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Norway Joins France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia as UK Announces Travel Advisory for New Schengen Border Entry Requirements

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August 7, 2025 |

By: TTW News Desk

Norway joins France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia as the UK issues new travel restrictions due to change in border entry requirements which will come into effect on the 12th of October, 2025. This is in parallel with the additional biometric security features set to be implemented by the EU on its new border control system, the Entry/Exit System (EES). The UK is warning its travelers to be prepared for additional security finger, face, and eye recognition checks on entering these countries, which will need to implement tighter border security and reduce the risk of illegal immigration for the Schengen countries.]

As the European Union prepares to roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, the UK FCDO has issued a new travel advisory for British citizens traveling to the Schengen area. This update comes as several Schengen nations, including Norway, France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia, implement new entry protocols that will affect travelers arriving from the UK. The EES will introduce new biometric checks and further border regulations, impacting travelers’ experience at the border.

Norway: Updated Travel Rules and Entry Requirements

Norway is one of the Schengen countries where UK citizens will face new entry requirements starting October 12, 2025. As a part of the Schengen area, Norway will introduce the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). This means travelers will need to undergo biometric screening, including fingerprint and facial recognition, when entering or leaving the country. These checks will be part of the broader European effort to enhance border security and streamline immigration processes.

For British travelers, the following requirements will apply:

  • Passport Validity: UK travelers must ensure their passports meet Schengen rules. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival in Norway and must remain valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure from the Schengen area.
  • Visa Requirements: UK travelers can visit Norway for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for tourism, business, or short-term studies. However, the new EES could slightly increase wait times at border crossings.
  • Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended. Insurance should cover emergencies, such as health issues, cancellations, and trip interruptions.
  • Onward Tickets and Financial Proof: Travelers may be asked to show a return or onward ticket and prove sufficient funds to cover their stay.

France: Stricter Schengen Entry and Biometric Checks

France has long been a popular destination for UK travelers, but starting on October 12, 2025, visitors will face tighter entry controls. Like other Schengen nations, France will implement the new EES system, which involves biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial photos) at border entry and exit points.

For UK passport holders traveling to France, these changes mean:

  • Passport Validity: UK passports must meet the Schengen validity requirements. If your passport was issued more than 10 years ago (before October 1, 2018), ensure that it meets the criteria set by the Schengen area for entry.
  • Visa-free Travel: Travelers can still enter France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business without a visa. However, overstays could result in a three-year ban from entering any Schengen country.
  • Proof of Funds and Accommodation: Travelers may be asked to provide evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay and proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings.
  • Travel Insurance: It is advisable to obtain comprehensive travel insurance, particularly to cover any medical emergencies or trip cancellations.

Denmark: Enhanced Border Security with EES and New Travel Guidelines

Denmark, another prominent Schengen country, will also implement the EU’s Entry/Exit System starting on October 12, 2025. For British travelers, this means additional biometric checks, including fingerprint and facial recognition scans, when entering or leaving the country.

Key travel considerations for Denmark include:

  • Passport Validity: Ensure that your UK passport is not older than 10 years from the date of arrival in Denmark, and that it has at least 3 months of validity remaining after your intended departure from the Schengen area.
  • Visa Requirements: As a tourist, UK travelers do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies for business, tourism, and short-term study trips.
  • Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for your protection during your travels. Ensure your insurance covers health emergencies and trip cancellations.
  • Proof of Funds: Be prepared to show financial evidence of your ability to cover your expenses during your stay, especially if traveling to multiple countries in the Schengen area.

