daily life.
‘We want them to go as smoothly as possible, which is why, ahead of half-term, we’re offering a few timely reminders.
‘With a few changes coming into force, it is important that travellers understand what may be different for their holiday this time around, and allow extra time for going through passport control checks.
‘ABTA has further travel advice available on its website to help holidaymakers prepare for February half-term travel.’
