As 2025 approaches, several changes will affect international and domestic travel, particularly related to entry requirements and tourist taxes.
To get you up to speed and ensure your journey into 2025 goes smoothly, we’ve made some of the biggest changes below.
Here’s what you can expect as we enter the new year.
Real ID is coming
Under new laws effective May 7, 2025, domestic travelers passing through airports in the US will be required to carry real ID. The law was initially supposed to come into force in 2008 but the deadline has been extended several times over the years.
Once it is officially launched, you must ensure that you have a valid real ID Local governments will have a lot of wiggle room before they fully implement the requirements. You can tell if your current driver’s license or ID is Real ID-compatible by looking for a star in the upper left or right corner.
The symbol may have some variations, and you can see some examples below.
you can use This tool to find out if you are compatible; You can find more information about your eligibility and how to get a new ID if needed in this guide.
Expect more biometric and touchless screening when Americans join the party
This technology uses facial recognition software to confirm your identity, check you in, and print out your bag tags. That way, you can get through security without showing a boarding pass or pulling identification.
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Both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines already use biometric screening at select airports — TSA PreCheck allows members to use facial recognition to pass through TSA PreCheck security, along with biometric bag drop technology to expedite baggage screening. American Airlines will also join the party, rolling out biometric screening in the coming months.
The technology is expected to greatly streamline screening processes ahead of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hence, we fully expect its usage to increase during 2025 in preparation.
Americans will have to pay to visit the UK from January
From January 8, 2025, the UK will roll out its new An electronic travel authorization system for visitors from visa-exempt countries including the US, Canada and Australia.
Travelers must apply online, provide personal and passport details and pay a fee of 10 pounds ($13). An ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first – and will allow a stay of up to six months per visit.
You can apply through the official UK ETA application ( iOS And Android) Or Government website. The process usually takes three working days.
Visa-free entry to China for Americans
China is set to expand its current visa-free policies, which will allow Americans to visit certain areas for up to 10 days without the need for a visa. The new rules will apply to visitors from 54 countries, including the US and Canada. Under the previous rules, you could only visit visa-free for 72 hours.
To avail the policy, you have to prove that you are leaving China within 10 days of arrival and you can only visit 24 different provinces. You can see the complete list of provinces here
Americans will need to pay an ETIAS fee to visit Europe
The European Travel Information and Authorization System is expected to be launched around May 2025. Under the new system, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the UK and the US, must obtain an ETIAS authorization before visiting countries in the Schengen area.
As with the UK’s ETA system, the application requires personal information and passport details. Travelers between the ages of 18 and 70 must also pay a 7 euro (about $7.25) fee. Once approved, the authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires. 
Before ETIAS is launched, the EU will also introduce its new entry/exit system, which will replace passport stamps with biometric checks including fingerprints and facial images.
The system aims to enhance border security and streamline entry. It was initially scheduled to launch in late 2024 before being postponed. A new date has yet to be announced, but is expected to be in early 2025.
Travelers should expect potential delays during the initial rollout and plan accordingly. For more information, check out our ETIAS Guidelines.
US hotels must now disclose all fees in advance
In December 2024, the Federal Trade Commission finalized a cross-industry rule requiring hotels to disclose all fees in advertised prices.
It is hoped that full transparency should be implemented in the rule “Junk fees,” such as resort fees and other hidden costs for short-term stays. In addition to hotels, this rule will also apply to vacation rentals and ticketed live events.
You can learn more about the judgment here.
Italy prohibits self-check-in for vacation rentals
Tourists visiting Italy who are staying in short-term rental accommodation – such as Airbnb or VRBO spots – will no longer be able to check in independently using a key box. Instead, they will need to meet their hosts to provide the keys and check them in.
The new measures mean travelers will need to plan their trips around pickups; That can make it more difficult to get to some properties later in the evening or early in the morning.
Spain’s new “big brother” data law could cause headaches for travelers
As of December 2, 2024, Spain has a new law requiring travelers to share an increased amount of personal information. The new rules will require visitors to supply more than 40 pieces of personal information with hotels and 60 pieces of personal information for car rentals.
The details will include information such as banking details, home addresses and relationships between those traveling in the party.
Hotels, vacation rentals, camping sites, car rentals and tour operators on the Spanish mainland and the Canary and Balearic Islands will be required to collect all data, which will be stored for three years.
As well as adding to the arduous process of booking your stay and rental when visiting Spain, critics have also slammed the data rules as a privacy risk.
Europe’s Schengen area is getting bigger
From January 1, 2025, both Bulgaria and Romania will become full members of the Schengen area. Prior to this, the countries were only part of the Schengen area in terms of air and sea travel. Their full membership is expected to make internal border controls work more efficiently for domestic and international travelers.
Tourist tax galore
Several notable European destinations are introducing or increasing tourist taxes to manage the impact of tourism in 2025.
Portugal
Starting January 1, 2025, tourists over the age of 12 will have to pay a fee of 3 euros (about $3.10 at the current exchange rate) to hike the trail in Madeira, Portugal. Failure to do so will result in a 50 euro ($52) fine. Elsewhere in Portugal, the city of Évora plans to introduce its tourist tax as early as 2025, with fees yet to be announced.
Venice
After its successful 2024 trial, Venice will again implement its visitor tax. The city will levy the tax for 54 days – payable every Friday to Sunday and public holidays between April 18 to July 27. Day-trippers who book before visiting will be charged 5 euros ($5.20) to enter the city. The fee increases to 10 euros ($10.40) for bookings less than four days in advance.
Greece
Greece’s daily tourist tax will increase to 2 euros ($2.10) during the low season and 8 euros ($8.40) in the high season (April to October). Tourists visiting the islands of Santorini and Mykonos by cruise ship must pay a 20 euro fee (about $21) during high season. There is also talk of limiting the number of cruise passengers who can visit the island to 8,000 per day.
Spain
Spain to increase tourist tax nationwide The northern region of Asturias passed a ruling in September 2024 allowing each individual town hall to decide whether or not to apply a tourist tax. So far, popular tourist towns like Cudilero, Cangas de Onís and Valdes seem ready to announce the new tax. We expect the fee to be implemented before the summer.
Elsewhere, Spain’s Galicia region will implement a tourist tax of between 1 and 2.50 euros ($1 to $2.60) starting January 1, 2025. Fees will vary depending on the type of accommodation; It will be payable for a maximum of five days only and will be waived from the sixth day.
Tenerife will implement an additional tourist tax for visitors to natural areas such as national parks and other places of interest. Fees will be payable from January 2025 onwards.
Alicante, on the other hand, plans to target visitors with additional entrance fees to its many castles and municipal museums. Seville will similarly issue an entrance fee for its iconic Plaza de España, although the price has yet to be announced.
The bottom line
These are just some of the changes that are set to take effect in 2025. As always, whenever you travel, check the rules and regulations of the country you’re visiting and make sure you’re up to date. Travel policies.
Many of these changes, such as the tourist tax, will only affect you after you arrive at your destination; However, even if you are not aware of them, some can block your trip right before it starts. Make sure to do your homework well before heading to the airport.
Safe travels!
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