Frequently Asked Questions: European Travel & Leisure

Connecting Europe Express covers two subjects that readers most often have questions about: the practical realities of cross-border travel in post-Brexit Europe, and the regulatory landscape that governs the European entertainment industry — particularly for UK residents. The FAQ below is divided into those two sections.

Section 1 — Travel in Europe & Border Rules

How can I participate in the project?

Tickets are not for sale, but please do help welcome the #ConnectingEurope Express and join some of the events and activities taking place at a station near you, COVID-19 measures permitting. Please regularly check our website or follow us on social media for updates on how to hop on the train.

Why do you need three trains for the #ConnectingEurope Express?

The #ConnectingEurope Express will comprise three different trains to fit the different gauges used in the EU. It is a reminder of the lack of interoperability between some parts of the EU’s rail network, but it also shows the excellent cooperation between rail stakeholders.

Why are Ireland and Finland not on board?

We have not forgotten Ireland or Finland! We are in touch with the national authorities in each country and will soon be able to let you know more via our website.

I am a journalist/photographer/blogger interested in hopping on the #ConnectingEurope Express, with whom do I have to get in touch?

We are looking forward to receiving your creative ideas and invite you to send them to [email protected]

Do I still need a passport stamp when entering the EU as a UK citizen?

Yes. UK passports are stamped on entry and exit at most Schengen border points. As the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) rolls out, those stamps will progressively be replaced by biometric records.

How long can I stay in the EU without a visa?

Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, across all Schengen countries combined. Time spent in Ireland and Cyprus does not count toward the limit.

Will I need ETIAS to travel to Europe?

Yes, once the system is fully active. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation (not a visa) requiring an online application, a small fee, and is valid for several years.

Is my UK driving licence still valid in the EU?

For short visits, yes. A UK photocard licence remains valid for driving across the EU, though an International Driving Permit may be needed in a small number of specific cases. A “UK” sticker on the back of the vehicle is required.

Does the GHIC cover all my medical costs abroad?

No. The GHIC gives access to state-provided healthcare on the same terms as locals, but it does not cover repatriation or private treatment. Proper travel insurance is still essential.

Will mobile roaming cost me extra?

It depends on your provider. The EU’s “roam like at home” rules no longer apply to UK customers, and several large operators have reintroduced daily fees or fair-use caps. Check before travelling, or use an eSIM.

Can I take the train all the way from London to Berlin or further?

Yes. Eurostar connects London with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, with onward high-speed and sleeper services reaching Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Milan, and beyond. A Eurostar plus Interrail combination usually offers the best value for multi-city trips.

What consumer protection do I have on package holidays bought from a UK company?

You are covered by the UK Package Travel Regulations, including financial protection (ATOL for flight-inclusive packages) and rights to refunds or rerouting. Packages bought from EU companies are covered by the equivalent EU Package Travel Directive — broadly similar, but enforced separately.

Section 2 — European Entertainment Licences & UK Players

What is the difference between a UKGC licence and a Maltese or Curaçao licence?

The UKGC enforces one of the strictest frameworks in the world, including mandatory GamStop integration, affordability checks, and stake caps. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is the strongest European licence outside the UK. Curaçao operates to lower minimum standards but still imposes AML, fair-play, and dispute-resolution obligations on operators.

Is it legal for a UK resident to play on a European-licensed site?

Yes. UK residents do not break any UK law by using a platform licensed in Malta, Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, Curaçao, or another European jurisdiction, provided the operator accepts UK customers. Licensing is the operator’s obligation, not the player’s.

Does GamStop work on European sites?

No. GamStop covers only UKGC-licensed operators. European-licensed platforms are not connected to it, and a GamStop self-exclusion will not block access to non-UK sites.

What self-exclusion options exist outside the UK?

Several EU countries operate their own national registers — for example, CRUKS in the Netherlands, Spelpaus in Sweden, and RUJA in Spain. These cover only operators licensed in that jurisdiction. Reputable European-licensed operators also offer operator-level self-exclusion, and software such as Gamban or BetBlocker works across devices regardless of where the site is licensed.

Can I still use my UK debit or credit card on European-licensed platforms?

In most cases, yes. UK debit cards, Visa, Mastercard, and most major e-wallets continue to process transactions, subject to your bank’s own policies. UKGC platforms are prohibited from accepting credit cards, while many European-licensed sites still do.

Do European-licensed operators offer responsible-gambling tools?

Reputable ones do — deposit limits, loss limits, session timers, cooling-off periods, and operator-level self-exclusion. These tools sit at the operator level rather than at a national level, which is the main practical difference from UKGC-licensed sites.

What protections do I have if a dispute arises with a European-licensed operator?

Reputable licences require operators to offer an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) route, with the regulator as a final point of escalation. The mechanism differs from the UK system, but a credible licence does provide a route to resolution.

Where can I get help if I am worried about my gambling?

Free, confidential support is available through BeGambleAware, GamCare, and Gambling Therapy, regardless of which platform you have been using. Your GP is also a confidential first point of contact. Our Responsible Gambling page lists the full set of resources.