Cambourne Travel News JULY 2025

INCREASE IN THE COST OF GETTING AN ESTA

Rumours are circulating that the cost of an U.S.A. ESTA is going up to US$40 soon.

No start date has yet been announced but the new rate was part of President Trump's 
recent 'Big Beautiful Bill'    

We will update this information when we have more details.

DON'T TAKE MORE THAN TWO PACKS OF PLAYING CARDS INTO THAILAND

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Thailand, warning us that we could end up in prison
for taking too many packs of cards into the country because Thailand has strict laws on gambling, 

The FCDO warns: "Under the Playing Cards Act (1943), it is illegal to carry over one hundred and twenty playing cards.
Violation of the Act could lead to prosecution, a fine, or even imprisonment.

UPDATE ON THE ENTRY AND EXIT SYSTEM (EES) 

• The EU Council and Parliament have reached an agreement to gradually roll out the Entry/Exit System.
• The system is possibly to be introduced from October or November 2025.       
• Not all of the countries in Schengen Area will be ready by then so the system will be rolled out

gradually during 2026.   

• Member states will have a 180-day transitional period, by the end of which they must reach full registration of all individuals.
• Once implemented, the new system will register entries and exits, fingerprints and facial images, and passport data of non-EU nationals entering the bloc.

We will update this information when we have more details.

Please contact us if you have any questions.