Navigating Europe in 2025: From Air Fares to Visa Guidelines

The wonderful thing about travel is that it never stays the same, from upcoming destinations to one-off events and celebrations. But it also means that there’s always something new to be aware of when planning your next trip – with visa requirements and an Airbnb ban the latest changes to look out for when you’re next traveling to Europe. Luckily we’ve got all the details you need here to make sure your trip is stress-free. 

“Europe is unquestionably one of the most richly rewarding regions to explore, and should be high in many peoples’ travel plans for 2025. Paris has just shown the world how much beauty, history and culture there is to discover in one city alone.

You’ll also be aware that the travel landscape is forever changing, and that there are many elements to factor in when planning a trip these days – to Europe or elsewhere. We’d like to try and make this a little easier. From changes to visa requirements for travelers from the UK and USA to anticipating the fluctuations of air fares, here’s what to be aware of before you book – and all the ways we can help.” – Alex Allen, Editor, Insightful

There are a few things that travelers, and particularly non-EU citizens need to be aware of before planning their 2025 trip to Europe. Make sure you brush up on the below before you go – and if you want to take the stress out of traveling, plan your next trip with Insight Vacations. 

EU Entry/Exit System 

Mark 10th November 2024 in your diary, because that’s when the European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) will come into effect.

What does this mean?  

From November 2024, non-EU travelers must apply for a special permit to visit certain European countries. Stamped passports will become a thing of the past – instead, the EES will electronically register the time and place of entry and exit of non-EU (known as ‘third-country’) nationals and citizens of the Schengen area, and calculate the duration of their authorized stay. 

It will apply to those travelling for a short stay – a duration of up to 90 days and taken within a 180 day period –  on holidays or business trips. In most cases, the EES checks will take place in Europe – when you arrive at your destination airport or port, and when you leave at the end of your trip. 

Travelers will have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a special kiosk and then have their passport processed. The system will then check the data against EU security databases. 

If you’re a British passport holder with EU residency or Irish passport holder, then the good news is you’re exempt from EES.

How do I prepare? 

The main thing is to plan for extra time and delays at passport control during the early days of the EES scheme. Passport control officers will need to collect biometric data from passengers at border crossings like airports and ferry terminals, inevitably slowing things down.

However, delays should improve over time as travelers’ data will be held in the system. As people travel more frequently it will be quicker for officials to verify their biometric information. 

In the future you’ll also be able to save time with pre-registration from home through a mobile app which is currently being developed by the EU, but it’s not expected to be ready for the launch of the new system. 

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) 

In more news from the EU, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is coming into effect from mid-2025. ETIAS is a visa waiver that non-EU nationals will need to visit 30 participating countries in Europe. By pre-screening visitors before arrival in their destination country, the system aims to improve border security. 

What does this mean? 

Currently, visitors from around 60 visa-exempt countries can visit the EU’s Schengen area for up to 90 days in every 180-day period, without a visa. Under the ETIAS, these visa-exempt nationals will need to apply online for a visa waiver to travel to the EU for short stays.  

It’s estimated that 1.4 billion people from over 60 countries will need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver when the system launches. It will cost €7 to apply for an ETIAS authorization, though the fee will be waived if you are under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 at the time of applying. 

A valid ETIAS visa waiver lasts for three years, covering travel for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.  

Travelers who are already in Europe under another type of visa, or those with a valid passport or citizenship in a country using the ETIAS system are exempt.

How do I prepare? 

This is just one more thing to add to your travel checklist. Most importantly, to apply your passport must be valid, less than 10 years old, and have at least three months of validity left on it. Once ETIAS launches in mid-2025, you can make an application online or on the mobile app.

The ETIAS application will include a series of questions, such as personal details, passport details, employment or education, criminal convictions, and your intended travel dates. Most ETIAS applications will be processed within minutes, but could take up to 30 days if additional checks or documents are needed.  

It’s important to remember you will not be allowed to board a flight, train or other form of transport to a participating ETIAS country without a valid visa waiver, so make sure you leave enough time before your trips. 

As ETIAS is linked to your passport, you won’t need a separate document for it. A valid ETIAS visa waiver lasts for up to three years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first), so you will need to apply for a new ETIAS authorization if you get a new passport.  

Don’t get caught out by Airbnb restrictions

While not quite as urgent as news from the EU, just earlier this year in June Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni announced plans to ban short term rentals in the city, starting in November 2028. The plan aims to return the 10,000 apartments currently listed as short-term rentals on Airbnb and other platforms into the housing market.  

This hasn’t happened in isolation – Berlin imposed the same ban back in 2014, only bringing back short-term rentals in 2018 with very tight restrictions. Owner-occupiers are only allowed a 90-day maximum rental period each year, preventing real estate from being bought up, rented out full-time, and never lived in. Vienna follows the same restrictions, while Paris has a 120-day rental limit, and Amsterdam has a 30-day limit without a permit. Portugal has stopped issuing new licences for Airbnbs (aside from in rural areas), as has Florence in the historic city center.

DISCOVER MORE ON

European Discovery TOUR

View Tour

The aim of these bans is to reinvigorate these areas, particularly cities, with local culture, preventing local people from being priced out – after all, that’s what made these destinations so popular in the first place.

Alternatively, when you can stay in 4- and 5-star hotels on an Insight Vacations tour (and not even have to worry about booking them yourself), it’s easier than you might think to take the stress out of accommodation – and give back to local communities with our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences.

Tips for flying to Europe in 2025

It looks as though the post-pandemic spike in air fares is finally coming to a plateau, but finding the best value flights to Europe is still a priority. Flying mid-week (particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is often cheaper, as is traveling in off-peak seasons (which depends on your destination), though fall or spring are often shoulder seasons for many destinations – in fact, October appears to be the cheapest time to fly to Europe. 

It goes without saying that peak times like Christmas or summer are always going to be the most expensive, so take that into account when planning your travel dates. No matter when your travel dates are, one this is certain: booking flights as far in advance as possible is the way to go – some airlines release tickets up to 11 months in advance.

The more flexible you are, the better deals you’ll be able to find, whether that’s being open to changing your travel dates depending on the deals you can find, or even opening yourself up to new destinations (or even just different airports in the same destination). If something looks too good to be true, don’t forget to factor in sneaky extras like baggage fees, seat selection costs, and other charges.

Utilizing airline loyalty programs

Don’t underestimate the power of airline loyalty programs if you’re after free flights – whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, you can accrue points with the same airline and eventually redeem them for a free or discounted ticket. Even if you’re only flying with a domestic airline, chances are they have connections and code shares with long-haul carriers that could even get you to Europe for free.

Jubilee 2025 in Italy

Whether it’ll make or break your plans to go to Italy in 2025, it’s definitely worth having the Jubilee 2025 on your radar. The Jubilee 2025 is a special holy year in Rome and the Vatican City, and across Italy, starting at Christmas 2024 and ending at Epiphany 2026. A Jubilee year is a time for celebration, pilgrimage, reflection and renewal.

Only occurring every quarter century, this is a very special event that will see millions of pilgrims will flock to Rome. It’s either a reason to avoid if you’re wanting a more chilled out trip to Rome, or a must-see if you want to get involved in this incredible spiritual celebration. To learn more, discover our 11 insightful facts about Jubilee 2025.

Traveling to Europe in 2025? The only thing better than being prepared is going guided. Book your trip with Insight Vacations and let us take the stress out of your trip – you’ll meet Local Experts, stay in 4- and 5-star hotels, enjoy premium dining, and come home with countless unique experiences.