Angel Castellanos, a multi-media travel expert and travel journalist, and European tour specialists The Tour Guy explain everything you need to know about traveling to Europe in 2025. If you traveled to Europe in 2024, you may have noticed you weren’t the only one. The continent set a new tourism record last year, with international visitors surpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, 742 million travelers visited Europe last year—5% more than in 2023. Europe is expected to continue to be a key destination in 2025, with transatlantic travel becoming even easier. U.S.-based airlines like United and American are expanding their routes to popular destinations, including Milan, Rome, Palermo, Madrid, and Nice. If you plan on visiting Europe this year, there are some key changes to travel you should prepare for. Angel Castellanos, a multi-media travel expert and travel journalist, and European tour specialists The Tour Guy explain everything you need to know from new airline routes to updated regulations. ETIAS visa waiver 2025 After years of delays, Europe’s Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is finally launching in summer 2025. This is not a visa but rather a visa waiver and mandatory travel authorization for citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and several other countries before entering the Schengen Zone. Airlines will deny boarding without it, and you won’t be setting foot in Europe. The cost is $7 USD, and it’s valid for three years. “Just like travel insurance, you should handle this online as soon as you book your flight or hotel to avoid any last-minute headaches,” says Castellanos. Meanwhile, the U.K. has its travel authorization system, the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is already in effect. It costs £10 ($12.90), but you don’t need one if you’re transiting through Heathrow. Rome’s 2025 Jubilee With such a surge in visitors, Rome’s top attractions—like the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, and St. Peter’s Basilica—will be in extremely high demand The 2025 Jubilee in Rome is set to be one of Europe’s most significant events, drawing an estimated 39 million pilgrims to the Eternal City. Organized by the Catholic Church, this historic event will attract visitors from around the world, making it an exceptionally busy year for tourism. With such a surge in visitors, Rome’s top attractions—like the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, and St. Peter’s Basilica—will be in extremely high demand, especially during the peak summer months. Hotels in Rome are already filling up, and last-minute travelers may find themselves scrambling for availability. “If traveling to Rome in 2025 is on your list, the best move is to lock in your dates now and book tours, tickets, and accommodations well in advance to avoid missing out,” says Castellanos. The good news? Many of Rome’s most iconic sites, including the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Ponte Sant’Angelo, have undergone significant renovations ahead of the Jubilee, looking more stunning than ever. Plus, the city has unveiled its newest pedestrian-friendly piazza, Piazza Pio, a project years in the making to enhance its walkability for this monumental event. Venice’s 2025 Daytripper Tourist Tax If you plan a day trip to Venice in 2025, get ready to pay an access fee. If you plan a day trip to Venice in 2025, get ready to pay an access fee. After years of debate, the city has reinstated the Venice entry fee, which will be in effect on select peak days from April 18 through July 27 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. While there are some exemptions, most foreign tourists visiting for the day must pay €5 ($5.40) to enter. The fee can be paid online quickly, so take care of it before arriving. Overnight hotel visitors are exempt, as the fee is designed to reduce overcrowding from day-trippers rather than long-term guests. “If Venice is on your 2025 itinerary, plan accordingly—or better yet, consider staying overnight to experience the city’s quieter, more magical moments without the daytime crowds,” says Castellanos. Paris Metro Fare Increases in 2025 The Paris Metro remains one of the easiest and most efficient ways to navigate the city. The Paris Metro remains one of the easiest and most efficient ways to navigate the city. Still, as of January 1, 2025, ticket prices have increased across the Metro, buses, and RER trains, including routes to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Here’s what to expect: A one-way Metro ticket now costs €2.50 ($2.70) A bus ticket is €2 ($2.20) A full-fare RER ticket to the Paris Region, including CDG Airport, is now €13 ($14.10) The Navigo Jour Pass (Day Pass) is a convenient and cost-effective option for those planning to use public transport frequently. Available as a physical card and in Apple Wallet for Apple Pay users, it allows travelers to purchase and tap effortlessly throughout Paris. New Train Routes for 2025 Rail travel boomed in popularity in 2024 and new train routes launching in 2025 will make it easier for travelers to reach major cities. Taking the train in Europe is often easier, more comfortable, and an eco-friendly way to get around. Eurostar announced a new route between London to Amsterdam in under 4 hours. There is also a new connection between Paris and Berlin. The old night train run by Austria’s OBB network typically takes 13 hours. Now, the new highspeed train runs daily and takes 8 hours. New Airline Routes for 2025 U.S.-based airlines are doubling down on European travel in 2025, adding new routes and increasing service to some of the continent’s most popular destinations. If you plan a trip to Europe in 2025, you’ll have more direct flight options than ever. Here’s what’s new: American Airlines is expanding service to Rome (FCO) from Philadelphia (PHL) to twice daily during peak travel season. They’re also adding new flights to Milan (MXP), Nice (NCE), and Edinburgh (EDI). United Airlines is launching brand-new routes from Newark (EWR) to Palermo, Sicily (PMO) and Bilbao, Spain (BIO) in May 2025. Also in May, United will introduce a direct flight from Washington D.C. (IAD) to Nice (NCE), making it even easier to reach the French Riviera. With increased flights and new destinations, 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for European travel—so book early to take advantage of these expanded routes. Follow me on Twitter. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades