Published on
August 13, 2025
Italy synchronizes with Greece, Poland, France, Croatia, and Denmark in the UK’s comprehensive travel alert due to the implementation of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) across the Schengen Zone. Effective October 12, 2025, travelers entering and leaving Schengen countries will be required to submit biometric information, including fingerprints and photographs. These changes are reflected in the UK advisory which emphasizes travelers must pay closer attention to their passport validity and expect increased waiting times at border checks. The changes are intended to improve security while simplifying border management across the region, affecting millions of travelers to these countries.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has released an important update to its travel advisory, detailing new entry requirements for visitors traveling from the UK to Schengen countries. With an emphasis on ensuring compliance with the new Schengen rules set to take effect by October 2025, this advisory provides critical insights for travelers planning to visit popular European destinations. Italy, Greece, Poland, France, Croatia, and Denmark are at the forefront of these changes. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates and country-specific guidelines you need to know before traveling.
Italy, as part of the Schengen Area, follows the updated guidelines laid out for passport validity and visa-free travel.
Passport Validity:The passport must be issued within the last 10 years. If you renewed your passport before October 1, 2018, it may not comply with the rule, as it could have been issued more than 10 years ago.Your passport must have an expiry date that’s at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Italy.Ensure your travel documents meet these standards before you depart to avoid being denied entry.Visa Requirements:British citizens can visit Italy without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.This applies to travel for tourism, visiting family or friends, business, short-term studies, or training.Important Travel Reminders:Proof of accommodation: You may need to show proof of where you’ll be staying, such as a hotel booking or an invitation from a family member.Return tickets: Have a return or onward ticket, as border control may ask for it.Sufficient funds: Be prepared to prove you have enough money for your stay in Italy.New Entry Rules:As of October 2025, travelers entering Italy will need to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo) as part of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES). This will help streamline and secure the border process, although travelers can expect slightly longer waits at the border.
Greece remains one of the most popular destinations in the Schengen Area and is part of the new UK travel advisory updates.
Passport Validity:Your passport must meet the same requirements as Italy’s: issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.Visa-Free Travel:British passport holders can travel to Greece for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.The visa waiver is valid for tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, cultural or sports events, and short-term studies.Travel Documentation:Proof of accommodation: You may be required to show confirmation of where you’ll be staying.Travel insurance: Ensure that you have valid travel insurance for the duration of your stay.Return or onward tickets: Be ready to show proof of a return flight or onward travel.Proof of financial stability: Evidence that you have sufficient funds for your stay may be requested.Key Changes:Like other Schengen countries, Greece will also begin implementing the EES by October 2025, requiring travelers to provide biometric data at entry and exit points.
Poland has been a vital part of the Schengen Area and continues to follow strict entry and exit requirements that will be updated soon.
Passport Validity:Your passport must meet the Schengen rules: issued within the last 10 years, and valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from Poland.Visa-Free Stay:You can visit Poland for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without requiring a visa. This includes trips for tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, and short-term studies or training.Documentation to Have on Hand:Accommodation proof: Hotel bookings or proof of residence.Travel insurance: Be sure to have travel insurance that covers the full duration of your stay.Return or onward ticket: You’ll likely need to show proof of a return or onward journey.Financial evidence: Ensure you can demonstrate that you can support yourself during your stay.New Entry System:Starting from October 2025, Poland will adopt the EES, and biometric data will be required for entry into the Schengen Area. Be prepared for this extra step at the border, which may lead to longer processing times.
France, a global leader in tourism, will also experience significant changes in its entry requirements as part of the broader Schengen updates.
Passport Validity:Your passport must be issued within the last 10 years, and it must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave France.Visa Requirements:No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or short-term studies.Documents You Might Need:Proof of accommodation: This could be a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a friend or family member.Travel insurance: Make sure you have adequate insurance for your trip.Return ticket: You may need to show proof of your return or onward ticket.Sufficient funds: Be ready to prove you have enough money to cover your stay.EES and Biometrics:Like other Schengen countries, France will implement the EES from October 2025. This means biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be taken at entry and exit points, potentially resulting in slightly longer border checks.
As a relatively new member of the Schengen Area, Croatia has updated its entry requirements in line with other European nations.
Passport Validity:Your passport must be issued within the last 10 years, and it must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned exit from Croatia.Visa-Free Entry:As with other Schengen countries, you can stay in Croatia for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, visiting friends or family, business meetings, or short-term studies.Border Control Requirements:Accommodation proof: Whether it’s a hotel booking or proof of a second home, you’ll need to provide details of where you’ll be staying.Travel insurance: Proof of travel insurance is necessary for entry.Return or onward ticket: You must show evidence of how you plan to leave the country.Sufficient financial means: Be ready to show that you have enough funds for your stay in Croatia.EES and Biometric Data:Croatia will implement the EES from October 2025, requiring biometric data from all travelers entering or exiting the Schengen area. This means you’ll need to provide fingerprints and photographs at the border, which will add a few minutes to the border process.
Denmark, a key member of the Schengen Area, is also included in the UK’s travel advisory and is set to implement the new entry rules.
Passport Validity:As with other Schengen countries, your passport must meet the 10-year validity requirement and have at least 3 months of validity after your planned departure from Denmark.Visa-Free Travel:You can visit Denmark for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, for tourism, visiting family or friends, or for business and short-term studies.Travel Documentation:Accommodation confirmation: You might be asked for proof of where you will stay, such as hotel bookings or a host’s invitation.Travel insurance: Make sure you have valid insurance covering the full period of your stay.Return or onward ticket: Border guards may request to see proof of your return ticket or onward travel.Sufficient funds: Ensure you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Denmark.EES Implementation:Like other Schengen countries, Denmark will also adopt the EES from October 2025. Prepare to provide biometric data at entry and exit points.
As the Schengen Area continues to evolve with new entry and exit rules, it’s essential for travelers from the UK to stay informed about the updated requirements. From passport validity to biometric data collection, these changes are designed to streamline the travel process while enhancing security across European borders.
Italy joins Greece, Poland, France, Croatia, and Denmark in the UK’s comprehensive travel alert due to the introduction of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) across the Schengen Zone. This system, starting October 12, 2025, mandates biometric data collection for all travelers, enhancing border security and affecting travel procedures.
Whether you’re planning to explore Italy’s historical sites, Greece’s beautiful islands, France’s charming cities, or any of the other Schengen countries, being prepared for these entry requirements will ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Make sure to check with your travel provider and update your travel documents well in advance of your trip, and keep in mind the new Entry/Exit System that will be implemented in October 2025, adding an extra layer of security to your travels across Europe.
