2025 Travel Changes for Brits: What You Need to Know

The EU Entry-Exit System (EES) will be an automated IT system for registering travellers from third countries each time they cross an EU external border.

The proposal for the EES was presented back in 2016 with the aim of modernising border management and improving border security but has since then been delayed several times.

While it was scheduled to become operational on November 10, 2024, the EES is now expected to commence operations later this year.

Once fully operational, this system will mark the end of time-consuming passport stamping, which will instead be replaced by fingerprinting and/or providing facial biometrics:

• If you need a short-stay visa to travel to the European countries using the EES, the system will store only your facial image, as fingerprints were already collected during the application process.
• For travellers who don’t need a visa, including British citizens, the system will store four fingerprints and a facial image to create a digital record on their first visit to the Schengen area at the port or airport on arrival.

Current guidance from the UK government states that “The exact date that EES will be introduced has not been confirmed.”

Closely linked to the EES, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is another significant change for UK travellers.

Expected to be introduced approximately six months after the EES becomes operational, ETIAS will require non-EU citizens from visa-exempt countries, including the UK, to obtain travel authorisation before entering Schengen zone countries.

The process will involve completing an online application form, which is expected to take only a few minutes. You’ll need to provide personal details, travel plans, and answer some basic security questions.

The fee for the application is set at €7 (around £6) and will cover multiple trips over a three-year period, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

ETIAS aims to improve border management and ensure enhanced security for all visitors to the Schengen zone. Once operational, travellers without ETIAS authorisation may be denied boarding or entry.

Since Brexit, UK travellers have faced stricter passport validity rules when travelling to the EU. These rules remain unchanged in 2025 and continue to catch some travellers off guard.

To travel to the EU, your passport must meet the following criteria:

• Issue Date: Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years at the time of entry.
• Expiry Date: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the EU.

It’s important to check both of these requirements before booking your trip, as some airlines have been known to deny boarding to passengers who don’t meet these rules.

Travellers to Europe should also prepare for higher tourist taxes in 2025, as several popular destinations have introduced or increased such charges to manage tourism more sustainably. These fees are typically added to your accommodation costs or charged upon arrival and vary by country or city.

Popular travel destinations among British tourists which now impose tourist taxes include:

• Spain: Certain regions, like the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca), have raised their “Sustainable Tourism Tax” for overnight stays. Rates depend on the type of accommodation and season, ranging from €1 to €4 per night.
• Italy: Venice is set to implement a long-awaited day-tripper fee in 2025, ranging from €3 to €10, depending on the time of year.
• France: Cities such as Paris have increased their tourist tax rates for luxury accommodations, adding up to €5 per night for premium stays.

While these fees may seem small, they can add up quickly for families or longer stays, so it’s worth factoring them into your budget.

The travel landscape for UK citizens heading to Europe is evolving rapidly in 2025, with the introduction of systems like EES and ETIAS, stricter passport rules, and increased tourist taxes.

Staying informed and planning ahead will help you avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth journey.

Make sure to keep an eye on official updates as these changes are implemented throughout the year.

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