EU visa and passport changes
The EU visa schemes were supposed to be introduced in 2022, then in 2023, then in November 2024, but now finally it looks like it will happen in 2025.
They had repeatedly been delayed because of a lack of infrastructure and fears of border chaos, but now the EES is expected to be introduced in the first half of the year and then ETIAS six months later.
EES is the new Entry & Exit System, which is a more sophisticated version form of passport scanning, with the passenger's fingerprints and facial scans required. The first time that a passenger travels, they will need to complete the EES 'pre-registration' at the airport, ferry port of station of departure.
These checks will apply only when crossing an EU outside border, not for travel within the EU/EEA itself. They do not apply to anyone travelling on an EU/EEA passport, or anyone with residency in an EU/EEA country, like a TIE in Spain.
ETIAS mainly affects non-EU nationals travelling to an EU country on holiday. It does not apply to anyone travelling on an EU/EEA passport, or anyone who has a visa or residency permit for an EU/EEA country.
It is a visa waiver, which must be applied for online in advance. Once granted, it is valid for three years - it costs €7 but is free for over 70s and under 18s. It is very similar to the ESTA visa waiver required to visit the USA.
READ MORE: How to prepare for travel under Europe's new EES and ETIAS rules
UK Travel
The UK's plans to introduce its own visa waiver scheme have already begun and are due to be rolled out to everyone in 2025.
It will be very similar to the EU's ETIAS and the USA's ESTA schemes. It will be a £10 visa waiver that must be applied for online beforehand and will last for two years. It is already required for travellers from some countries, but in 2025 the rollout is due to be completed.
It will be required for all non-EU nationals entering the UK (except those with a UK passport) from January 8th. Then from April 2nd it will also be required for all EU nationals, except anyone travelling on a Irish passport.
By the time the rollout is complete, an ETA will be required for anyone entering the UK, for any reason, unless they are travelling on a UK or Irish passport. Dual nationals should know that you are treated according to the passport you are using for travel - so if you are a Spanish-British dual national, but are using your Spanish passport, you will need an ETA.
Read the full details HERE.
New flights
The new year brings with it a host of new flight routes to and from Spain from dozens of different airlines.
Budget airlines will introduce more routes between Spain and Southend in the UK, while there will also be two new routes to the US with United and Delta Airlines.
Iberojet will begin flights between the Spanish capital and India and there will also be new routes introduced to the Dominican Republic and Argentina.
Read the full article here for more details and dates.
READ MORE: The new flight routes to and from Spain in 2025
Driving
Spain’s DGT traffic authority is planning on toughening the rules for overtaking when there are adverse driving conditions on motorways and dual carriageways.
It's likely to come into force in 2025 aims to put a stop to those who zig-zag between lanes and overtake when driving conditions are particularly not suited to this.
In other driving news, Madrid city council has done a last minute U-turn and will now not fine cars driving without emissions stickers in 2025. It means that thousands of residents who drive certain types of polluting cars will not be sanctioned for driving in the capital next year.
READ ALSO: Rules for overtaking on motorways in Spain set to change in 2025
Train travel
Spain's discounted transport scheme launched in 2022 to help people deal with the rise in inflation after the pandemic and was due to expire on December 31st, but it is now set to be extended for another six months.
Initially the government said that free regional train travel and transport reductions would only continue for certain people such as young people, those with low income and commuters, but now the current conditions will continue until June 2025.
This means that Cercanías, Rodalies and Media Distancia trains will continue be free – provided a total of 16 journeys are made within three months like before.
The 50 percent discounts on Avant trains for frequent users will also still be in force. Services between Murcia and Alicante, and Avant between Ourense and A Coruña, will be completely free in 2025, as will journeys between Madrid and Salamanca.
READ ALSO: Spain to end free public transport scheme (except for some people)
In other rail news, Renfe has introduced its Spain Rail Pass which will allow international travellers to explore Spain more flexibly, and economically by train. The Spain Rail Pass is personal and non-transferable and will be valid for six months from the date of purchase.
It will include high-speed services and regional trains. A Standard Seat pass is priced from €215 for four journeys to €450 for 10 journeys, while Comfort Seat pass costs from €295 to €615 for four and 10 journeys, respectively. Children aged between 4-13 years can benefit from reduced fares starting at €145 for four journeys, while children under four travel free if they do not take up a seat.
Tourist taxes
Regions and cities across Spain are preparing to introduce a raft of new tourist taxes and charges in 2025 to help combat over tourism, as well as increase funds for tourist services and conservation.
So far, it has been revealed that charges will go up in Asturias, Galicia, Tenerife, Alicante and Seville.
Popular towns in Asturias are planning on introducing tourist taxes from the summer of 2025, while Galicia has also authorised tourist taxes for those that stay in the region. Each municipality will decide whether they want to charge it or not.
Tenerife will start charging extra tourist taxes to those visiting natural areas such as Teide National Park from January 1st 2025 and Alicante will increase entrance fees for museums and other attractions. Seville is also planning on charging fees to access the famed Plaza de España.
Find out more details and information on prices here.
READ MORE: The new taxes and charges for tourists visiting Spain in 2025
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