ON HOLS
All the new travel rules Brits face in 2025 from biometric checks to visa-waivers
And what this means for your holiday
BRITS heading to Europe in 2025 are facing a host of new travel rules - and they could cause huge travel queues.
Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead.
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EES Biometric border checks
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is finally expected to roll out in 2025 after several delays.
This digital border control system will replace passport stamps, using biometric data like fingerprints and facial scans to track entries and exits.
The first time you travel after the system goes live, you’ll need to scan your passport, provide fingerprints, and have your photo taken. You’ll also need to answer four questions about your trip.
After that, you’ll only need to provide one biometric detail – either your fingerprint or a facial scan – for the next three years or until your passport expires.
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If you’re travelling by Eurostar, Eurotunnel or ferry, checks will be done before departure on UK soil. At airports, the process happens when you land.
Drivers will have to exit vehicles for checks, sparking fears of longer queues at ferry ports.
Travellers can pre-register details via an app or self-service kiosks at some locations, but the rollout is expected to be phased.
Children under 12 will need their photo taken, but won’t need fingerprints.
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New £6 visa-waiver
From mid-2025, all non-EU nationals, including Brits, will need an ETIAS visa-waiver to travel to the Schengen Zone.
An official date is yet to be confirmed, but for now we know that the ETIAS will cost €7 (£6) and is valid for three years, or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
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When it is introduced, Brits will need to apply for the visa-waiver on the website .
However, it's reported that applications could take up to 96 hours if further checks are needed.
Be cautious when applying – the EU border agency has identified more than 100 fake ETIAS websites attempting to scam travellers. Only use official sites to apply.
While both the EES and ETIAS systems aim to speed up border crossings in the long run, experts are warning of potential chaos in the short term, so prepare for delays during the rollout.
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Border controls across Europe are reportedly “not ready”, with Slovenia estimating processing times could be four times longer than usual, while Austria expects delays to at least double.
The Department for Transport has pledged £10.5m to help UK ports prepare, but it’s clear 2025 will be a year of big travel changes.
Some estimates suggest queues could last up to 14 hours at some ferry ports.
Concerns are highest for Dover, where space for processing is tight. Drivers might be asked to exit vehicles to provide biometric data, leading to traffic jams.
Holidaymakers are being urged to pack extra supplies, including snacks and water, in case of delays.
New and increased tourist taxes rise
Holidaymakers can also expect higher tourist taxes across Europe in 2025.
In 2024, Amsterdam upped its tourist tax to a whopping 12.5 per cent for hotel stays, making it the highest in Europe.
In 2025, Barcelona and Venice are introducing their own increases.
These charges will add to the cost of trips, especially in popular hotspots.
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Ongoing rules - passport validity and ESTA restrictions
Brits who have been to Cuba anytime after January 2021 are unable to apply for an ESTA.
Instead, they must apply for a tourist visa to visit the US, which is a much lengthier and more expensive process, costing around £143. It also requires an interview in London, where it can still be declined.
While this was introduced in 2023, some British travellers are still getting stung because they aren’t aware of the new rule.
And as always, the ongoing rules apply for soon-to-be-expired passports for Brits heading abroad.
Your passport issue date has to be less than 10 years before the day of arrival in the EU.
If travelling to Europe, the passport expiry date must be at least three months after the intended day of departure.
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For trips to the states, the country requires that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the proposed stay in the US.
If your passport is damaged, both the US and EU recommend obtaining a new one before applying for any visas to “avoid any delay in the processing of your application”.
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