What traveler's should know about the Schengen Area in 2025: New regulations, fingerprints, face scanners, and e-passports.
The implementation of the long-awaited Entry and Exit System (EES) of the European Union and the Schengen Area, which includes the Kingdom of Norway, is now closer than ever. After almost nine years of waiting, the EES is finally set to launch. Once approved and with the European Commission setting a start date of December 2024, Schengen Member States will have a maximum of six months to install the system, ensuring full operation within 2025.
This is essential information for travellers planning to visit and cross EU borders soon.
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What is the EES and the Schengen Area?
The first thing to understand is what the Schengen Area is. Although it may resemble the European Union, it is actually an agreement between 29 European countries allowing free movement of people across their territories.
Linked to this is the EES, an automated system for registering all travellers from the UK and other non-Schengen countries that do not require a visa to enter the EU.
The European Union states that this new process is designed to strengthen border security and identify foreigners who exceed the allowed stay in the Schengen Area (90 days within a 180-day period).
How Will Entry to the Schengen Area Change?
Although an exact launch date has not yet been confirmed, once installed, travellers will be required to scan their passports or identification documents at self-service kiosks when crossing the external border of the EU. The system will register the traveler’s name, biometric data, and entry/exit dates and locations. Additionally, facial scans and fingerprints will be taken every three years, allowing travellers to enter multiple times without repeated biometric checks.
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Another six months later, travellers will also need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) – a travel authorization system for visitors aged 16 to 70. The ETIAS will cost €7 and will be valid for three years.
Bulgaria and Romania Become Full Members of the Schengen Area
On January 1st, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania became full members of the Schengen Area. Since March 31st, 2024, they had a special status with air and sea border controls lifted, but land borders remained in place. With this transition now complete, full Schengen movement applies.
Bonus info:
Random checks may still occur for six months to control illegal migration and security risks.
Depending on nationality, a visa may still be required for Bulgaria or Romania.
Bulgaria has chosen to maintain land border controls with Romania until June 2025.
Reintroduction of Internal Border Controls in the Schengen Area
Some Schengen countries have reintroduced internal border controls to curb illegal migration and strengthen internal security. These checks may occur within a few kilometers of borders and are expected to continue until mid-2025.
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Countries with internal border controls:
Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Sweden.
Travellers should carry valid identification and check for updates before traveling.
The UK Expands Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Requirements
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is now required to enter the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales).
Who needs an ETA?
Nationals from countries that previously had visa-free travel arrangements with the UK, including the EU and visa-waiver countries.
Visa-required travellers do not need an ETA.
Key Dates:
January 8, 2025: ETA required for citizens from the U.S., Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, and other countries.
April 2, 2025: ETA required for all EU nationals.
Useful Information:
Cost: £10 (€12).
Validity: Two years or until passport expiration.
Max Stay: Six months.
Spain: New Regulations on Personal Data Collection
Since December 2, 2024, Spain has implemented Royal Decree 933/2021, requiring tourism professionals to collect extensive personal information (40-60 data points) when booking hotels, car rentals, and travel packages. This includes passport details, bank information, and travel itineraries.
Failure to comply could result in fines up to €30,000.
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Greece: Higher Tourist Taxes
Greece has increased its climate resilience tax (tourist tax) as of January 1, 2025. Rates vary between low season (November-March) and high season (April-October).
New rates (high season, April-October 2025):
1-2-star hotels: €2 per night.
3-star hotels: €5 per night.
4-star hotels: €10 per night.
5-star hotels: €15 per night.
Short-term rentals: €8 per night (under 80m²), €15 per night (over 80m²).
Cruise passengers: €5-€20 per person, depending on the port.
Venice (Italy): Expands Tourist Entry Fees
Starting April 18, 2025, Venice will expand its entry fee system:
Applied on 54 peak days (March-July).
€5 fee for early bookings (more than 4 days in advance).
€10 fee for last-minute bookings.
Overnight visitors are exempt.
European Airports: The 100ml Rule for Liquids Returns
Since September 1, 2024, the 100ml liquid rule for carry-on baggage was reinstated due to security concerns. New EDSCB C3 scanners are being reviewed for safety improvements.
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Standardised Rules for Carry-On Luggage in the EU
The European Commission is working on standardising airline carry-on luggage rules to end inconsistencies across airlines. Expect updates in 2025.
Plan Ahead!
With these new regulations, traveling to Europe in 2025 requires additional planning. Ensure you have the correct documents, visas, and border requirements in order to enjoy a seamless travel experience!
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