Planning a European trip in 2025 comes with several important updates that travelers need to be aware of. France is considering a potential visa reform that could introduce stricter security checks while streamlining the process for certain travelers. Meanwhile, Spain and Italy have confirmed increases in tourist taxes, making accommodations and day trips more expensive. Across the European Union, new travel rules such as the long-awaited ETIAS and biometric entry-exit system are set to change how non-EU visitors enter the Schengen Area. Additionally, Greece, the Netherlands, and Portugal have introduced new fines and regulations, targeting overtourism, visa overstays, and even dress codes in public spaces. Whether you’re visiting for leisure, work, or study, understanding these new policies will help ensure a hassle-free journey across Europe’s most popular destinations.

France’s Potential Visa Reform and EU’s New Entry Rules

France has announced potential changes to its visa policy, aiming to modernize its system while addressing security concerns. If implemented, these reforms would strengthen security checks for applicants, increase cooperation with other Schengen states, and expand digital visa applications. France may also impose stricter rules on nationals of countries that do not cooperate in returning irregular migrants while easing visa procedures for travelers from nations that comply with return agreements. However, these measures have not yet been officially confirmed.

In contrast, the European Union has set official changes to entry requirements. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is scheduled to launch in early 2026, requiring travelers from visa-exempt countries—including the U.S., U.K., and Canada—to complete an online application and pay a €7 fee before entering the Schengen Area. Additionally, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace passport stamping with a biometric tracking system, is set to go live in 2025.

Spain, Italy, and Other Countries Confirm Higher Tourist Taxes

Several European destinations have confirmed increases in tourist taxes to manage overtourism and support local infrastructure. Spain’s Catalonia region will double its tourism levy by late 2025, with visitors paying between €2 per night for campsites and €7 per night for five-star hotels in Barcelona. Venice, Italy, has introduced a new day-tripper tax in addition to its existing accommodation tax, aiming to reduce overcrowding.

Other destinations implementing higher tourist taxes include Greece, where a tourism levy increase took effect in January 2025, affecting both hotels and short-term rentals. Amsterdam, Netherlands, has raised its tourist tax to 12.5% of the room rate, one of the highest in Europe, to curb mass tourism. Meanwhile, Paris continues to enforce higher tourist taxes, which were introduced ahead of the 2024 Olympics and will remain in place throughout 2025.

New Fines and Travel Regulations in Greece, Netherlands, and Portugal

Tourists in some European countries will also face stricter rules and fines in 2025. Portugal’s Albufeira region has implemented new dress code regulations, with fines of up to £1,250 for wearing swimwear outside designated beach areas and up to £1,500 for public nudity.

In Spain, new regulations require tourists staying in hotels or renting cars to provide extensive personal information, which accommodations must store digitally for three years. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to €30,000.

The Netherlands is cracking down on visa overstays, with tourists who exceed the Schengen Area’s 90-day limit now facing fines, deportation, or entry bans. The severity of penalties depends on the length of the overstay and any security risks posed by the traveler.

Traveling to Europe in 2025 comes with key updates, including France’s potential visa reform, higher tourist taxes in Spain and Italy, new EU entry rules like ETIAS, and stricter fines and regulations in Greece, the Netherlands, and Portugal.

How These Changes Will Impact Travelers in 2025

With these new regulations, travelers must prepare for changes in visa policies, entry requirements, and local tourism laws. Those planning trips to France should stay updated on potential visa reforms, while visitors to Spain, Italy, and Greece should budget for higher tourist taxes. The confirmed introduction of ETIAS and biometric entry systems means travelers from visa-free countries must complete additional pre-travel requirements before visiting the EU.

Additionally, tourists heading to Portugal and the Netherlands should be aware of local regulations to avoid fines. By staying informed, travelers can ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip to Europe in 2025.