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EU/UK 2025: rules, regulations and events

Adrienne Salmon

• 6 min read

This year many European countries (including the UK) will be introducing new measures to combat overtourism and increase border security, including the new entry requirements EES for the EU and ETA for the UK. In addition, special events like Jubilee Year and sports competitions will see the number of visitors to certain countries swell.

Here’s what you need to know about what’s changing for travellers in Europe in 2025, how it might affect your plans and what you need to do.

Spencer Davis

New Entry Requirements for the EU and the UK

Crossing European borders will soon require some extra paperwork to be filled out in advance of travel. The new entry systems include:

EES (EU Entry/Exit System)

  • What is it? A digital border control system for the Schengen area in Europe.

  • Who does it affect? UK travellers using a British passport, travelling anywhere in Europe.

  • When does it start? It's expected to start in October 2025.

  • What will I need to do? Register your biometric data (fingerprints or a photo) at your port of entry, which replaces the current passport stamping process. You’ll register on arrival at kiosks, with no need to provide information beforehand.

  • How long does it last? It is valid for 3 years, after which, you’ll only need to update your biometric data.

  • Anything I should know before travelling? Expect delays at key ports and train stations at first (e.g., Dover, Eurotunnel, and St Pancras). The current advice for Eurostar is that it may take 120 minutes to check in, rather than the 60 - 90 minutes currently suggested.

For more information on the EES, visit the EU’s Travel Europe website or the Gov.UK page on the EES.

ETA (UK Electronic Travel Authorisation)

  • What is it? A digital permit now required for non-visa nationals visiting the UK.

  • Who does it affect? Visa-exempt European nationals (e.g., from Germany) and nationals from countries outside of Europe (e.g., United States). You can check if you need one on the Gov.UK website.

  • When does it start? For non-European nationals, it has already started, and it will be required for European nationals from April 2025.

  • What will I need to do? Apply online in advance of your trip (processing can take 3 working days). Once approved, it will be linked to the passport with which you applied.

  • How long does it last? Your ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.

  • Anything I should know before travelling? The ETA costs £16 and you can travel to the UK as many times as you want while you have it. There is also a handy app through which you can apply..

You can find full details and apply online at the official Gov.uk website, or download the UK ETA app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Yoav Aziz

Overtourism and tourist tax

In an effort to combat overtourism, many European destinations are implementing visitor limits, tourist taxes, and behavioural regulations, aiming to preserve what makes these places special while still welcoming travellers. Places with updated measures include:

  • Barcelona is raising its tourist tax, meaning those staying in hotels and short-term rentals will pay more per night. This will range from 6€ to 15€ depending on the type of accommodation and the city tax rate.

  • Mallorca is increasing its tourist tax in peak season (rising from 4€ to 6€ depending on accommodation type), as well as introducing a ban on non-resident driving in Soller and a cap on walking tours in the city of Palma to reduce congestion.

  • Amsterdam is limiting the expansion of tourist-focused businesses in the city centre, including reducing the amount of river cruises, banning new hotels, and capping overnight stays.

  • Venice has introduced a day-trip tax for visitors aged 14 and over, who will need to pay a €5 entry fee on certain days, rising to €10 if booked less than four days in advance, between April 18 and July 27.

What should I know? Most tourist fees are to be paid directly to hotels on arrival, in cash, so it's best to have some local currency to pay at reception. You can check regional tourism websites for the latest fees and restrictions.

Ágatha Depiné

Events in Europe 2025

There are some big events happening in Europe this year that may cause a swell in numbers of tourists to already popular destinations.

Jubilee Year 2025: Rome and Italy (24 Dec 2024 – 06 Jan 2026)

  • What's happening? 2025 is a Jubilee Year, a significant religious event held by the Vatican every 25 years.

  • How will it affect my trip? Rome will see an influx of pilgrims, making the city especially busy around key religious sites. Accommodation is expected to book up early, and security will be heightened. If you’re visiting, be prepared for crowd management measures, especially near St Peter’s Basilica.

  • Can you visit? Yes, but consider booking well in advance (at least six months), or in off-season when tourist spots are generally quieter.

Find out more: the Vatican’s official Jubilee website provides details on planned events and advice for visitors.

Eurovision 2025: Basel (13 May 2025 – 17 May 2025)

  • What's happening? Basel is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest. The Grand Final of the contest will take place in St. Jakobshalle, Basel, on Saturday 17th of May, with the semi-finals on Tuesday 13th and Thursday 15th of May.

  • How will it affect your trip? The contest brings thousands of visitors to its host city each year, so expect a surge in demand for accommodation and transport in May.

  • Can you visit? Yes, but consider avoiding the weekend of the Grand Final (16th - 18th of May) when the city will be much busier. You could also stay on the outskirts of Basel, which might help you avoid throngs of people.

Find out more: visit the Eurovision website.

UEFA Women’s EURO 2025: Switzerland (2 Jul 2025 – 27 Jul 2025)

  • What's happening? The UEFA Women’s EURO football competition will be taking place in Switzerland. The eight host cities are Basel, Bern, Geneva, Zürich, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Sion and Thun.

  • How will it affect your trip? You can expect football fans across these cities, particularly on key game days. Accommodation may book up and prices may be higher.

  • Can you visit? Yes, but book early if you can.

Find out more: check the UEFA website.

Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: UK (22 Aug 2025 – 27 Sept 2025)

  • What's happening? The Women's Rugby World Cup is scheduled to take place across England. Cities that will be hosting the games include London, Sunderland, Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Exeter, Northampton, Manchester and York.

  • How will it affect your trip? Accommodation in the host cities may book up early, and public transport is likely to be busy on game days.

  • Can you visit? Yes, but plan ahead for journeys and accommodation.

Find out more: visit the Rugby World Cup website.