Estonia: New Schengen Rules for Short Stays and Longer Visits

Estonia, one of the Baltic nations in the Schengen zone, will also be rolling out the new EES system from October 12, 2025. British citizens traveling to Estonia should be aware of the following updates:

  • Passport Validity: As with other Schengen countries, UK passport holders must ensure their passport was issued within the last 10 years and remains valid for at least 3 months after departure from Estonia.
  • Visa-Free Travel: UK nationals can continue to travel to Estonia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for business, tourism, or short-term studies without the need for a visa.
  • Additional Border Controls: With the introduction of the EES, travelers will be required to undergo biometric screening at border entry and exit points. This is a new measure aimed at improving security across the Schengen area.
  • Travel Insurance: Ensure that you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and other unexpected issues during your stay in Estonia.
  • Proof of Funds: Be ready to show proof that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your trip, especially if your stay includes multiple Schengen countries.

Greece: Updated Border Controls and EES Implementation

Greece, a key destination for British tourists, will implement the new EES system on October 12, 2025, affecting travelers’ entry and exit procedures. Here’s what UK travelers need to know:

  • Passport Validity: Ensure that your UK passport is no older than 10 years from your arrival date in Greece and valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
  • Visa-Free Travel: UK passport holders can visit Greece for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or short-term studies without requiring a visa.
  • EES Impact: As part of the EES system, UK travelers will need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos) upon arrival and departure. While this is intended to enhance border security, it may result in longer waiting times at entry points.
  • Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, travel insurance that covers medical expenses, cancellations, and other emergencies is highly recommended.
  • Financial Requirements: Border officials may ask for proof that you have enough funds to cover your stay in Greece. Be prepared to present evidence of sufficient funds, especially for extended stays or travel to multiple Schengen countries.

Croatia: Transition to Schengen Rules and Enhanced Entry Procedures

Croatia, which recently joined the Schengen area, will implement the new EES system as part of the EU’s updated border security measures. British travelers should prepare for the following changes:

  • Passport Validity: UK passport holders must ensure their passports are valid for at least 3 months after their departure from Croatia and that they were issued within the last 10 years.
  • Visa Requirements: UK nationals can travel to Croatia for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
  • Biometric Screening: Starting in October 2025, travelers will need to undergo biometric screening at the border. This process involves fingerprint and facial recognition, and may increase processing times.
  • Travel Insurance: Although travel insurance is not mandatory, it is recommended for covering unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies or travel delays.
  • Proof of Financial Support: Border guards may ask for evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Croatia. Be ready to present evidence of accommodation and financial support.

Norway, along with France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia, is now part of the UK’s updated travel advisory due to the new Schengen entry regulations coming into effect on October 12, 2025. These changes, including biometric checks and stricter border controls, are being implemented to enhance security and streamline immigration processes across the Schengen area.

Starting October 12, 2025, when the Schengen zone implements new biometric entry and exit systems, British travelers to Norway, France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia will face increased scrutiny at border control. These alterations represent the European Union’s attempts to improve security procedures and streamline the flow of immigration. Following the new entry protocols, having valid passports, needed documents, and appropriate travel insurance will ease your travel throughout the Schengen area. Always review the most recent travel warnings and comply with the policies of every individual country to ensure timely travel or issues throughout the journey.



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Ryanair passengers urged to check travel insurance today as strikes loom

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Those flying this month could face disruption amid widespread industrial action from baggage handlers for the airline

The strike is by baggage handlers who handle the service for the budget airline(Image: Getty Images)

Thousands of Ryanair passengers face being caught up in Spanish airport strikes as more than 3,000 baggage handlers who service the airline stage walkouts at 12 of the country’s busiest airports.

The action will start from August 15 and will affect airports including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Alicante, Ibiza, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife South, Girona, Lanzarote and Santiago de Compostela. The stoppages are scheduled for August 15,16 and 17 and come at critical times of the day.

Workers will down tools on these days between am to 9am, 12pm to 3pm and 9pm to 11.59pm. The strikes will then continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the rest of the year.

And Ryanair passengers are being urged to check what cover they have on their travel insurance now to see if they have any right to compensation.

Baggage handlers say they are striking in response to poor working conditions and labour rights violations.

Niraj Mamtora, Director at Forum Insurance, said it’s crucial those planning to fly when industrial action is being taken check their policies.

