New Passport Rules Set by Eight European Countries to Enhance Travel Experience

April 12, 2025 – In a collaborative effort to improve travel efficiency, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland have announced new passport regulations aimed at ensuring seamless travel across the Schengen Area and beyond. These updated rules are designed to prepare tourists for entry into these popular destinations and to reduce delays and complications at immigration checkpoints.

Updated Passport Requirements

Travelers planning to visit any of the aforementioned countries must adhere to two important passport requirements:

  1. Passport Issue Date: Your passport must have been issued within the last ten years from the date of your arrival. This means that passports issued before October 1, 2018, may be deemed invalid for entry.

  2. Passport Validity: To gain entry, your passport must have at least three months of validity remaining beyond your planned departure date. Lack of sufficient validity can result in entry refusal.

These regulations apply to 31 European countries, including all Schengen members, as part of broader measures to facilitate smoother travel experiences for all visitors.

Increased Passport Fees

In addition to the new rules, tourists should also prepare for an increase in passport fees effective April 10, 2025. Renewing a passport will now cost:

  • Adults: £94.50 for a new passport (up from the previous rate by £6).
  • Children: £61.50 for a standard online application (up by £4).

Fees for postal applications will see an even larger increase, with adult renewals rising to £107 and children's applications to £74. Those requiring expedited services will see prices increase as well, with the One Day Premium Service costing £222 for adults and £189 for children.

Applications from abroad will also face new fees. Standard online applications for adults will cost £108, while for children, it will be £70. Paper applications from overseas will now cost £120.50 for adults and £82.50 for children.

Importance of Early Planning

Given the rising fees and newly implemented requirements, officials strongly advise travelers to renew their passports well ahead of their planned trips. In 2024, 99.7% of standard passport applications were processed within three weeks, assuming no additional information was required. However, with the changes, it is crucial to ensure that your passport meets the new criteria to avoid disruptions during travel.

By adhering to these new regulations and planning ahead for passport renewals, travelers can help ensure a more efficient and enjoyable experience when visiting the Schengen Area and other European destinations.

For the latest travel updates, stay informed and well-prepared to enjoy your journey through Europe’s renowned attractions.