Summer 2025: 5 travel changes impacting tourists in Europe

From visas and passports to cooking in caravans, several travel changes are coming to Europe this summer. Here’s what holidaymakers should know before they hit the road: 

Travel changes in Europe for summer 2025

Summer is finally here! We’re all itching to jump into those cool waves of the coast of Croatia or take in the panorama from Sacré-Cœur, but getting properly prepared beforehand is integral to avoiding the worst curse of a much-awaited holiday gone wrong.

With a number of travel changes coming to air, land and sea in Europe this summer, here’s what tourists should be aware of in order to ensure a stress-free trip.

1. Digital pictures now obligatory for new German IDs

If you’re one of the many internationals in Germany who have recently become dual German citizens and are preparing to get your passport, this one applies to you.

Since May 1, administrative authorities in Germany have only been accepting digital pictures as part of applications to renew a German passport or ID card (Personalausweis). You can go to an official photography studio to have your ID photo taken, and they will forward the image to the relevant authority.

2. Austria increases vignette prices

In 1997, Austria abolished its motorway toll system in favour of a vignette system. If you are going to drive in or through Austria this summer, you will need one of these vignettes. 

In January 2025, the country increased the cost of vignettes. A car vignette valid for one day now costs 9,30 euros (previously 8,60 euros), for 10 days it costs 12,40 euros (previously 11,50 euros), and for a one-month vignette it costs 31,10 euros (previously 28,90 euros).

Drivers are recommended to buy their vignettes as far in advance as possible for their trip.

3. Increased road tolls in multiple European countries

In several European countries where motorway users pay via tolls, rather than vignettes, toll prices have increased, including in France, Italy, Spain, Czechia and Croatia. 

You can find more details of the price increases on the Auto Club Europa (ACE) website. 

4. Caravans and motorhomes must get gas check

From June 19, anyone in Germany who owns a caravan or motorhome that uses a liquefied gas system will be required to have the vehicle inspected. 

The amendment to the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) is expected to reduce caravan and motorhome accidents related to cooking, cooling, and heating.

5. Travellers to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation

Since April 2, anyone not travelling on a UK or Irish passport has had to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa to enter the UK.

The UK government estimates a processing time of three days; however, since you cannot enter the UK until your visa is processed, and waiting times may vary, it is best to submit your application as early as possible.

The ETA costs 10 pounds (11,93 euros) and is valid for two years with unlimited entries, so long as you have the same passport. You can apply for an ETA via the official app or online. Find out more on the UK government website.