Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Since Brexit, travel from the UK to the European Union has been reshaped by new rules that have gradually introduced restrictions for British passport holders. UK travelers became third-country visitors subject to a 90-day limit within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area and must have their passports stamped on entry and exit. However, new systems and regulations are set to change travel procedures further in the coming months and years, with key initiatives such as the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) coming into effect.
The EES, scheduled for phased introduction starting in October 2025, will replace the traditional passport stamping system by electronically registering biometric data of travelers entering and leaving the EU. This will be the most significant change to UK-EU travel in the short term. ETIAS, a visa waiver system, is expected to launch in late 2026, requiring visa-exempt travelers, including Britons, to apply for pre-trip authorization.
These changes come amid other travel disruptions including the ongoing implementation of advanced security scanners at airports, rising day-trip taxes in popular tourist cities, and protests against mass tourism, especially in southern European countries such as Spain, Italy, and France. Together, these developments will shape the travel experience of UK visitors to Europe in the latter half of 2025 and beyond.
June 2025: New Airport Security Scanners and Venice Day Tripper Fee
Many airports missed the original June 2024 deadline for installing next-generation CT security scanners, designed to allow travelers to keep laptops and liquids in hand luggage during screening. The deadline was extended to June 2025. Airports such as Heathrow, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Gatwick, and others are part of this rollout, with some European airports already equipped. Despite these upgrades, the 100ml liquids limit was reintroduced in June 2024 at UK airports and in September 2024 at EU airports, frustrating travelers hoping for a more convenient experience.
Venice reintroduced its day tripper fee in April 2025 after a successful trial in 2024. Visitors who are not staying overnight must pay €5 (or €10 if booking less than four days ahead) to enter the city during specified hours. Those staying overnight are exempt but still must register their presence online. The fee is designed to manage overtourism in one of Europe’s most visited cities, which faces pressures on infrastructure and local life.
The travel industry, especially tour operators offering day trips to Venice, will need to inform clients about this new fee and adapt itineraries accordingly. While it may add a small cost to visitors, the fee aims to encourage more responsible tourism and generate funds for maintaining the city.
Mass Tourism Protests and Spain’s Guest Registration Rules
Following a wave of anti-overtourism protests in 2024, several southern European countries are expected to see demonstrations against mass tourism during the summer of 2025. The Southern European Network Against Touristisation, a coalition of grassroots groups from Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal, plans several protests to highlight the negative impacts of uncontrolled tourism on local communities and environments. The largest protest is scheduled for June 15, with actions expected in multiple cities.
In Spain, new guest registration rules came into effect requiring tourists to provide personal data—including passport details, nationality, and contact information—when booking accommodation or renting cars. This applies to travelers aged 14 and older, with adults responsible for registering accompanying minors. Accommodation and car rental businesses must collect and submit this information to Spanish authorities. This measure aims to improve visitor management and security.
The travel industry must ensure compliance with these regulations, advising travelers of the requirements and incorporating the registration process into booking procedures.
July 2025: Outdoor Smoking Bans and Rental Property Registration in Spain and France
Starting July 1, 2025, France will implement an outdoor smoking ban covering beaches, parks, public gardens, bus stops, and sports venues, with fines for violations. Outdoor cafes and bars will be exempt, and electronic cigarettes will not be included. Spain is also planning to extend smoking bans to outdoor terraces in bars and restaurants, though the exact enforcement date remains unconfirmed.
Additionally, Spain requires owners of short-term rentals to register their properties on the official Registro Único starting July 1, 2025. This registration is mandatory for legally advertising and renting out vacation homes and is part of efforts to regulate the booming short-term rental market.
These regulations impact travelers by affecting where they can smoke and by ensuring that rental properties meet legal standards, improving safety and fairness in the market.
August 2025: EU E-Gates and Border Procedures
UK travelers have been informed that after the Brexit reset deal, they may access more e-gates in Europe starting in August 2025, the peak travel month. However, non-EU passport holders, including Britons, currently face restrictions preventing them from using fast-track e-gates without additional checks such as passport stamping. Some airports allow a combination of e-gate passage followed by manual stamping.
