In 2025, traveling to Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, UK, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Austria, Sweden and across Europe will come with significant changes that every global traveler needs to know. From new entry permits like the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), to the expansion of the Schengen Area, fingerprinting requirements at borders, and new data laws in Spain, these changes will shape how you travel across the continent. Whether you’re heading to the UK for a quick visit or exploring the diverse countries of the Schengen Area, understanding these new regulations is key to ensuring smooth and hassle-free travel in 2025.
New Entry Permits: What You Need to Know for 2025
In 2025, travelers heading to Europe will face a major change: the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, this is something you absolutely need to know. Travelers from 59 countries, including the United States and Canada, will now be required to apply for this online entry permit before they can board their flights to Europe.
So, what’s ETIAS? It’s not a visa, but it’s similar to one. Think of it as a digital visa: a quick, easy way to get the authorization you need to enter the Schengen Area, the 27 European countries that have removed internal borders for easier travel.
Here’s how it works: You’ll need to apply online through the official ETIAS website. The application is simple—you’ll fill out a short questionnaire with your personal details, passport information, and a few security questions. It only takes a few minutes to complete! Once your application is processed, you’ll pay a small fee of €7 (around $7.25 USD), and the authorization is good for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The best part? Most applications are approved instantly. That means you don’t have to worry about waiting weeks for approval like you would with a visa. However, the European Commission recommends applying well in advance, just in case. While most approvals are quick, some can take up to 30 days, so it’s better to plan ahead.
One thing is clear: starting in 2025, you’ll need ETIAS to enter Europe. Without it, you won’t be able to board your flight or enter the Schengen Area. So, don’t leave it until the last minute—get your ETIAS sorted well ahead of your trip!
The Schengen Area Just Got Bigger: What This Means for Global Travelers
Big news for travelers heading to Europe in 2025: the Schengen Area is getting bigger! Bulgaria and Romania will officially join the 27-country zone that allows for seamless travel across borders without passport checks. This is fantastic news for anyone planning to explore Europe because it means fewer delays when traveling between countries like Greece and Bulgaria, or Hungary and Romania.
The Schengen Area now includes 29 countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and now Bulgaria and Romania. If you’re heading to any of these countries, you can enjoy border-free travel between them.
But before you get too excited about the freedom to roam, here’s something important you need to know: the 90/180 rule still applies. This rule means you can only stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days out of any 180-day period. And now, that rule applies to Bulgaria and Romania, too.
What does this mean for you? If you’ve ever used countries like Romania or Bulgaria to “reset” your Schengen clock after spending 90 days in places like France, Italy, or Spain, you’ll need to rethink your travel strategy. With these two countries joining the Schengen Area, you can no longer use them to extend your stay in Europe beyond the 90-day limit.
If you spend your 90 days in popular destinations like France or Spain, and then head to Bulgaria or Romania to stay longer, you’ll need to leave the Schengen Area entirely (including Bulgaria and Romania) to reset your clock. Overstaying the 90-day limit can result in fines, deportation, or even a ban from re-entering Europe for several years. So, it’s really important to keep track of the time you spend in the Schengen Area.
Planning on staying longer than 90 days? You’ll need to look into visa options, as overstaying could get you into serious trouble. Keep this in mind when planning your European adventures to avoid any surprises!
Fingerprinting Is Coming: What You Need to Know About Europe’s New Entry-Exit System
Starting in 2025, Europe is rolling out a major update to its border control system with the introduction of the Entry-Exit System (EES). This new system will replace the old method of passport stamping, moving to digital checks that involve biometric data—yes, that means fingerprints. While it might sound like a lot of extra work, it’s all part of Europe’s plan to modernize border security and make travel more secure.
So, what’s changing exactly? The EES will require travelers to be fingerprinted every three years when they enter or leave the Schengen Area. The goal? To make tracking arrivals and departures more efficient and to help authorities easily spot overstayers. Currently, border officials use passport stamps to track the time travelers have spent in the Schengen Area, but with the new system, biometric data like fingerprints will provide a much more accurate and secure way of tracking your entry and exit.
The process might add a few extra minutes to your time at the border, especially during the transition period when the system is first rolled out. But the good news is, you won’t have to be fingerprinted every time you travel. You’ll only need to provide your fingerprints once every three years, and your biometric data will be securely stored for that period.
While this change might take a bit of getting used to, it’s ultimately a step towards better border control. The EES will help prevent overstayers, improve security, and streamline the process for travelers. So, next time you enter or exit Europe, be ready for the fingerprint scan—it’s all part of making your travel experience safer and more efficient.
UK’s New Electronic Travel Authorization: What Global Travelers Need to Know
If you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom in 2025, there’s a new requirement you need to be aware of: the Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA). As of January 8, 2025, all travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will need to apply for this digital entry permit before entering the UK. This means that even if you’re just transiting through the UK on your way to another destination, you’ll need to get your UK ETA in advance.
The application process for the UK ETA is straightforward and quick. You’ll need to download the mobile app, scan your passport, take a selfie for identity verification, and answer a few questions about your travel plans and personal details. The best part? The cost is only £10 (around $12-13 USD), and the ETA is valid for two years, so you can visit the UK as many times as you need within that period. Each visit can be up to six months long, which is perfect for frequent travelers.
