Home » EUROPE » EU Announces Sweeping New Travel Rules From October Impacting Spain, France, Italy, Greece And Portugal With Extra Costs And Border Delays
Published on
August 16, 2025
Starting October, UK passport holders travelling to the EU, including popular destinations like Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal, will face stricter entry regulations. The new rules require proof of travel insurance, return tickets, accommodation, and sufficient funds. Additionally, biometric data will be collected at border points. These changes are part of the EU’s effort to modernise border controls and increase security, while also introducing additional costs for UK travellers.
EU travel regulations, UK passport, border control, Spain France Italy Greece Portugal, travel insurance requirements
If you want to avoid delays and complications at the border, additional fees will now be required for UK passport holders travelling to the EU. New rules set to come into effect are designed to tighten border controls, improve security, and ensure that visitors meet entry requirements before arriving. These changes will affect travel to major EU destinations including Spain, Italy, Greece, France, and Portugal, and are expected to alter the way British travellers plan their trips across Europe.
UK passport holders will now be required to provide proof of several essential travel arrangements before they can enter any EU country. The updated regulations mandate evidence of valid travel insurance, a confirmed return ticket, and sufficient funds to cover the entire duration of the stay. Additionally, travellers will need to demonstrate that they have prearranged accommodation. These measures are designed to prevent travellers from arriving unprepared, reduce strain on border authorities, and ensure that visitors comply with local laws and regulations during their time in the EU.
In the past, border officials would generally ask these questions only if they had specific concerns about a traveller. However, the introduction of the new Entry-Exit System (EES) means that these checks are expected to become routine, and almost all UK visitors to the EU may now face them. Automated border kiosks will carry out the majority of these checks, making the process more standardised. Certain travellers, however, may be selected for additional questioning by border officials if their documentation or responses raise concerns. This shift is part of a broader strategy to digitise and streamline border management across the EU.
The EES is a key part of this digital transformation, introducing modern technology to record and manage the entry and exit of non-EU visitors, including UK nationals. One of the major requirements of the system is the collection of biometric data, including facial recognition images and fingerprints. These biometric records will be securely stored for three years or until the passport used for travel expires, whichever occurs first. By digitising and centralising this data, EU authorities aim to increase security, reduce border waiting times, and prevent illegal stays within member states.
While the new system will initially roll out gradually, it is set to be fully operational by April 2026. Starting from October 12, partial implementation will begin, giving travellers and border staff time to adjust to the updated procedures. Once fully implemented, the system will include a mandatory visa waiver for UK citizens, meaning travellers will need to pay for a digital entry document before entering the EU. This additional cost, while modest, represents a significant change in how UK residents will budget and plan for European trips.
These updates underscore the importance of preparation for all travellers from the UK. Failure to comply with the new requirements could result in delays at the border, denial of entry, or additional questioning, which may disrupt travel plans. Tourists and business travellers alike are encouraged to arrange travel insurance, secure accommodation, ensure sufficient funds, and familiarise themselves with the new digital entry process before departure.
Travel experts also highlight that the new system may change travel habits, as UK visitors may prefer to organise trips well in advance to avoid last-minute complications. Those who ignore the requirements or underestimate the time needed to meet them could face longer waits at border checkpoints. While the EES is intended to make borders safer and more efficient, it represents a clear shift towards stricter entry management and more comprehensive traveller vetting.
UK passport holders travelling to EU countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece, France, and Portugal should prepare for longer border checks and additional costs linked to the new Entry-Exit System. By understanding the rules, arranging necessary documentation, and budgeting for the visa waiver, travellers can ensure smoother crossings and avoid delays, allowing them to focus on enjoying their European journeys.
