10 big changes coming to travel for 2025

Real ID is coming

Under new laws going into effect May 7, 2025, domestic travelers passing through airports in the U.S. will be required to carry a Real ID. The law was initially intended to come into effect in 2008 but has seen several deadline extensions over the years.

Expect more biometric and touchless screening as American joins the party

More and more airports will roll out biometric screening or touchless ID in 2025. The technology aims to make breezing through airports and security more efficient and faster, which is only a good thing. The technology is not new: The Transportation Security Administration has been using it in different ways since 2019, and it has already been implemented at various airports across the country. However, its use is expected to grow.

Americans must pay to visit the UK starting in January

From Jan. 8, 2025, the U.K. will roll out its new Electronic Travel Authorization system for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Travelers must apply online, provide personal and passport details and pay a fee of 10 pounds ($13). The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first — and it will allow stays of up to six months per visit.

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 needing a visa. The new rules will apply to visitors from 54 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. Under the previous rules, you could only visit visa-free for up to 72 hours.

Americans will need to pay ETIAS fee to visit Europe

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is expected to launch sometime around May 2025. Under the new system, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.K. and the U.S., must obtain an ETIAS authorization before visiting Schengen Area countries.

US hotels must now disclose all fees upfront

In December 2024, the Federal Trade Commission finalized a cross-industry rule that will require hotels to disclose all fees in advertised prices.

The rule should hopefully force full transparency on "junk fees," such as resort fees and other hidden costs for short-term lodging. In addition to hotels, the rule will also apply to vacation rentals and ticketed live events.

Italy bans self-check-in for vacation rentals

Tourists visiting Italy who are staying in short-term rental accommodation — such as an Airbnb or Vrbo spot — will no longer be able to check in independently using key boxes. Instead, their hosts will need to meet them to provide the keys and check them in.

The new measures mean that travelers will need to plan their trips around the pickups; it could make arriving at some properties later in the evening or early in the morning more difficult.

Spain's new "big brother" data law could cause travelers a headache

As of Dec. 2, 2024, Spain has a new law that requires tourists to share an increased amount of personal information. The new rules will see visitors supply more than 40 pieces of personal information with hotels and 60 pieces of personal information for car rentals.

Europe's Schengen Area is getting bigger

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Bulgaria and Romania will both become full members of the Schengen Area. Prior to this, the countries were only part of the Schengen Area with regard to air and sea travel. Their full membership is expected to make internal border controls operate much more efficiently for both domestic and international travelers.

Tourist taxes galore

Portugal

From Jan. 1, 2025, tourists older than 12 must pay a 3 euro (about $3.10 at the current exchange rate) fee to hike trails in Madeira, Portugal. Failure to do so will incur a 50 euro ($52) fine. Elsewhere in Portugal, the city of Evora has plans to introduce its tourist tax in early 2025, with the fee yet to be disclosed.

Venice

Following its successful 2024 trial, Venice will again implement its visitor tax. The city will impose the tax for 54 days — payable every Friday to Sunday and public holidays between April 18 and 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 rise to 2 euros ($2.10) during the low season and 8 euros ($8.40) in the high season (April to October). Travelers visiting the islands of Santorini and Mykonos via cruise ship must pay a 20 euro fee (around $21) during the high season. There is also talk of limiting the amount of cruise passengers able to visit the island to 8,000 per day.

Spain

Spain will roll out a range of increased tourist taxes across the country. The northern region of Asturias passed a ruling in September 2024 allowing each individual town hall to decide whether or not to implement tourist taxes. Thus far, popular tourist towns such as Cudillero, Cangas de Onis and Valdes seem set to announce new taxes. We'd expect the fees to be in place ahead of summer.