Published on
August 20, 2025
Slovenia has joined Denmark, Poland, Austria, and France in the UK new travel advisory for 2025, as these countries implement stricter border control measures and updated entry requirements. The latest updates for travel to the Schengen Area are all about keeping you safe while making the process quicker. Now you’ll need to show stronger documents, have your biometrics collected, and prove you have enough money for your trip. This complete reset of the travel rules is meant to make border checks faster and safer, whether you’re visiting for just a few days or settling in for a longer time.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has rolled out updated travel advisories for several Schengen Area countries. Among these countries, Slovenia now joins Denmark, Poland, Austria, and France in implementing stricter travel entry requirements, aimed at enhancing border security and regulating visa policies more efficiently. These updates come as part of a broader movement toward streamlined and secure entry protocols across Europe. Here’s everything you need to know about these changes, starting with Slovenia and moving through other major travel hubs.
Slovenia: Preparing for New Border Control Regulations
Starting with Slovenia, one of the newest Schengen destinations to be included in the UK’s advisory list, there are significant changes in entry requirements scheduled to take effect. As of 12 October 2025, Slovenia, along with other Schengen countries, will implement updated border protocols, in which travelers will need to comply with fingerprint and photo collection at various checkpoints.
Key Requirements:
Passport Validity: UK travelers are reminded that Slovenia follows the standard Schengen rules regarding passport validity. The passport should be issued within the last 10 years and should have a minimum validity of three months from the planned date of departure. If you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may be subject to stricter checks due to its issue date.Visa Regulations: UK citizens can travel to Slovenia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, family visits, and short business trips without a visa. However, any stay beyond this period will require specific entry permits, which can be obtained through the Slovenian Embassy in the UK.Entry Requirements: As Slovenia introduces the European Entry/Exit System (EES), travelers will need to provide biometric data and answer questions at the border. It’s essential to ensure all documents are up-to-date and meet the necessary criteria to avoid entry delays or fines.Denmark: Enhanced Entry and Border Checks
Next on the list is Denmark, which is also experiencing some of the most significant changes in border control. Denmark has introduced more robust checks at major land borders, including those with Germany and Sweden, and is preparing for the broader European system starting in October 2025.
Key Requirements:
Passport Validity: Travelers to Denmark should ensure their passport is issued less than 10 years before the date of arrival. The validity should extend for at least three months after the departure date from Denmark. Passports older than 10 years might be rejected at the border.Visa-Free Travel: UK citizens can travel to Denmark for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This is applicable for tourism, business, or attending short-term events. Ensure that your passport is stamped upon entry and exit to avoid complications with overstaying the 90-day limit.Border Controls: New checks at Denmark’s land borders will be in place until December 2025. Additionally, travelers may need to show evidence of accommodation bookings and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.Poland: Stricter Dual Nationality Regulations and Border Entry Protocols
Poland, a country already familiar to many UK travelers, has updated its border regulations, particularly concerning British-Polish dual nationals. These travelers will now be required to enter and exit Poland using Polish passports or national identity cards rather than their British documents.
Key Requirements:
Passport Validity: Poland follows Schengen rules, so ensure your passport is valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the country. If your passport is nearing expiry, renew it well in advance.Visa Regulations: UK citizens can stay in Poland visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Similar to Slovenia, any stay beyond this requires a residence permit or specific visa arrangements, which should be checked with the Polish Embassy.Dual Nationals: If you’re a dual British-Polish national, ensure you use your Polish passport for both entry and exit from Poland to avoid any complications at the border.Border Entry: Poland has introduced stricter entry checks, especially for travelers arriving by train or bus, so be prepared to show evidence of your itinerary and accommodation, as well as proof of sufficient funds.Austria: Proof of Accommodation and Additional Border Checks
Austria is another Schengen country with new travel regulations set to come into effect in 2025. Travelers to Austria can expect more rigorous checks and increased border controls, particularly at its borders with Germany and Hungary. The Austrian government has emphasized the importance of documentation and evidence of travel plans when entering.
Key Requirements:
Passport Validity: Ensure that your passport is less than 10 years old at the time of arrival. Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from Austria.Visa Regulations: Like the other Schengen countries, UK citizens can travel to Austria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, travelers must obtain a visa if they plan to stay longer. If you’re planning to work or study in Austria, the visa requirements change.Proof of Accommodation: Austrian border control will require you to show proof of your accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel booking or rental agreement. You will also need to provide proof of travel insurance and a return or onward ticket.Financial Proof: Travelers may be asked to show proof that they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in Austria.France: Additional Border Checks and Visa-Free Stays
France, one of the most popular destinations for British travelers, is also tightening entry requirements starting in 2025. Border checks will become more rigorous, and travelers are advised to ensure they meet all requirements to avoid delays.
Key Requirements:
Passport Validity: UK citizens traveling to France must ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their departure date. This applies to both regular and emergency passports.Visa-Free Travel: As part of the Schengen Area, UK travelers can visit France without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. After 90 days, you must leave the Schengen Area for at least 90 days before returning. Ensure your passport is stamped upon entry and exit to avoid overstaying.Border Entry Requirements: At French border control, travelers may need to show proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds for their stay. For travelers arriving by air, the airline may check these documents before boarding.Travel Insurance: Proof of travel insurance is also required for entry, covering medical emergencies, repatriation, and other travel-related contingencies.Key Takeaways for Travelers
With Slovenia, Denmark, Poland, Austria, and France updating their entry requirements for 2025, UK citizens are urged to take note of the new regulations. From biometric data collection at borders to additional proof of accommodation and financial means, the changes are designed to strengthen security while streamlining travel within the Schengen area.
Preparation Is Key: Travelers should ensure their passports meet the necessary validity requirements, apply for the correct visa if staying beyond the 90-day limit, and be ready to provide evidence of travel plans, including accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds.
New Border Systems: The European Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin in 2025, which may slightly lengthen wait times at borders due to fingerprinting and photography requirements. It is crucial to account for this extra time when planning travel.
Slovenia, along with Denmark, Poland, Austria, and France, is now included in the UK’s updated travel advisory for 2025 due to new border control measures and stricter entry requirements being introduced across Europe. These changes aim to enhance security and ensure smoother travel within the Schengen Area.
Ny adhering to these updated requirements, travelers will ensure smoother entry into these Schengen countries and avoid potential fines or travel bans. Always check with local embassies for any further updates or changes to the entry criteria before traveling.