Most applications are approved instantly, but just to be safe, it’s always a good idea to apply well in advance. While most travelers will get approval within minutes, there are some cases where it can take up to 72 hours. So, make sure to get your ETA sorted before you head to the airport!
Don’t risk being denied boarding—without the UK ETA, you won’t be able to fly to the UK, even for a short layover. Whether you’re visiting for business, vacation, or just passing through, this small step is essential for smooth travel to the UK.
Spain’s New “Big Brother” Data Law: What Global Travelers Need to Know
Starting December 2, 2024, Spain has introduced a new law that requires tourists to provide a lot more personal information when booking accommodations or renting cars. This change is making waves in the travel community, and for good reason. If you’re planning to visit Spain in 2025, you’ll need to be ready to share more than just your name and passport details.
Under this new law, travelers will be required to provide over 40 pieces of personal information when booking hotels, and a whopping 60 pieces when renting a car. These details include sensitive information such as your banking information, home address, and even your relationship to the other people traveling with you. The data will be stored for up to three years, which has raised privacy concerns among critics.
Why is Spain doing this? The government says it’s necessary to better manage tourism and ensure the safety of both visitors and locals. But some feel it’s a step too far, arguing that it could expose tourists to potential privacy risks. If you’re used to booking accommodations without providing much personal information, this new rule might feel a little invasive.
So, what can you expect if you’re heading to Spain? When you book your hotel or rent a car, be prepared for a more detailed process than usual. You’ll need to provide all that extra information, and it’s important to understand how your data will be handled and stored. While the law aims to improve tourism management, it’s a good idea to stay informed about what personal details you’ll be required to share and how your privacy will be protected.
Increased Tourist Taxes in Europe: What Global Travelers Should Expect in 2025
If you’re planning a trip to Europe in 2025, there’s something you’ll need to budget for that might surprise you – tourist taxes! From hiking in Portugal to visiting the canals of Venice, many popular European destinations are introducing or raising taxes to better manage the effects of tourism. So, what’s changing, and how will it affect your travel plans? Let’s take a look:
Portugal’s New Hiking Fee
Starting January 1, 2025, if you’re heading to Madeira for some scenic hiking, you’ll need to pay a small €3 fee (about $3.10). It might not break the bank, but if you forget to pay, you could face a fine of €50 ($52). It’s a simple step, but definitely something to keep in mind if you’re planning on exploring the island’s trails. Also, in the city of Evora, a tourist tax will be rolled out in early 2025, although the exact amount hasn’t been revealed yet. So, make sure to stay updated on the fees before you visit.
Venice’s Visitor Tax
Venice is famous for its canals, and starting in 2025, tourists will need to pay a visitor tax to explore the city. Between April 18 and July 27, the fee will apply on weekends and public holidays, with the cost starting at €5 ($5.20) for bookings made more than four days in advance. But, if you book last minute, be ready to pay €10 ($10.40). This is part of Venice’s effort to preserve the city while managing the growing number of visitors, so if Venice is on your bucket list, factor this tax into your plans.
Greece’s Rising Tourist Taxes
Greece, known for its breathtaking islands and rich history, is also raising tourist taxes in 2025. The daily tax will jump to €2 ($2.10) in the low season, and €8 ($8.40) during the high season (April to October). If you’re planning to visit Santorini or Mykonos by cruise ship, there will be an additional €20 fee ($21) during the peak season. On top of that, the number of cruise passengers visiting the islands is being limited to 8,000 per day, so you might want to plan your cruise accordingly!
Spain’s New and Increased Tourist Taxes
Spain is also joining the trend with a range of new and increased tourist taxes. In the northern region of Asturias, local towns can now decide if they want to implement tourist taxes, so places like Cudillero and Cangas de Onis are expected to start charging visitors soon. In Galicia, expect a tax between €1 and €2.50 ($1 to $2.60), depending on where you’re staying, starting January 1, 2025. The best part? You’ll only pay for a maximum of five days – after that, the tax is waived.
If you’re heading to natural spots in Tenerife, like national parks or other popular tourist destinations, get ready for additional fees that will kick in next year. Also, cities like Alicante and Seville will increase entry fees to historic sites such as castles and museums, with Seville introducing an entrance fee for Plaza de España. While the price for Seville’s Plaza de España is yet to be announced, make sure to stay informed so you’re not caught off guard.
The Bigger Picture
While paying these tourist taxes might feel like a hassle, they’re all part of a larger effort to preserve the beauty and culture of these beloved European destinations. The goal is to keep tourism sustainable and protect the places we love to visit. So, while it might cost a little more to see some of these incredible locations, it’s worth considering how your contributions help keep these places in tip-top shape for future travelers.
Make sure to keep these taxes in mind as you plan your trip to Europe in 2025. By knowing what to expect, you can budget accordingly and avoid any surprises when you arrive. Happy travels!
As we head into 2025, traveling to Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, UK, Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Austria, Sweden and across Europe will require more preparation than ever before. The introduction of new entry permits, the expansion of the Schengen Area, the rollout of biometric fingerprinting, and data laws in countries like Spain are just a few of the changes that will shape your European adventure. Staying informed and planning ahead is crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when navigating these new regulations.
So, whether you’re visiting iconic landmarks in Italy, enjoying the cultural richness of France, or experiencing the unique charm of Greece, make sure to factor in these changes into your travel plans. By understanding and embracing the new requirements, you’ll be ready to enjoy all that Europe has to offer in 2025 and beyond.
