Entry requirements for travellers going to and moving around Europe are changing fast. When planning my next European trip I can find myself searching around for the latest information. In this post, you will find practical European travel tips. It will be regularly updated. Links contain important information for your travel in Europe.
Requirements for European Travel
Passports
For travel in Europe in 2024, your passport must have at least 3 months remaining on it; the UK government advises 6 months. Additionally, make sure the issue date is not more than ten years before your travel dates, as some nations, like Spain, may deny you entry.
Some countries expect you to always carry your passport, in others a driving license will suffice as ID. Make sure you do your research before you go!
You must always have GHIC medical card on you for travel in Europe. Replacing the EHIC it is required for emergency medical treatment. It is valid within the EU. Remember the GHIC is not a substitute for your travel insurance. Find out about GHIC here
EES (Entry and Exit System)
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is now live and has officially begun its phased rollout on 12 October 2025, with full implementation across participating countries expected by 10 April 2026. The new digital Entry/Exit System requires all non-EU passport holders, including those with British passports, to register their biometric details, which include fingerprints and photographs at border control. For subsequent visits, a faster verification of their data is performed against this stored record.
ETIAS – electronic travel authorization for Europe
ETIAS travel authorisation is scheduled to come into force after the introduction of EES and is now expected to be in late 2026. It will apply to travellers from the UK. The ETIAS application process can be found here. The cost is 20 Euros and it will be valid for 3 years. ETIAS holders will need to provide their proof of confirmation and present it at the Schengen border.
European driving requirements
ULEZ zones in Europe.
Many European countries are introducing/expanding European low-emission zones during, so if you are driving to your destination or hiring a car, be sure to find out what you need before you go. Many of them require you to apply before you arrive. Leave time for confirmation of registration or for the sticker to be sent to your home address. This includes cities in countries such as France, Germany and Spain. I would suggest checking this website, as a starting point to find out any requirements.
Motorways when you travel in Europe
Expect to pay a toll or purchase a vignette for travel on many of the motorways in Europe. Most vignettes are available at the border, or in petrol stations before you get there. For some countries it is also possible to purchase them online. This website is useful for checking what is required. .
Requirements compulsory for driving in Europe.
You must have your driving license, passport, V5C certificate, insurance documents, and European breakdown for driving in Europe.
Winter Driving in Europe
In several countries in Europe, it is compulsory to have winter tyres and/or snow chains during the winter months. Check before you travel in Europe to avoid hefty fines or getting stuck! More details can be found on the RAC website.
Equipment to Drive in Europe
Reflective Jackets (One for each passenger and these must be stored inside the actual car and not the boot).
Warning Triangle (these are compulsory in most countries – check carefully, as in some countries you need two).
Headlight Beam Deflectors.
UK Car Sticker.
First Aid Kit (compulsory in Austria, France and Germany, please check for others).
Fire Extinguisher (compulsory in some countries, please check your destination).
Replacement Bulbs (compulsory in France and Spain, check for other destinations).
Carry spare glasses if you require them for driving. This is compulsory in some countries.
European Tourist Taxes – keep an eye on Venice
In many countries there seems to be a trend in increasing tourist tax. This is usually paid at the accommodation where you stay. If you intend to visit Venice this year (as I do), then keep an eye out as they intend to introduce an entrance fee for day visitors, along with a system which will require people to book a visit in advance. This was meant to be introduced on 16th January 2023, but has been postponed. This system does not apply if you are staying at accommodation in Venice.
Whilst on the topic of Venice, if you are cruising to the city, check your port destination. Since ships have been banned from the Giudecca canal, some companies use Marghera port on the outskirts, but you still board and disembark from the old passenger terminal and are then transported to your ship.
Other companies now dock at Ravenna, about 1.5 hours away from Venice. It is still meant to be a beautiful place, but if you intend to visit Venice, before or after your cruise, ensure you arrange a suitable transfer.
Other Tips
Check Your Phone Data
Since the end of the Brexit transition period, mobile phone providers are no longer obliged to guarantee surcharge free roaming. Many mobile phone operators have brought back these charges and some of them can be pretty hefty. Make sure you check before your contract before you travel.
European Duty Free Shopping
UK residents are now entitled to tax free shopping when they travel in Europe. The minimum spending amount varies between countries, meaning you must be able to prove you bought your goods in the EU, with the intention to use or consume at home.
The flip side of this is that you can no longer bring back unlimited duty added products. Limits are:
42 litres of beer and
18 litres of still wine and
4 litres of spirit or 9 litres of sparkling/fortified wine. This last allowance can be split between the two options.
Check if you need to book in advance
For that attraction you are desperate to visit on your trip, then I would advise checking if you can book in advance, particularly during school holidays. On our recent Madrid trip, we found the times we wanted to book for the train to Toledo had sold out when we tried to book the day before; had we tried to buy a ticket on arrival at the station we may have struggled. Disney requires you to book for the park, as well as buying your tickets. Generally, unless book in advance online you could miss out and that isn’t worth the risk!
Travel in Europe changes continually, so check this page again as it will be updated with the latest European Travel Tips.
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