In Brief: Forecasts indicate that over two million UK residents are planning to spend their Easter holidays overseas, marking a notable increase in outbound tourism.
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Over Two Million UK Holidaymakers Expected to Travel Abroad This Easter – Image Credit Unsplash
ABTA estimates that more than two million UK residents will travel overseas during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, with new European border procedures and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East influencing travel patterns and destinations.
ABTA – The Travel Association estimates that more than two million British holidaymakers are set to travel abroad over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend from 3-6 April. Good Friday and Easter Sunday are expected to be the busiest travel days. Easter falls in the middle of the school holidays this year, contributing to high travel volumes as some people return from trips while others depart.
Travel patterns this Easter are shifting due to the conflict in the Middle East, with many travelers changing their plans and opting for European destinations instead. ABTA members report strong bookings for mainland Spain, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Portugal, and Greece. City-break destinations such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, and Dublin are also popular. With Easter falling early, many travelers are also seeking late-season ski holidays.
Travelers to Europe will experience changes at passport control with the Entry/Exit System (EES) now in operation at most borders. Under the EES, travelers must register their details when arriving in and departing from participating European countries, which may include providing a facial scan and/or fingerprints. The new system is expected to increase the time required to pass through passport control, and travelers are advised to factor this into their plans.
ABTA recommends that travelers follow the advice of their travel providers regarding the EES, particularly on when to arrive for their return journey, and allow extra time for passport control. The association is providing a travel advice checklist and specific information about the EES on its website. Travelers are also encouraged to check their arrangements before departure, consider possible road congestion, and verify any engineering works if using public transport.
Key changes for Easter 2026 travel include increased bookings for European destinations due to the Middle East conflict, the introduction of the Entry/Exit System at most European borders, and new requirements for traveler registration at passport control. ABTA is providing resources and advice to help travelers prepare for these changes.
