Saturday, August 2, 2025
France joins Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands as the UK issues a new travel advisory warning of passport stamp checks, highlighting the increasing importance of adhering to strict entry and exit regulations within the Schengen area. The UK government issued the advisory to fully inform British citizens of the stricter border control across Europe, particularly the new passport stamping regulations. With the UK trying to shape its post-Brexit relationship with the EU, tourists now need to ensure their passports are stamped when entering and exiting, or face being denied re-entry to Schengen states. As the EU’s Entry/Exit System takes effect in 2025, the advisory is timely to remind tourists to be cautious and well-informed of the new rules.
The UK government has issued an updated travel advisory for British citizens heading to popular European destinations, including France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. The advisory comes amidst growing concerns about tighter entry controls across the Schengen area, particularly around passport stamp requirements, and the looming implementation of a new European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) in 2025. British nationals are being urged to carefully check their travel documents and be aware of the rules surrounding their entry and exit from Schengen countries.
As the UK continues to navigate its post-Brexit relationship with the European Union, the need for meticulous planning and up-to-date travel documentation has never been more pressing. With these new changes, British passport holders are facing stricter guidelines for travel within Europe, particularly for short-term visits to countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.
The Impact of Brexit on UK-EU Travel Rules
Since the UK left the EU, the rules for travel to European countries have undergone significant changes, especially for citizens who once enjoyed freedom of movement within the Schengen zone. While British nationals can still travel to most Schengen area countries without a visa, the introduction of tighter passport controls, including mandatory passport stamps, is one of the most notable changes.
The importance of passport stamps has grown since the end of free movement, especially when it comes to tracking the length of stay for UK nationals. The UK Foreign Office has highlighted that failure to adhere to passport stamping regulations could lead to serious consequences, including being barred from re-entering Schengen countries for an extended period.
New Travel Advisory for France: What UK Travelers Need to Know
In the most recent travel advisory update, France has been included as one of the countries with additional entry checks for British citizens. French border authorities, in line with the Schengen area’s entry-exit system, will enforce passport stamping on entry and exit for short-term visitors. British travelers are specifically warned to ensure their passports are appropriately stamped upon arrival and departure.
Failure to comply with these requirements could result in difficulties when returning to France or other Schengen countries in the future. The UK Foreign Office has made it clear that visitors to France must also be prepared to show proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and sufficient funds to cover their stay. If staying with family or friends, travelers must present an invitation letter from the host, officially known as the attestation d’accueil. Without these, entry may be denied.
From 12 October 2025, all travelers entering the Schengen area, including France, will also need to participate in the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). This will require biometric data, such as fingerprints and a facial photo, to be collected at the border. UK travelers should be aware that the process may take longer, and they may be required to provide additional personal details before departure from the UK and upon arrival in France. This new system is expected to increase border wait times, so travelers are encouraged to arrive earlier than usual at airports, ports, or train stations.
Italy’s Jubilee 2025 and Passport Checks for UK Travelers
Italy, another popular travel destination for UK nationals, is set to see heightened traffic as the Jubilee Holy Year is scheduled to take place in Rome from 24 December 2024 to 6 January 2026. During this period, Rome is expected to be extremely busy, especially during major events such as the Jubilee of Youth between 28 July and 3 August 2025.
While the UK’s advisory for Italy emphasizes the need for appropriate travel insurance and proof of accommodation, passport stamp checks are also a critical element to note. British nationals will need to ensure their passports are stamped at both entry and exit points when visiting Italy. In addition, travelers to Italy must have a return or onward ticket, travel insurance, and proof that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay. If they fail to meet these requirements, entry could be denied.
As with France, the new EES system will apply in Italy starting in October 2025, requiring biometric data and additional security checks, which could add more time to border control procedures. Travelers should plan accordingly and be prepared for longer queues at airports, train stations, and other border crossing points.
Spain’s Visa-Free Travel and Schengen Zone Restrictions
Spain also joins the list of countries with updated entry requirements. As part of the Schengen area, Spain continues to allow British nationals to travel visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. However, there are a few key changes travelers need to be aware of, particularly regarding passport stamping and the 90-day rule.
UK citizens will be expected to get their passports stamped on both arrival and departure from Spain. If the passport is missing a stamp, travelers must provide evidence of their entry and exit, such as boarding passes, tickets, or accommodation receipts. This is especially crucial for those traveling to other Schengen countries as part of the same trip, as these stamps will be used to calculate the 90-day limit.
For those planning on staying longer than 90 days in Spain, such as for work, studies, or extended travel, the Spanish government has specific visa and residency permit requirements. The UK Foreign Office recommends that travelers consult with Spanish immigration authorities if they need to extend their stay beyond the visa-free limit, or if they are unsure about their visa status.
As with other Schengen countries, from October 2025, the EES will come into effect in Spain. Travelers will need to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photos, at the border. This new requirement is expected to streamline border processes but could lead to slightly longer wait times, so travelers should factor in extra time when planning their journey.
The Netherlands and Increased Border Checks for UK Travelers
The Netherlands follows the same guidelines as other Schengen countries with regard to passport validity and entry requirements. However, the Dutch government has also introduced stricter controls for UK nationals traveling to their country. In particular, the requirement for passport stamps has become more significant following the UK’s exit from the EU.
As with other Schengen countries, travelers will need to present their passport upon arrival and departure from the Netherlands, ensuring it is appropriately stamped. If traveling to multiple Schengen countries, visitors are reminded to keep track of the days spent in the region, as overstaying the 90-day visa-free limit could result in a ban from re-entry for up to three years.
As the EES system comes into effect in October 2025, travelers to the Netherlands will need to comply with additional biometric data collection at border points. These new measures aim to increase security and improve travel flow across the Schengen area but will likely add some time to the border control process.
How the EES Will Affect UK Travelers in 2025
Starting from October 12, 2025, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will be rolled out across all Schengen countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. This will require travelers to submit biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial photos, at entry and exit points. The goal of the EES is to increase security, reduce illegal immigration, and streamline travel within the Schengen area.
While this system is set to improve efficiency in the long term, travelers should prepare for longer wait times at border control, as biometric data will be collected for every passenger. UK nationals, in particular, should be aware that they will be required to provide either their fingerprint or photo when leaving the Schengen area. The UK Foreign Office has advised travelers to arrive earlier than usual at border points and to expect slight delays, especially as the system is implemented.
The UK government’s travel advisory for France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands highlights the importance of passport validity, proper stamping at entry and exit points, and ensuring all required documents are in order before travel. UK nationals planning to visit any of these countries are strongly advised to check their passport’s validity, ensure it meets Schengen requirements, and familiarize themselves with the new EES system set to begin in 2025.
In particular, the advisory emphasizes that failure to comply with passport stamping regulations could lead to serious consequences, including being banned from entering Schengen countries for an extended period. With the upcoming changes to border security and travel documentation, British nationals should take proactive steps to ensure their travel documents are in compliance.
France joins Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands as the UK issues a new travel advisory warning of passport stamp checks, following stricter entry controls within the Schengen area. British travelers are urged to ensure proper passport stamping upon arrival and departure to avoid penalties, with new biometric checks set to begin in 2025.
The advisory serves as a timely reminder that even though UK citizens can still enjoy visa-free access to Schengen countries for short stays, there are significant new entry requirements they must adhere to. By staying informed about these new rules and preparing accordingly, travelers can ensure a smoother and more efficient journey across Europe.
