Europe: New Entry Requirements, plus more

Europe’s travel landscape is undergoing major changes in 2025, with a wave of digital updates, visa requirements, and regulations that will impact millions of visitors. France is leading the shift with a new fully digital visa process, while the broader EU is introducing systems like the EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa waiver. Here's what to know before booking your next European adventure. 

France Goes Fully Digital with Visa Appointments

As of June 2025, France now requires all visa appointments to be scheduled online through a centralized platform. This applies to both short-stay Schengen visas and long-stay national visas for purposes such as tourism, business, study, or visiting family. 

Travelers must begin the process by using two essential tools: 

• The Visa Wizard to determine the right visa type and documents. 

• The Schengen Visa Calculator to ensure they’re within the allowed 90-day stay in a 180-day period. 

After confirming eligibility, travelers must complete a digital pre-submission through the Demarches Simplifiées portal, uploading personal information and supporting documents. An email confirmation will follow, and acknowledging it is critical. Failure to confirm can result in appointment cancellation. 

While the application is digital, an in-person visit is still required to submit biometric data, provide a passport, and pay the visa fee. 

EU-Wide Travel System Updates: Launching New Entry Requirements

Beyond France, all of Europe is tightening entry procedures and modernizing border controls: 

• Entry/Exit System (EES) – Launching October 2025, this system will replace passport stamping with biometric checks (fingerprints and facial scans) for non-EU travelers. This will apply at all Schengen Area borders. 
• ETIAS Visa Waiver – Expected in late 2026, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will require travelers from visa-free countries (including the UK) to register online and receive authorization before entry. It will cost €7 and be valid for three years. 
• Airport Security Scanners – Though advanced CT scanners are rolling out at UK and EU airports, the 100ml liquid rule has been reinstated for now. Travelers should check airport-specific guidelines before flying. 

Other Key European Travel Updates for 2025

• Venice Tourist Fee: From April to July 2025, day-trippers must pay a €5-10 entry fee. 

• Catalonia Tax Hike: Tourist taxes could rise from €11 to €15 per day by October 2025. 

• France Outdoor Smoking Bans: France bans smoking in public areas like beaches and parks starting July 1. Spain is expected to follow. 

• Short-Term Rental Registration: Spain will require vacation rental properties to register on an official database starting July 2025. 

• Protests Against Southern Europe Mass Tourism: Demonstrations are planned across Southern Europe in summer 2025, with the largest expected June 15. 

• Spain Guest & Pet Registration Rules: Spain now mandates personal data collection for lodging and car rentals. Pet travel from the UK to the EU also requires more documentation post-Brexit, including health certificates and vaccinations. 

These updates reflect Europe’s broader shift toward digitized travel, better security, and more sustainable tourism. While the changes may seem complex, they ultimately aim to create a smoother and safer experience for travelers.