The new year brings a wave of fresh legislation that will impact Brits in the upcoming months. Holidaymakers should take note of new border controls and a £17 fee for European travel starting in late 2026. Households may see an additional bin due to updated recycling rules requiring waste separation into four categories.
Efforts to combat unhealthy eating habits continue with a ban on junk food advertising and restrictions on children buying high-caffeine drinks. Workplace regulations will be enhanced to protect employee rights, and a minimum wage increase is expected this spring.
Renters can anticipate changes with a ban on no-fault evictions and the end of fixed contracts and bidding wars. Additionally, the government is cracking down on benefit fraud with new powers for automatic debt collection.
In Europe, a new Entry Exit System (EES) has been introduced for non-EU citizens, including Brits, traveling to Schengen area countries. A new fee of £17 for EU travel via the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to be implemented in late 2026. The ETIAS requires online registration before travel.
Visitors from 85 nationalities, including the US, Canada, and France, will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to legally travel to the UK from February 25. The ETA scheme aims to digitize the immigration system and enhance border security.
New recycling regulations will require households in England to separate waste into four categories starting March 31. Landlords will face changes in rental laws, including a ban on no-fault evictions and the introduction of rolling tenancies. Minimum wage rates are set to increase in April 2026, benefiting low-paid workers.
The Department for Work and Pensions will receive new powers to prevent fraud and recover overpayments. Stricter regulations on ticket touting and wet wipe sales are also on the horizon. Major reforms in the rental market and laws related to assisted dying are expected in the coming years.
These legislative changes aim to improve various aspects of daily life for individuals in the UK, from travel regulations to workplace rights and environmental protection.