Published on
August 27, 2025
In response to major reforms set to take effect in October 2025, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent travel alert, with Switzerland joining Luxembourg, Netherlands, Romania, and more in preparing for significant changes to Schengen entry procedures. Travellers from UK will be affected by the new regulations which include biometric data capturing alongside new passport and visa requirements through the summer and winter of 2025. The advisory emphasizes the need for UK citizens to have their travel documents compliant with the new regulations due to prospective border delay risks, illustrating the need to adapt to the significant shifts in border control.
In a major development for international travel, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent travel advisory for Switzerland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Romania, and more in preparing for new Schengen area regulations. These changes, expected to take effect from October 2025, will significantly impact UK citizens travelling to these countries. With summer and winter 2025 travel approaching, UK citizens are advised to pay careful attention to the new entry and exit requirements, passport regulations, and potential border control delays.
The new rules will bring about key shifts in how travellers cross Schengen borders, including biometric data collection, enhanced passport checks, and stricter visa policies for short-term stays. This advisory aims to help UK travellers stay informed and ensure they are prepared for the upcoming changes. Let’s explore what these changes mean for each country and what UK travellers need to know before heading to Switzerland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Romania in 2025.
Switzerland
Switzerland, known for its picturesque landscapes, bustling cities, and significant role in international diplomacy, is one of the countries most affected by the new Schengen regulations. The Swiss authorities have set forth updated entry rules that will impact UK travellers heading there in the summer and winter of 2025. With the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 taking place from 2 to 27 July, Switzerland is preparing for an influx of visitors, and UK citizens will need to ensure their travel documents are in order to avoid any issues at the border.
Entry and Visa Requirements
As part of the Schengen Area, Switzerland will adhere to the following updated passport validity requirements for UK citizens:
Passport validity: Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years before your arrival in Switzerland. If your passport was renewed before 1 October 2018, it may have been issued more than 10 years ago, and you may need to renew it.Expiry date: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. This rule applies regardless of when your passport was issued.
Additionally, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, whether they are visiting for tourism, business, or cultural events. However, for stays longer than 90 days, UK citizens will need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit.
New Schengen Entry System
From 12 October 2025, the Schengen Area will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires biometric data (fingerprints and photo) from UK travellers entering and exiting Switzerland. This new system is expected to streamline border control procedures but may also result in slightly longer wait times at the border.
UK travellers should be prepared for additional border checks as the EES is implemented, including answering questions about their travel, the purpose of their visit, and providing biometric data at border points such as the Port of Dover or St Pancras International before leaving the UK.
Travel Insurance and Other Considerations
It is highly recommended that UK travellers obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers their entire trip, including unforeseen travel delays, medical emergencies, and potential issues related to the new entry system.
UK citizens should also consider their options for accessible travel, particularly if they require assistance for disabilities or have other specific needs. Switzerland has dedicated information regarding the use of UK-issued Blue Badges for disabled travellers, which may be helpful for those planning to visit with mobility impairments.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg, a small yet strategically important country in Europe, will also be impacted by the Schengen Area changes. As with Switzerland, Luxembourg is set to enforce new travel and entry regulations from October 2025 that will require UK citizens to adapt their travel plans accordingly.
Entry and Visa Requirements
UK travellers heading to Luxembourg for short-term visits, whether for tourism, business, or cultural events, will benefit from visa-free access for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it’s crucial that your passport meets the following requirements:
Date of issue: Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival.Expiry date: It must remain valid for at least 3 months after the day you intend to leave Luxembourg.
As Luxembourg is part of the Schengen Area, any stays exceeding 90 days will require a visa or a residence permit.
Enhanced Border Control Measures
Starting from 12 October 2025, UK citizens will need to comply with the EES system when entering Luxembourg, which will involve biometric screening (fingerprints and photo) and answering border control questions. While these measures are designed to improve security, they could lead to longer waiting times at the border.
Additionally, travellers may be required to provide proof of accommodation, travel insurance, return tickets, and sufficient financial resources to support their stay. These documents are particularly important as Luxembourg tightens entry checks under the new system.
Additional Travel Considerations
As part of the broader Schengen Area reforms, UK citizens should be aware that border checks may occur on land, river, or air routes between Luxembourg and other Schengen countries. It is also recommended that travellers carry their passport at all times while in Luxembourg, as border and identification checks may be enforced during internal travel within the Schengen Area.
Romania
Romania, situated at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe, is another country that will be affected by the changes to Schengen entry requirements. UK travellers planning to visit Romania in summer or winter 2025 should be aware of the new Schengen entry/exit system and the passport validity requirements that will take effect.
Entry and Visa Requirements
As a Schengen Area member, Romania follows the same basic entry rules for UK citizens:
Passport validity: UK passports must be issued less than 10 years before the date of arrival in Romania, and must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of departure from the Schengen Area.Visa requirements: UK travellers can enter Romania without a visa for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Longer stays will require a visa or work permit.Schengen Area Changes
Romania, like Luxembourg and Switzerland, will begin implementing the EES on 12 October 2025. This system will require UK travellers to provide biometric data (such as fingerprints and photos) when entering or leaving the Schengen Area. While this new protocol is designed to enhance border security, it may result in longer wait times at the border.
UK citizens will need to ensure their passports are stamped upon arrival and departure. If a stamp is missing, they will need to provide evidence of entry or exit, such as boarding passes or tickets.
Travel Insurance and Extra Documents
In addition to complying with passport and visa requirements, UK travellers are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance to cover potential medical emergencies, delays, or other unexpected issues. Moreover, Romania may request additional documents like proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and evidence of sufficient financial resources.
Netherlands
The Netherlands, famous for its vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage, is also making significant changes to its entry and exit requirements, particularly for UK citizens. As part of the Schengen Area, the country will begin implementing the EES system in October 2025.
Entry and Visa Requirements
The Netherlands follows the same entry rules as the other Schengen Area countries:
Passport validity: Ensure that your passport was issued less than 10 years ago and remains valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date from the Schengen Area.Visa requirements: UK citizens can enter the Netherlands for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without needing a visa. However, those planning to stay longer must apply for a residence permit or work visa.Changes to Border Control and Passport Procedures
From 12 October 2025, UK citizens will need to comply with the EES system when entering the Netherlands, including providing biometric data and answering questions from border control officers. This system will be fully implemented at all border points, including those at airports, train stations, and land borders.
Important Travel Considerations
Travellers should be aware that they may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as proof of accommodation, return or onward travel tickets, and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.
The UK has issued an urgent travel advisory for Switzerland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Romania, and others in preparing for new Schengen entry rules starting October 2025. These changes, including biometric data collection and stricter passport requirements, will impact UK travellers throughout the summer and winter seasons.
As Switzerland, Luxembourg, Romania, and the Netherlands prepare to implement the new Schengen Area entry and exit system, UK travellers are urged to stay informed and ensure they comply with the updated passport and visa requirements. With the summer and winter 2025 travel seasons fast approaching, taking the necessary steps to ensure proper documentation, travel insurance, and awareness of the EES system will help prevent delays and ensure a smooth travel experience.
