2025 is shaping up to be a year of transformation for travel and policy across the European Union. While 2024 saw its own share of significant shifts, the upcoming year promises even more impactful changes that will shape how both travelers and citizens interact with the bloc.
One major development is the expansion of the Schengen Area and the introduction of two new border systems that will redefine travel across the EU. Let’s break down the key changes to expect.
Major Border Overhaul: Entry/Exit System & ETIAS
In 2025, the EU will launch two game-changing systems: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The EES was initially supposed to go live in November 2024 but faced delays, primarily due to technical hurdles and some member states being unprepared. Now slated for 2025, this new system will replace manual passport stamps, automating entry and exit tracking for travelers. Both Schengen and non-Schengen nationals will be impacted, although no pre-trip action is required beyond registration at the external border.
Alongside this, ETIAS will roll out for citizens from visa-exempt countries. While the exact start date is still unclear, it’s expected that ETIAS will go live shortly after the EES is in place. For the 1.4 billion people from over 60 countries eligible for visa-free travel, obtaining ETIAS will be a necessary step before heading to the EU. The goal behind these systems is to streamline border processes while enhancing security for both travelers and the EU.
Bulgaria and Romania Join Schengen in 2025
After years of anticipation, Bulgaria and Romania will officially join the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025. Though both countries have been part of Schengen’s air and sea arrangements, the new move will allow them to open their land borders, making travel within the region even more seamless. Residents and visitors will no longer encounter internal border checks when traveling between these countries and the other Schengen states.
Greece and Spain’s Golden Visa Shifts
Greece is set to evolve its Golden Visa program in 2025, adding a new pathway for startup investments. With a €250,000 minimum investment in a listed startup, applicants will also need to create jobs and meet specific equity requirements. This new route could attract those looking to engage with Greece’s growing entrepreneurial scene.
On the other hand, Spain is moving in the opposite direction. After the Spanish Congress approved a bill to phase out property-based Golden Visas, this change could be implemented by early 2025, although the Spanish Senate has put the brakes on the plan for now. If the law goes ahead, it will mark the end of a lucrative pathway that allowed wealthy individuals to gain residency through real estate purchases.
Tourist Taxes Set to Rise Across Europe
2025 will also see new taxes and hikes aimed at managing tourism’s impact. In Madeira, tourists will soon have to pay €3 to hike any of the island’s 30 routes, a fee introduced to help preserve its natural beauty. Meanwhile, Portugal’s Évora will roll out its own tourist tax early in the year, which will fund environmental and heritage initiatives.
Venice will continue its €5 fee but will also impose a €10 surcharge on last-minute visitors starting in April, aiming to tackle overtourism. Greece, too, is adjusting its tourist tax, with higher rates during the peak season, as well as increased fees for cruise passengers. Expect other European cities to follow suit as they implement similar measures to deal with the growing pressures of tourism.
New Requirements for French Residency
France is tightening its residency permit requirements in 2025, especially for those seeking multi-year permits. Applicants will now need to prove a basic proficiency in French, with the A2 level required for shorter permits and the B1 level for ten-year residency cards. This shift aims to ensure that newcomers integrate better into French society.
EU Citizens Pay to Enter the UK
Lastly, a significant change will affect EU citizens traveling to the UK. Starting in April 2025, those visiting without a visa will need to pay €11 for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This requirement will apply to everyone, including children, who do not have a visa or long-term residency status in the UK. Once approved, the ETA will be valid for two years, allowing multiple trips, though stays cannot exceed 60 days without leaving the country.
All in all, 2025 will usher in a host of changes that will reshape the travel landscape in Europe. Whether it’s new border systems, shifting visa policies, or growing taxes, it’s clear that navigating the EU will require staying informed about these evolving regulations.