Home » Greece » Greece Travel News » Greece Joins Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, France, Netherlands, And More As UK Unveils New Travel Advisory Amid Critical Visa And Entry Requirement Shifts In 2025 : Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Published on
August 20, 2025
Greece joins Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, France, Netherlands, and more as the UK unveils a new travel advisory in 2025 due to critical changes in visa and entry requirements. Travelers from the UK set for 2025 trips across the continent will encounter numerous changes at border crossings, so an early review of forthcoming requirements is essential. Modifications to passport validity, the introduction of biometric screening, and a host of new rules under the EU’s refreshed Entry/Exit System (EES) promise to alter the entire arrival and transit process for UK passport holders. No matter the purpose behind the journey—be it leisure, a brief assignment, or short-course study—failure to verify compliance may lead to delays or, in the worst cases, denied entry. Our summary details the key steps to safeguarding a trouble-free trip, so you arrive at your destination ready to enjoy, study, or conduct business from the moment you step off the plane.
As we move into 2025, the UK FCDO has released an updated travel advisory, particularly for its citizens planning trips to Schengen countries. Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, France, and the Netherlands now stand alongside many other European nations, with their entry and visa requirements undergoing significant changes. For UK citizens traveling abroad, this new advisory means more detailed planning, careful checks on visa and passport validity, and preparedness for potential delays at border controls.
Greece: A Key European Destination with Critical Entry Requirement Shifts
Greece, a major destination for British tourists, is now a focal point in the UK’s new travel advisory, primarily due to changes in its visa and passport regulations. As a member of the Schengen area, Greece follows specific rules regarding entry, and the UK government urges travelers to stay informed about the following key updates:
- Visa-Free Travel: For UK citizens, Greece continues to offer visa-free travel for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, travelers must be cautious not to exceed this limit, as overstaying could result in penalties or a ban from the Schengen area for up to three years. Ensure you receive a stamp upon entry and exit to track your stay properly.
- Passport Validity: Greece enforces strict passport validity rules in line with Schengen area guidelines. Your passport must be issued within the last 10 years, and it should have an expiry date at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. It’s vital to check passport validity before traveling and renew it if necessary.
- Wildfire Risks: Travelers visiting Greece from April to October should be aware of the heightened wildfire risk. The summer months are notorious for wildfires, and travelers are encouraged to stay updated on local conditions and emergency alerts. Travel insurance is strongly advised to cover any unforeseen emergencies related to these disasters.
Switzerland: Preparing for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Amid Travel Updates
Switzerland, hosting the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, is another country that sees key updates in entry regulations. The UK government has highlighted several factors British travelers need to know:
- Entry Requirements for UK Citizens: As with other Schengen countries, UK citizens can visit Switzerland visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, as the Women’s Euro 2025 draws near, travelers must anticipate crowded transport networks and busy fan zones around the match venues. It’s crucial to plan your trips and check local transport schedules.
- Passport Validity: UK travelers visiting Switzerland should be aware that their passport must be issued less than 10 years before arrival and valid for at least three months after their departure. Swiss authorities enforce strict checks at border points, and failure to meet passport requirements can result in entry denial.
- Increased Border Checks for Major Events: Given the large influx of international visitors during the Women’s Euro, travelers should expect longer processing times at border control. Make sure to arrive early at borders and have all required documents ready.
Germany: Streamlined Travel, but Increased Entry Checks for Tourists
Germany, another major European destination, continues to adhere to Schengen regulations, but there are some noteworthy changes that UK citizens must be aware of:
- Visa-Free Stays: Germany remains part of the Schengen area, allowing UK travelers to visit for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, as part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to tighten border security, UK travelers should prepare for longer waits at border crossings, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Passport Validity: Travelers to Germany must ensure their passport has been issued within the last 10 years and is valid for at least three months after their departure from the Schengen area. If your passport doesn’t meet these criteria, you will be denied entry.
- Special Considerations for Work and Business Travel: Business travelers and those attending conferences or exhibitions in Germany should take note that the rules for long-term work visas differ. For stays longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a national visa or residence permit.
France: Entry Rules and Adjustments Ahead of the Holiday Season
France, with its cultural richness and popular tourist spots, has also seen adjustments in its entry requirements:
- Visa-Free Travel: Like the other Schengen countries, France allows UK travelers to visit for up to 90 days without a visa. However, UK visitors should keep track of their entry and exit dates, as overstays can lead to a three-year ban from the Schengen zone.
- New Passport Validity Rules: Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from France. Additionally, the date of issue should be within the last 10 years. Make sure you plan your passport renewal well in advance of your travel dates.
- Tourism and Events: France’s tourist destinations, including Paris, Nice, and Lyon, will experience a surge in visitors during the holiday season. As such, there may be delays in public transportation, so travelers should check local schedules and ensure they have sufficient travel insurance to cover emergencies or disruptions.
Hungary: A Historical Jewel in the Heart of Europe
Hungary remains one of the most vibrant and culturally rich destinations in Europe. The UK’s new travel advisory highlights several important updates for those planning to visit:
- Visa-Free Travel: UK citizens can continue visiting Hungary visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, it is essential to adhere to the 90-day limit to avoid penalties, especially with the Schengen system tightening border checks.
- Passport Validity: As with other Schengen countries, Hungary requires that UK travelers’ passports be issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for three months beyond their planned departure from Hungary. Travelers should double-check their passport’s expiry date before traveling.
- Enhanced Border Security: Hungary is also adjusting its border controls in line with the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will require travelers to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photos, when entering and exiting the Schengen area. This new system is set to become mandatory starting in October 2025, so travelers should be prepared for possible delays at entry points.
The Netherlands: Updated Travel Guidelines and Border Control Enhancements
The Netherlands is known for its picturesque canals, historical sites, and vibrant culture. As part of the new UK travel advisory, here’s what travelers need to know:
- Visa-Free Travel: UK citizens can continue to travel to the Netherlands without a visa for up to 90 days. However, UK visitors should ensure they do not exceed this limit to avoid potential bans from re-entering Schengen countries for up to three years.
- Passport Validity: As with the rest of the Schengen area, your passport must be issued less than 10 years before your arrival and must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Netherlands.
- Entry System Changes: With the new Entry/Exit System (EES) rolling out across Schengen countries in 2025, UK travelers should expect biometric checks when entering and exiting the Netherlands. The additional time at borders may impact travelers, so plan for longer wait times during busy periods.
The new UK travel advisory emphasizes the importance of understanding the changes to visa and entry requirements across these Schengen countries. With a focus on passport validity, Schengen entry rules, and the new biometric entry systems, travelers must ensure they are well-prepared before embarking on their journeys to Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, France, the Netherlands, and other European destinations.
Greece joins Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, France, Netherlands, and more as the UK unveils a new travel advisory in 2025 due to critical visa and entry requirement changes. These updates are driven by new Schengen regulations and the European Union’s Entry/Exit System, requiring UK travelers to adjust their travel plans accordingly.
The UK government encourages all travelers to check their passport’s validity, stay informed on changes to entry and exit rules, and be aware of the potential impact of major events like the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 and the Jubilee 2025 in Italy. By understanding the shifts in these entry requirements and preparing for longer wait times at borders, British citizens can ensure a smoother travel experience in 2025.