Full access to fast-track e-gates for UK nationals will only be granted after the Entry/Exit System is fully implemented, expected in October 2025. Until then, travelers should anticipate standard immigration procedures and possible delays at busy border crossings.
October 2025: Entry/Exit System (EES) and New Tourist Taxes
The EES will begin phased implementation in October 2025. It will electronically record biometric data—fingerprints and facial images—of all non-EU travelers entering and leaving the Schengen Area, replacing manual passport stamping. UK travelers will need to create a digital entry record upon their first visit, valid for three years or until passport expiration.
While this system will enhance border security and streamline future entries, early implementation may cause delays. UK ports like Dover will conduct fingerprint checks for every entry into Schengen, which some officials warn could slow down processing times due to the absence of a digital verification app.
In Spain’s Catalonia region, authorities plan to increase the per-day tourist tax from €11 to €15 starting no earlier than October 2025. This hike aims to raise additional funds to manage the influx of tourists and mitigate overtourism effects in Barcelona and surrounding areas.
Looking Ahead: ETIAS Visa Waiver System and Pet Travel Requirements
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is scheduled for launch in the last quarter of 2026. This visa waiver system will require all non-EU travelers—including UK nationals—to obtain prior authorization before entering 30 European countries. The application fee will be €7, with exemptions for travelers under 18 and over 70 years old.
For pet owners, traveling from the UK to the EU has become more complicated post-Brexit. Pets must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies if over 12 weeks old. Owners must wait three weeks post-vaccination before obtaining an EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC), valid for only 10 days before travel. Pets must also receive tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before entering the EU. The UK government seeks to negotiate the return of the EU pet passport scheme, which allows lifelong validity provided vaccines are up to date.
Global Travel Industry Impact and Traveler Preparedness
These sweeping changes in travel protocols, from biometric entry systems to new taxes and pet travel rules, will impact millions of travelers, especially from the UK. The travel industry must adapt by updating guidance, revising booking processes, and preparing for increased scrutiny at borders.
For travelers, staying informed about new requirements, allowing extra time for border procedures, and ensuring proper documentation—whether for themselves, family members, or pets—will be essential. These changes represent a broader global trend toward enhanced security and regulatory compliance in international travel.
Tour operators, airlines, and travel agencies will play critical roles in educating customers, assisting with applications such as ETIAS, and helping navigate new airport security technologies. Coordinated efforts will be vital to minimize disruptions and maintain traveler confidence.
Summary of Key Changes
- EES System launches October 2025: Replaces passport stamps with biometric data collection at Schengen borders for all non-EU travelers.
- ETIAS visa waiver system launches late 2026: Requires pre-trip authorization for visa-free travelers, including UK nationals.
- New airport scanners: Rolled out by June 2025, aiming to ease security while maintaining liquid restrictions.
- Venice day tripper fee: Applies on specified days from April to July 2025 for non-overnight visitors.
- Mass tourism protests: Planned across southern Europe in summer 2025.
- Spain guest registration: Mandatory personal data collection for accommodation and car rentals from 2025.
- Outdoor smoking bans: Enforced in France from July 1, with Spain to follow.
- Catalonia tourist tax increase: Possible rise from €11 to €15 from October 2025.
- Stricter pet travel rules: Microchipping, vaccination, and new certificates required for UK to EU travel post-Brexit.
Conclusion
Europe’s travel landscape is undergoing significant transformation in 2025 and beyond, with new security systems, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability measures changing how travelers enter and move within the continent. These changes reflect the post-Brexit reality and the EU’s efforts to balance open borders with enhanced security.
Travelers, particularly those from the UK, will need to prepare for longer processing times, new application requirements, and additional fees. Meanwhile, the travel industry must evolve quickly to provide seamless support and clear communication to minimize disruption.
Despite initial challenges, these reforms promise more secure, efficient, and sustainable travel experiences in Europe’s future, helping to maintain the continent’s appeal as a top global destination.
(News Source: The I Paper)
