Home » Austria Travel News » Austria Joins UK, France, Canada, Italy, Portugal, Mexico And More As Germany Issues New Travel Advisory Amid ETA Entry Rules, Passport Requirements And Border Checks: New Updates You Need To Know
Published on
September 30, 2025
Germany has issued its latest travel advisory for Austria, the UK, France, Canada, Italy, Portugal, Mexico and more because of new entry requirements, transport regulations, and driving rules that travelers must follow to avoid fines and disruptions. Traditional safety alerts are replaced by a practical travel advisory that highlights updates like electronic entry authorizations, motorway toll systems, more stringent traffic laws, and seasonal restrictions. These developments highlight how crucial it is to be informed and prepared before departing for the millions of German and European tourists who are planning trips in late 2025.
Germany has issued a new comprehensive travel advisory covering multiple destinations, including Austria, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Italy, Portugal, Mexico, Greece, and more. The advisory underscores the importance of preparation, awareness of changing regulations, and compliance with local requirements for safe and hassle-free travel.
Unlike past warnings that emphasized mainly security or health issues, this update focuses heavily on entry requirements, driving regulations, transport disruptions, and local legal frameworks. For millions of travelers expected to head abroad in late 2025, these details could mean the difference between a smooth trip and unexpected complications.
Austria: Border Controls, Motorway Renovations, and Vignette Enforcement
Austria remains one of Germany’s closest and most frequently visited neighbors. However, travelers should expect a series of changes affecting both border crossings and road use.
- Border Controls: Although Austria is part of the Schengen Area, temporary controls remain in place at the German-Austrian border. Travelers by car, bus, and train should anticipate spot checks and possible delays.
- External Borders: Austria also conducts regular checks at its borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Delays are possible, particularly during peak holiday traffic.
- Motorway Restrictions: The Brenner Motorway (A13), a crucial Alpine route, has been restricted to one lane in each direction since January 2025 due to a long-term renovation project. Travelers should plan for bottlenecks and consult the ASFiNAG website for updates.
- Toll Stickers (Vignettes):
- Required for cars, motorcycles, and motorhomes on most motorways.
- Available as adhesive or digital options.
- Short-term digital vignettes (10 days) are valid immediately. Longer-term ones activate only after 18 days if purchased online.
- Incorrectly affixed or missing stickers lead to heavy fines.
- Winter Regulations: Between November 1 and April 15, vehicles must be fitted with winter tires or snow chains in snowy conditions.
- Driving Rules:
- Alcohol limit: 0.5‰ for most drivers, 0.1‰ for those licensed under two years.
- High-visibility vests are mandatory for all multi-track vehicles.
- Legal Note: Covering the face in public spaces is prohibited unless for health reasons or due to weather conditions. Violations may result in €150 fines.
Canada: Entry Requirements, Domestic Rules, and Driving Guidelines
Germany’s advisory highlights both natural conditions and administrative requirements for travelers to Canada.
Key Updates:
- Entry Documents:
- A valid passport is required.
- ID cards are not accepted for entry.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):
- Mandatory for air travel.
- Fee: CAD 7 (~€5).
- Visa-Free Stay: German citizens may remain in Canada for up to six months without a visa. Longer stays or work purposes require permits.
- Driving Rules:
- Maximum speed limits are lower than in Germany (100–110 km/h on highways).
- Drivers must use dipped headlights even during daylight hours.
- Special rules include turning right on red (unless posted otherwise) and stopping fully for school buses with flashing lights.
- Alcohol limit: 0.8‰ for most drivers, but 0.0‰ for novice drivers and those under 22.
- Cannabis use while driving is prohibited.
- Provincial Variations: Laws may differ by province or territory. Always check local rules before driving.
- Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit card usage is very high, but cash is still needed in rural areas.
Seasonal Considerations:
- Due to extreme heat and dry weather in 2025, forest access is restricted in several provinces. For example:
- Nova Scotia has banned hiking, camping, and vehicle use in forests until October 15, 2025.
- Authorities enforce fines of up to CAD 25,000 for violations.
France: Strikes, Toll Systems, and Smoking Ban Expansion
France remains under significant regulatory changes that affect both tourists and commuters.
Travel Requirements and Rules:
- Toll Fraud Alert: Travelers report fraudulent text and email messages requesting toll payments. Only official motorway providers can issue payment notices.
- Free-Flow Tolling:
- Introduced on several motorways such as the A13, A14, and A79.
- Vehicles are recorded via license plate cameras.
- Drivers without pre-registered devices must pay online within 72 hours.
- Smoking Ban Expansion (effective July 2025):
- Smoking is banned in public parks, gardens, beaches, bus stops, and near schools or sports facilities.
- Violations may result in fines up to €135.
- Security Presence: France remains at the highest national alert level. Military patrols, baggage checks, and restrictions at public venues are common.
- Strikes and Transport Disruptions:
- SNCF trains, Paris RATP services, and even airports are subject to sudden strike action.
- Travelers should verify real-time updates through official apps and websites.
Overseas Territories:
- New Caledonia: Though stabilized, further demonstrations are expected around Citizenship Day (September 24, 2025).
- Alcohol bans in public remain in effect until late September.
Mexico: Entry Rules, Road Safety, and Tourist Advice
Mexico’s advisory reflects a mix of administrative requirements and practical recommendations.