Niraj said: “Standard travel insurance policies often exclude airspace disruptions, so you should never assume that you’re covered for events like strikes, airport closures or air traffic control outages. To protect yourself, look for a policy that offers ‘travel disruption’ or ‘airspace closure’ as an optional extra or higher-tier feature.

“Travel disruption insurance can cover you if your flight is cancelled or delayed due to strikes or airspace closures, and may reimburse you for unused travel and accommodation, enforced stays abroad, or extra expenses if you’re stranded and no suitable alternative transport is available for more than 24 hours.

“Even when the disruption is caused by ground staff, such as baggage handlers, it can still affect flights and fall under certain travel disruption or airspace closure clauses, depending on the policy wording.

Experts say you may be covered by insurance in the event of disruption but urge fliers to check today(Image: Getty )

“Always check your policy wording carefully. Some insurers require that the disruption be unexpected and not known at the time you book or buy your policy.

“If you travel against official advice, or if the event was foreseeable, you may not be covered.”

If you’re already booked and unsure if you are covered it’s worth looking to the fine print in the section of your policy on ‘travel disruption’ or ‘missed departures’.

Niraj explained: “First, check your existing policy documents carefully. Some standard travel insurance plans may offer limited protection for delays or missed departures, even if they don’t specifically mention airspace closure.

“Look for sections on ‘travel disruption’ or ‘missed departure’ to see if any cover applies.

“If your policy doesn’t include this, contact your airline or travel provider directly. Airlines are often obliged to offer rebooking, refunds, or care such as meals and accommodation. Package holiday providers may also be responsible for rearranging your travel or offering compensation.

“For future trips, consider adding ‘travel disruption’ or ‘airspace closure’ cover as an optional extra. It’s a small investment that can save you significant stress and cost if the unexpected happens again.”

Niraj has also shared additional tips for those travelling to Spain later this month:

  • Review your policy documents today. Even if you think you’re covered, the terms, exclusions and conditions matter.”
  • “If you’ve only just booked your holiday or insurance, be aware that insurers may not cover disruption from a strike that was already public knowledge at the time. Check whether the strike counts as a ‘known event’ under your policy.”
  • Contact your airline or tour operator early if you’re due to fly during strike dates. Many providers have plans in place, but you need to act quickly.”
  • Keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses caused by delays . You may need them if you make a claim.”
  • “If you can, consider travelling outside the planned strike windows to reduce the risk of disruption.”
  • “If your flight is delayed and you miss a connecting journey or prepaid transfer, you may only be covered if your policy includes missed connection or onward travel protection. Always check the fine print.”

Niraj added: “Travel disruption cover usually doesn’t allow you to cancel your holiday just because of expected delays. Claims are typically only accepted for specific costs you’ve incurred due to confirmed disruption.”



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Zurich Insurance’s Resilient Earnings and Strategic Positioning in a Volatile Market

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In an era marked by economic uncertainty, climate risks, and shifting consumer expectations, Zurich Insurance Group has emerged as a standout performer in the global insurance sector. Its Q2 2025 results—highlighting a record $4.2 billion business operating profit (BOP) and a 6% year-over-year increase—underscore a strategic trifecta: disciplined underwriting, digital transformation, and strategic M&A. These pillars are not only fortifying Zurich’s earnings resilience but also redefining its competitive edge in a post-pandemic landscape.

Disciplined Underwriting: The Bedrock of Profitability

Zurich’s underwriting discipline has long been a hallmark of its success. In Q2 2025, the Property & Casualty (P&C) segment delivered a BOP of $2.4 billion, a 9% year-over-year surge, driven by a combined ratio (COR) of 92.4%. This improvement reflects rigorous risk selection, pricing adjustments, and a focus on high-margin lines. For instance, the Commercial division achieved a COR of 90.5%, while Retail maintained a 94.1% ratio, demonstrating Zurich’s ability to balance growth with profitability.

