Major Changes Coming to EU Travel and Policies in 2025

The year 2025 is set to bring significant developments in travel and policy across the European Union. With 2024 marked by transformative decisions affecting both EU citizens and international travelers, the upcoming year promises to introduce new systems, expand programs, and adjust regulations that will impact the bloc.

New Border Systems: Entry/Exit System and ETIAS

Two advanced border systems—the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)—are scheduled for implementation in 2025. Initially planned for a November 2024 rollout, the EES was delayed due to logistical challenges, including member states expressing unreadiness.

According to the EU’s official website, the EES is expected to begin in 2025, although a specific date will only be confirmed after the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting. This system aims to replace manual passport stamping with automated registration at external EU borders. All travelers, whether visa-exempt or not, will need to register upon arrival.

ETIAS, on the other hand, will require visa-exempt visitors from over 60 countries—totaling approximately 1.4 billion people—to apply for authorization before traveling to the EU. While an exact launch date remains undisclosed, ETIAS is expected to follow the EES by a few months. Both systems aim to enhance EU and traveler security.

Schengen Area Expansion

On January 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania will join the Schengen Area as full members, eliminating internal border controls with neighboring Schengen states. While both countries are already integrated into Schengen for air and sea travel, this expansion will extend to land borders, facilitating seamless movement for residents and travelers.

Changes to Golden Visa Programs

In 2025, Greece will diversify its Golden Visa program by introducing a pathway for startup investors. To qualify, applicants must:

• Invest at least €250,000 in startups listed in Greece’s National Register of Startups.

• Hold a maximum equity stake of 33% in the company or equivalent voting rights.

• Create at least two jobs in the first year of the investment.

• Maintain the workforce for a minimum of five years.

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This proposal, pending parliamentary approval, is expected to begin early in the year.

Conversely, Spain is considering ending Golden Visas based on property investment. Although Spain’s Congress of Deputies has approved the change, the Senate vetoed the bill. The future of this program remains uncertain as the legislative process continues.

Tourist Taxes on the Rise

Several EU regions are increasing or introducing tourist taxes in 2025.

• Madeira, Portugal: Starting January 1, a €3 fee will apply to all 30 hiking routes in the region. Currently, only seven trails require such fees. Violators will face a €50 penalty.

• Évora, Portugal: The city plans to introduce a tourist tax, with revenues intended for waste management, heritage preservation, and tourism promotion. The fee’s exact amount is yet to be announced.

• Venice, Italy: Venice will extend its current €5 tourist tax throughout 2025, doubling it to €10 for last-minute visitors on specific days starting April. The move aims to address overtourism and improve residents’ quality of life.

• Greece: Tourist taxes will increase, with daily rates rising from €0.5 to €2 and reaching €8 during high season (April to October). Cruise ship visitors will also face higher charges.

New French Residency Rules

France will impose stricter requirements for multi-year residence permits in 2025. Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency at the A2 level, while those seeking ten-year residency cards will need B1-level proficiency. The implementation date for this rule has yet to be announced.

UK Introduces ETA Requirement for EU Citizens

From April 2025, EU citizens traveling to the UK without a visa must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at a cost of €11. Applications will open on March 5, 2025, and ETAs will be mandatory from April 2. The authorization, valid for two years, allows multiple visits of up to 60 days each.

These upcoming changes reflect the EU’s ongoing efforts to enhance security, streamline processes, and address regional challenges in tourism, migration, and policy implementation. As the year approaches, travelers and residents should stay informed about these significant updates.

By fLEXI tEAM