How to Plan a Europe Trip in 2025

Before you plan a Europe trip for next year, make sure you are up to date with all of the new entry and exit protocols.

Europe Visa Updates

The great news is that most European countries still do not require a visa for stays under 90 days. However, travelers will need to apply for electronic travel authorization -- which comes with a fee -- before they arrive. 

2025 Travel to Europe FAQs

Here's everything you need to know about travel to Europe and the United Kingdom in 2025.

EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES)

What is it? The EU Entry/Exit system (EES) will replace the physical stamping of passports in the EU/Schengen area. The electronic system registers all entries and exits to and from participating European countries. The hope is that it will make border checks more efficient and improve security within the EU.

How does it work? Travelers will need to provide their passports upon entry and exit, as usual. In addition, they will need a photo of their face taken and their fingerprints scanned upon both entry and exit.

Everyone, regardless of age, will need to go through the EES checks. Children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints; however, they will still need to have a facial scan taken.

Who does it apply to? Those who are not EU citizens or citizens of the Schengen region who intend to travel to Europe on a short stay. "Short stays" encompass holidays or business trips with a duration of less than 90 days taken within a 180-day period.

If you are traveling on a cruise, you will not need to undergo any EES protocols for day trips within the EU. Whether you need to go through the EES system will depend on where the cruise embarks and disembarks.

Which countries does it apply to? The EES will go into effect in the following 29 EU member countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. (Cyprus and Ireland excluded.)

When will it go into effect? November 10, 2024

Learn more at europa.eu/ees

United Kingdom's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

What is it? Those traveling to or through the United Kingdom will now have to pay an electronic travel authorization (ETA) fee to enter.

How does it work? Each traveler will need to apply for an ETA before they depart for the UK. An ETA costs £10 per person.

Travelers will generally receive approval via email within three days of submission. Once approved, the ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first. 

Who does it apply to? European and non-European travelers who do not need a visa, except British and Irish citizens. Note: Travelers will still need an ETA even if they are just transiting through the UK and not going through UK border control.

Which countries does it apply to? The ETA will apply to travel to all United Kingdom countries, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

When will it go into effect? Eligible non-Europeans will need an ETA to travel to the UK starting January 8, 2025. Travelers can apply in advance beginning November 27, 2024.

Learn more at gov.uk

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

What is it? Similar to the UK's ETA, all travelers who plan a trip to Europe will need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization. 

How does it work? Applications cost EUR 7, though children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from paying the application fee. Travelers will generally receive approval via email within minutes of submission.

Once approved, the ETIAS will allow you to enter the EU as often as you want for short-term stays. "Short term" in this case means vacations or business trips with a duration of 90 days in any 180-day period. The authorization links to your passport. It is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. 

Who does it apply to? Visa-exempt, non-European travelers who are traveling to the EU for a short-term stay.

Which countries does it apply to? The ETIAS travel authorization will be required for the following 30 EU member countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. 

When will it go into effect? Expected mid-2025 (Date TBD)

Learn more at europa.eu/etias

What Does this Mean for Travel to Europe?

If you intend to travel to the UK or plan a Europe trip in 2025, you will simply need to apply for travel authorization and pay the appropriate fees a few days in advance of departure.

Example: If you intend to travel to London and Paris in late 2025, you will need to apply for both the UK's ETA and the EU's ETIAS. The total cost for an adult will be around USD $23 per person for both travel authorizations.

Plan a Europe Trip in 2025 with Ker & Downey

Don't let these changes scare you. With a tour operator like Ker & Downey in your corner, you will receive all the latest Europe visa updates and answers to the top Europe travel FAQs. Contact a Ker & Downey travel designer to plan a Europe trip in 2025. For further inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.