In 2025, several European nations, including Spain, Germany, France, Poland, Portugal, and Italy, are implementing significant changes to travel and tourism regulations. These adjustments are designed to address challenges such as enhanced border security, sustainable tourism, and improved visitor management. While these updates aim to protect local interests and improve efficiency, they also present new requirements for travelers and are set to reshape the tourism landscape across the region.
Spain’s New Tourism RequirementsFrom December 2, 2024, Spain introduced updated check-in protocols for tourists, requiring visitors to provide extensive personal information. Among the 31 data points now required are home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and details about family relationships within travel groups. These measures aim to combat organized crime but have faced backlash from Spain’s leading hotel association, CEHAT.
CEHAT expressed concerns over privacy risks and the logistical burden the rules place on accommodations, many of which lack the necessary technology to comply fully. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines of up to €30,000. Tourists are already required to meet other conditions, such as demonstrating financial resources of €100 per day during their stay and adhering to local regulations like smoking bans and alcohol consumption limits in areas like Ibiza and Majorca.
Germany’s ETIAS RolloutGermany, along with other Schengen Area nations, will implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in May 2025. ETIAS is an electronic pre-approval system required for travelers from visa-free countries. Applicants must provide biometric data, answer questions related to health and criminal history, and pay a €7 fee. The authorization remains valid for three years or until the passport expires, allowing short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The ETIAS initiative is designed to strengthen border security while making the entry process more efficient. Travelers are encouraged to apply in advance, as processing times may take up to 96 hours.
Italy’s New Travel ProtocolsItaly’s new rules for 2025 include additional security measures for long-term visa applicants and updated entry requirements for short-term visitors. From January 10, applicants for Type D visas must undergo fingerprinting at Italian consulates, increasing the administrative workload for travelers and consulates alike.
For short-term travelers, the ETIAS requirement has been postponed to mid-2025, allowing visitors from countries like the United States to continue using visa waiver programs temporarily. However, Italy emphasizes that travelers should check their passports for compliance, ensuring they were issued within the past 10 years and remain valid for at least three months after the intended departure from the Schengen Area.
France’s Border and Environmental MeasuresFrance is increasing border controls between November 2024 and April 2025, requiring non-EU citizens to present valid passports at major crossings. Like other Schengen countries, France will also require ETIAS authorization starting in mid-2025.
In addition to entry requirements, France is implementing environmental policies, such as banning older vehicles from Paris’s inner suburbs starting January 2025. Travelers driving in France are advised to obtain Crit’Air stickers to comply with emissions regulations.
Broader Implications for Tourism
The introduction of these measures reflects a broader effort to modernize and manage tourism across Europe. Systems like ETIAS and EES aim to enhance border security, reduce illegal activities, and provide better tracking of visitors. For travelers, however, these changes mean additional paperwork, fees, and time spent preparing for trips.
Spain’s updated check-in rules and local regulations highlight the growing focus on balancing tourism with community well-being. Restrictions like smoking bans on beaches and alcohol limits in resorts aim to address the negative impacts of over-tourism while maintaining the country’s appeal as a destination.
Global Effects on Travelers
Travelers worldwide will need to adjust to the new requirements, which emphasize pre-travel authorizations and stricter compliance. Systems like ETIAS introduce a layer of pre-screening that may deter last-minute travel. At the same time, environmental and regulatory measures in countries like France and Spain could lead to higher travel costs and reduced flexibility.