Entry and Stay Rules:
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least six months upon entry.
- Visa-Free Stay: Up to 180 days for tourism, transit, or business.
- Air Travelers:
- Biometric passport holders may use automated e-gates in airports such as Cancún and Mexico City.
- Tourist cards (FMM) are no longer needed for most air arrivals.
- Land Entry: Still requires a paid FMM tourist card, which must be printed and carried during the stay.
- Work and Volunteering: Not permitted without a proper visa. Even unpaid internships may be considered employment.
Travel and Driving Tips:
- On the Road:
- Prefer toll highways (“Cuota”) for safety.
- Avoid driving at night.
- Keep doors locked and windows closed.
- Documents:
- Carry copies of IDs and keep electronic backups.
- Report lost or stolen passports immediately to both local police and the German Embassy.
- Payments:
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls for added safety.
- Avoid handing over credit cards out of sight.
Portugal: Fire Safety, Tourist Hotspots, and Entry Documents
Portugal’s advisory stresses natural disaster readiness and urban precautions.
Fire Risks and Restrictions:
- Severe Fires: High temperatures and drought conditions have caused widespread wildfires.
- Local Restrictions:
- Bans on lighting campfires, fireworks, and even certain electrical equipment in forests.
- Fire departments issue alerts that must be strictly followed.
Crime and Safety:
- Pickpocketing: Especially high in Lisbon and Porto tourist districts.
- Common Risk Zones:
- Praça do Comércio, Rua Augusta, Alfama, Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon.
- Ribeira district and old town in Porto.
- Holiday Rentals: Burglaries in tourist apartments have increased.
Travel Documents:
- Passport or ID is sufficient.
- For flights via the UK, a passport is mandatory due to Brexit changes.
- Children’s passports remain valid until expiry but are no longer newly issued.
Italy: Holy Year Events, Driving Laws, and Strikes
Italy’s advisory combines cultural, safety, and legal updates.
- Jubilee 2025 (Holy Year): Over 30 million pilgrims are expected in Rome. Travelers should expect crowded conditions and plan accordingly.
- Petty Scams: Includes staged accidents, pickpockets on trains, and bag snatching by motorbike riders.
- Driving Regulations:
- Alcohol limit: 0.5‰ (0.0‰ for drivers under 21 or licensed under 3 years).
- Many highways and tunnels require toll payments.
- Congestion charges apply in cities such as Milan and Bologna.
- ZTL zones (restricted traffic) in city centers carry strict penalties for violations.
- Transport Strikes: Rail, metro, and air strikes occur regularly.
- Wildlife Precaution: Bears are increasingly present in Trentino and South Tyrol. Travelers hiking should heed local guidance.
Greece: New Speed Limits, Port Controls, and Travel Restrictions
The Greek advisory reflects sweeping road safety reforms and port monitoring.
- Traffic Laws:
- As of September 2025, a 30 km/h limit applies in residential alleys.
- Police may confiscate license plates for certain violations.
- Vehicle Safety: Quad bikes remain popular but are prone to serious accidents.
- Camping Restrictions: No overnight stays in archaeological sites, coastal strips, or forests.
- Port Checks: Migrants attempt to stow away on trucks in Patras and Igoumenitsa. Drivers caught with stowaways may face criminal charges.
- Alcohol Limits: 0.5‰ for most drivers, 0.0‰ for novice, professional, and motorcycle drivers.
- Transport Strikes: Affect ferries, flights, and buses.
United Kingdom: ETA Requirements, Passports, and Overseas Territories
The UK has introduced major entry reforms for EU citizens, including Germans.
Entry and Visa Rules:
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
- Required for all German travelers from April 2, 2025.
- Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.
- Fee: GBP 16.
- Passport Requirement: ID cards no longer accepted (except Gibraltar).
- Electronic Visas (eVisas): Since January 2025, physical residence cards and stamps are replaced by digital permits.
Regional Notes:
- Northern Ireland: Travelers should remain aware of local unrest, especially during summer marching season.
- British Overseas Territories:
- Varying requirements for places like Bermuda, Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.
- Generally, passports must be valid for at least 6 months.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
Germany’s latest advisory emphasizes compliance and preparation:
- Always carry a valid passport.
- Apply for ETA (UK) or eTA (Canada) well in advance.
- Check transport updates for strikes (France, Italy, Greece).
- Plan for motorway tolls and vignette systems (Austria, Italy, France).
- Respect seasonal rules like winter tires (Austria), fire bans (Portugal), or camping bans (Greece).
- Keep both physical and digital copies of important travel documents.
With extensive updates across Europe and beyond, Germany’s new travel advisory reflects the growing complexity of international travel in 2025. Border checks, electronic authorizations, fire bans, and new driving regulations show how rapidly conditions can change.
Germany has issued a new travel advisory for Austria, the UK, France, Canada, Italy, Portugal, Mexico, and more due to updated entry requirements, transport regulations, and driving laws that could impact travelers. These changes aim to ensure smoother travel but require careful planning to avoid disruptions.
For travelers, this means preparation is key. Understanding each destination’s entry rules, transport infrastructure, and local restrictions can prevent delays, fines, or worse. Whether heading to Austria for a ski trip, Italy for the Holy Year, or Canada for a nature adventure, informed travelers will be best placed to enjoy their journeys smoothly.