The company’s emphasis on “focused management actions” has also mitigated the impact of natural catastrophes. Despite challenges like the California wildfires, Zurich’s capital strength and underwriting rigor allowed it to absorb losses without compromising margins. This discipline is critical in a sector where volatility is the norm, and it positions Zurich to outperform peers during downturns.

Digital Transformation: A Catalyst for Efficiency and Growth

Zurich’s $1.8 billion investment in AI, cloud, and data analytics over the past three years has revolutionized its operations. Claims processing, once a labor-intensive bottleneck, now leverages AI to resolve contents insurance claims in 13 minutes via video messaging and health claims in Zurich Chile within a single day. These innovations have reduced claims handling time by 25%, boosting customer satisfaction and retention.

Operational efficiencies are equally striking. Automated document recognition has cut manual entry errors by 85%, while AI-driven underwriting tools have reduced leakage by $40 million annually. The CATIA system, for example, identified $1.4 million in catastrophe claim savings. These gains directly contribute to Zurich’s 26.3% core return on equity (ROE), a record high.

Moreover, digital platforms have enabled seamless integration of strategic acquisitions. The acquisition of AIG’s global travel insurance business and a stake in India’s Kotak Mahindra General Insurance were executed swiftly, expanding Zurich’s footprint in high-growth markets. This digital agility is a key differentiator in an industry where traditional insurers often struggle with legacy systems.

Strategic M&A: Diversification and Market Expansion

Zurich’s M&A strategy has been both targeted and transformative. The acquisition of AIG’s travel insurance business in December 2024 added a global distribution network and diversified its product portfolio. Similarly, its 70% stake in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance has unlocked India’s rapidly growing insurance market, where Zurich now serves over 10 million customers.

The Farmers Exchanges division, acquired in 2019, exemplifies the long-term value of strategic M&A. In Q2 2025, it reported a record $1.2 billion BOP, with a 45.7% surplus ratio. This division’s return to policy count growth after a decade highlights Zurich’s ability to integrate and scale acquired businesses.

These acquisitions are not just about revenue—they enhance Zurich’s risk diversification. By expanding into travel, agriculture, and emerging markets, the company reduces exposure to regional or sector-specific shocks. This geographic and product diversification is a critical hedge in a volatile market.

Financial Resilience and Future Outlook

Zurich’s Swiss Solvency Test (SST) ratio of 255% as of Q2 2025 underscores its robust capital position, enabling continued investment in innovation while maintaining financial stability. Shareholders have also benefited: the company returned CHF 1.1 billion via buybacks in 2024 and raised dividends by 8%.

Looking ahead, Zurich’s strategic priorities align with long-term growth. Its AI governance framework, launched in 2022, ensures ethical deployment of 200+ AI use cases, from predictive underwriting to claims automation. Meanwhile, its $8.7 billion commitment to climate solutions positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable insurance products.

Investment Implications

Zurich’s combination of disciplined underwriting, digital innovation, and strategic M&A creates a durable competitive edge. Its ability to consistently outperform analyst estimates—Q2 2025 BOP exceeded forecasts by $60 million—demonstrates operational excellence. With a core EPS CAGR target of 9% through 2027 and a ROE of 26.3%, the company is well-positioned to deliver shareholder value even in a challenging macroeconomic environment.

For investors, Zurich represents a compelling opportunity in the insurance sector. Its strong capital position, digital-first approach, and strategic acquisitions provide a buffer against volatility while driving growth. As the insurance industry evolves, Zurich’s proactive stance on innovation and risk management will likely cement its leadership in a post-pandemic world.

In conclusion, Zurich Insurance Group’s resilient earnings and strategic positioning make it a standout in a sector often plagued by cyclicality. For those seeking a company that thrives in uncertainty, Zurich offers a blueprint for long-term success.



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Record number of Kiwis making travel insurance claims in Europe

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Record number of Kiwis making travel insurance claims in Europe

























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