The United Kingdom is known for its unpredictable weather, but the winter of 2026 has already proven to be one of the most challenging in recent years. With heavy snowfalls, frozen runways, icy motorways, and delayed rail services, thousands of travellers across the UK are facing severe disruptions.
On top of this, the UK has simultaneously begun rolling out its new Digital Entry Permit (DEP) system, a major upgrade to border processing that will impact millions of international visitors. While this change promises a faster, more efficient immigration experience, its launch coinciding with extreme weather conditions has created confusion and delays.
This article explores how the harsh winter weather is affecting travel, what the new Digital Entry Permit system means for visitors, and how travellers can prepare for a smoother journey into the UK in 2026.
A Winter Storm That Brought the UK to a Standstill
In early January 2026, the UK’s Met Office issued multiple warnings as snowstorms swept across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The freezing temperatures, reaching as low as –11°C in some areas, caused widespread travel chaos.
Airports Hit Hardest
Major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh experienced:
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Runway closures
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Ground handling delays
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Hundreds of cancelled flights
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Severe backlogs in boarding and baggage processing
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Rail Services Disrupted
Snow-covered tracks and frozen overhead wires caused delays and cancellations across:
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National Rail routes
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London Underground lines
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Scotland’s rail network
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Eurostar services
Public Transport Affected
Icy roads led to major accidents, motorway closures, and long tailbacks on the M1, M25, M40, and A roads across the country. Buses and trams in cities like Birmingham and Manchester ran reduced schedules due to poor visibility and slippery conditions.
Introducing the UK’s New Digital Entry Permit System for 2026
In the middle of this travel crisis, the UK rolled out its highly anticipated Digital Entry Permit (DEP) — a new, modernized border system designed to streamline entry for foreign nationals.
What Is the DEP?
The Digital Entry Permit is a mandatory pre-travel authorization for visitors entering the UK for:
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Tourism
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Business
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Short-term visits
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Family visits
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Transit through UK airports
Who Needs the DEP?
By the end of 2026, the DEP will apply to:
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All non-UK visitors currently eligible for visa-free entry
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Citizens from visa-required countries applying for short-term travel
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Students and workers entering on new visas (depending on category)
Why Was the DEP Introduced?
The UK government designed the system to:
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Strengthen border security
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Speed up immigration checks
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Reduce queues at entry points
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Improve tracking of visitor movements
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Modernize existing immigration systems
How Weather + DEP Change Is Affecting Travelers
1. Longer Airport Wait Times
Because of canceled and rescheduled flights, airports are overcrowded. Combined with the new DEP checks, passengers are experiencing:
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Longer check-in lines
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Manual verification delays
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Digital system errors for first-time applicants
2. Confusion Among International Travelers
Many travellers were unaware that the DEP became mandatory in January 2026. As a result:
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Some were denied boarding
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Others had to apply last-minute at the airport
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Several faced delays due to incomplete DEP information
3. Increased Pressure on UK Border Control
While the system is designed to speed things up, its early rollout during peak winter chaos has made border queues longer for certain airports.
4. Rebookings and Refund Challenges
With weather disruptions and new DEP requirements, airlines are struggling to process:
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Refund requests
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Rebooking options
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Compensation claims under UK air passenger regulations
What Travelers Should Do in 2026
To navigate this complicated period, travellers heading to or within the UK need to prepare more carefully.
1. Apply for the Digital Entry Permit Early
The DEP should be completed at least:
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72 hours before departure
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Earlier if travelling during peak seasons
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2. Monitor Flight Status Constantly
Snow and ice conditions can change rapidly. Passengers should regularly check:
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Airline notifications
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Airport status pages
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UK Met Office weather alerts
3. Plan Extra Travel Time
Because rail and road delays are likely, travellers should:
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Reach the airport earlier
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Consider alternate transportation routes
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Build flexibility into their itinerary
4. Carry Winter-Proof Essentials
With long wait times, passengers should pack:
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Warm clothing
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Power banks
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Snacks and water
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Extra medication
5. Use Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential now more than ever. It can help cover:
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Flight cancellations
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Weather-related disruptions
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Missed connections
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Emergency accommodation
Are There Any Exemptions to the DEP?
Currently, the system applies to most visitors except:
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UK and Irish citizens
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Certain long-term visa holders (depending on category)
Looking Ahead: What Can Travelers Expect?
Short-term (2026)
Travel disruptions will likely continue throughout January and February as winter weather persists. The DEP system may experience minor technical glitches as more travelers begin using it.
Long-term
Once winter passes and the DEP stabilizes, the UK expects:
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Shorter border queues
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Faster entry processing
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Improved visa and immigration management
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Final Thoughts
The combination of harsh winter weather and the launch of the UK’s new Digital Entry Permit system has created a perfect storm for travellers in early 2026. While delays and disruptions are unavoidable, proper planning can help minimize stress.
The DEP represents a major step forward for UK border modernization — and once the system fully stabilizes, visitors will enjoy a faster, more streamlined travel experience.
Access Life-Changing TRAVEL UPDATES on Travul.org Community & Connect With FellowTravulers:www.travul.org/twg
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