Travel
Whether it’s a business trip or a family holiday to the sun, travel is a big part of many people’s lives. It’s a good idea for everyone to take out travel insurance, and when you have a bleeding disorder, it’s essential to make sure you’re covered. Without travel insurance, you or your family will have to pay for any treatment received, so read our guide to travel insurance.
In addition, here’s some travel information and top tips to consider when planning a trip.
Travelling to Europe from the UK
This has changed recently with the introduction of two main digital systems. These updates aim to modernise border security and replace physical paperwork with digital records.
The Entry/Exit System (EES)
As of 10 April 2026, the EES is fully operational across 29 European countries (Schengen area). This system has replaced the traditional manual stamping of passports.
The countries in the Schengen area are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen area; therefore, EES does not apply when travelling to either country.
- Purpose: It tracks how long you stay in the Schengen area to ensure you don’t exceed the 90 days in any 180-day period limit.
- What happens: When you cross the border, you must provide your fingerprints and have a facial scan.
- If you are flying from the UK, for most flights, you don’t need to do anything at the UK airport regarding the Schengen rules. You will check in as usual and go through security. The new Entry/Exit System (EES), which takes your fingerprints and facial scan, will be used when you land at your destination in Europe and reach border control.
- If you are using the Eurostar, Eurotunnel, or Dover Ferry, this is where it differs. Because France operates its border controls on UK soil at these locations (known as “juxtaposed controls”), you will complete the EES registration before you leave the UK.
- At London St Pancras: You will find EES kiosks where you register your biometrics after checking in but before boarding the train.
- At Dover or Folkestone: You will be directed to registration points as you drive through or arrive at the port.
- If your cruise starts and stays within the Schengen area, once you have registered your biometrics at your first point of entry (the airport or the port), you can generally get on and off the ship at other Schengen ports without further passport control. Your “exit” from the system will be recorded only when you leave the Schengen Area to return to the UK.
- UK Round-Trip Cruises: if your cruise starts and ends at a UK port (e.g., Southampton) and only visits European ports for day trips, you are generally exempt from the EES biometric checks (fingerprints and photos). You can go ashore for the day without entering the formal EES digital system, though you still must follow the 90-day in 180-day Schengen limit
- Will there be an app? The EU is currently developing an app that may allow you to pre-register some of your details (such as passport information) at home to save time. However, even if you use an app, you will still need to have your fingerprints and photo taken in person by a border officer on your first trip under the new system.
The ETIAS Travel Authorisation
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is the second major change, scheduled to launch in the late autumn of 2026.
- The requirement: Once it starts, you will need to apply for this digital authorisation online before you fly or sail. It is similar to the American ESTA.
- Cost: €20 for adults aged 18 to 70. It is free for those under 18 or over 70, though everyone still needs to apply.
- Validity: Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for three years (or until your passport expires), so you won’t need a new one for every trip.
Simple Tips for Your Trip
- Check your passport: Ensure it has at least three months of validity left from the date you plan to leave Europe.
- Allow extra time: During the EES rollout this spring, queues at border points like Dover, St Pancras (Eurostar), and Folkestone (Eurotunnel) may be longer as people register their biometrics for the first time.
- Use official sites: When ETIAS launches later this year, only apply through the official European Union website or mobile app to avoid extra fees from third-party sites.
Travelling outside of Europe from the UK
When you are travelling to destinations outside of Europe, the rules are less about a single new system (like the EU’s EES) and more about country-specific requirements. However, there are a few general changes and standard rules you should keep in mind for 2026.
Passport Validity
The “10-year rule” that applies to Europe is less common elsewhere, but many countries, such as Egypt, Thailand, and Turkey, require your passport to be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive.
- Check before you book: Some countries only require validity for the duration of your stay, but the six-month rule is a safe benchmark for most long-haul travel.
Visas and Digital Authorisations
While Europe is just starting its digital authorisation (ETIAS), many other countries already have similar systems in place that you must complete before you fly:
- USA: You need an ESTA.
- Canada: You need an eTA.
- Australia: You need an eVisitor visa.
- New Requirements: Several countries have recently updated their digital entry forms. For example, some destinations now require you to submit a digital arrival card or “Travel Declaration” 72 hours before departure. Always check the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) website for your specific destination.
Locate centres around the world.
Having a bleeding disorder should never stop you from travelling around the world and experiencing new cultures; however, you should always be prepared.
As well as making sure you have the correct visas, bug repellent, enough treatment and, of course, the right travel insurance to cover all your medical needs, it’s also essential to make sure you know:
- where the nearest haemophilia centre is to where you will be travelling to, and
- the organisation in that area may be able to help you if you need extra support.
Global Treatment Centre Directory
The World Federation of Hemophilia has a dedicated search engine that enables you to find this information and take it with you while you are away. It is a helpful resource for people travelling to other countries and as a directory of haemophilia treaters worldwide. Check out the World Federation of Hemophilia’s Global Treatment Centre Directory for a list of all the centres worldwide.
European Haemophilia Network (EUHANET) also lists 84 centres from 26 countries. Click the link to find your nearest 5 European Haemophilia Centres.
And remember to take the information with you, just in case you need it!
General tips for safe travel with a bleeding disorder
- Before you leave for a trip – Talk to your haemophilia centre about your travel plans to make sure you are in a healthy condition to travel. Find out if there are any recommended vaccinations based on your travel plans. Request travel sharps bins from your haemophilia centre to take with you. Take out travel insurance, which covers your pre-existing medical condition. There are occasions when travel insurance becomes invalid – for instance, if a pre-existing condition is not declared. In these cases, you or your family must pay for any treatment.
- Travel letter: Ask your haemophilia centre for a letter describing your bleeding disorder and the medicine you take. Your travel letter will allow transportation security officials to ensure your medicine and medical supplies are allowed while travelling. Give your centre plenty of time to produce this letter for you.
- Medicine and medical supplies: Medicine and medical supplies are exempt from airline baggage restrictions. Label all medicine and medical supplies separately in a carry-on bag. If items are safely stored in your carry-on, you can use them at any time and have them with you if your checked luggage is delayed or lost. If any items should not be exposed to X-rays, request that your items be physically inspected by the transportation security official. Unexpected travel delays can happen. Pack extra amounts of medicine and supplies if your return home is delayed.
- Hospital list – Take a list of hospital haemophilia treatment centres and the contact numbers for the nearest ones to where you are travelling.
- Medical and contact information: Keep a copy of your important medical and contact information with you. If travelling alone, consider wearing a medical ID emblem to help inform medical personnel if you become unconscious or unable to communicate during an emergency.
Being well-prepared means you are on top of things and free to enjoy your journey safely.
Check foreign travel advice.
Please refer to government advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements, and travel warnings.
Be prepared, and have a great trip!
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided by the GOV.UK and other official websites. It is subject to change without notice. It is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or specific travel insurance requirements. Always check the latest official advice and speak with your haemophilia centre before you travel.