What Travelers Need to Know!
Stay updated on the latest travel requirements for 2025’s most-visited countries—plus, why having travel insurance is more important than ever before.
1. France and Schengen Area: New Entry/Exit Biometric Screening
Beginning October 12, 2025, France and all Schengen countries will implement the new Entry/Exit System (EES). All non-EU visitors—including those from the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and other top tourist markets—must provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) at border crossings. This system automates passport scans and replaces manual passport stamping, enabling tighter tracking of short stays (90 days within 180 days).
Travel Insurance Requirements
There is a longstanding mandatory travel insurance requirement for Schengen visa applicants—minimum coverage of €30,000, including coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation. Proof of insurance may be required at visa submission or border entry. Many travelers without a visa still opt for insurance due to high medical costs and strict border screenings.
2. Spain and Italy: Tourist Taxes and EES
Spain and Italy, two of the world's most popular destinations, are also adopting the EU's EES system in October 2025, requiring biometric screening for all non-EU nationals. Delays at initially busy airports are expected, so travelers should allow extra time for arrivals. Both countries have also increased or expanded tourist taxes in 2025 to better manage tourism’s footprint and invest in sustainability projects.
Travel Insurance Reminder: The Schengen insurance requirement and best practices for coverage fully apply to tourists in Spain, Italy, and the wider region.
3. United Kingdom: Mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Starting January 8, 2025, the U.K. (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) now requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visitors from visa-exempt countries—including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and EU residents. An approved ETA is digitally linked to your passport and valid for two years or until your passport expires. Applications are completed online or via a mobile app and generally cost £10 (~$13 USD).
If transiting: ETA is also required for airport transit in the U.K.
4. United States: Expanded Travel Ban for Specific Countries
In June 2025, the U.S.A. implemented a travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, mainly in Africa and the Middle East, with partial restrictions for seven additional countries. This does not impact travelers from top inbound nations (e.g., Canada, UK, Japan) but is a major policy shift for affected nationalities with far-reaching impact for connecting flights and visa issuance.
5. Brazil: Reinstates Tourist Visas for U.S., Canada, and Australia
Effective April 10, 2025, Brazil reinstates the tourist visa requirement for travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Australia, ending six years of visa-free entry. Visitors must apply for an eVisa before departure through Brazil’s official platform and allow ~5 days for processing. The change comes as part of a reciprocal visa policy and will affect millions of annual travelers to Brazil’s famous attractions.
6. Israel: New ETA-IL System
From January 1, 2025, Israel requires travelers from visa-exempt countries to secure an ETA-IL before arrival. This is an online application similar to the EU’s ETIAS or UK’s ETA.
7. Thailand and Kenya: Universal eVisa and Digital Arrival Cards
Thailand introduced a Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) in May 2025; visitors must complete this process online before clearing immigration. Kenya now uses a universal e-visa system for all non-African travelers, streamlining and centralizing the process for entry.
Why Travel Insurance Is Critical in 2025 and Beyond
As governments worldwide adopt stricter border controls, biometric ID systems, and reintroduce visa requirements, having the right travel insurance coverage is more essential than ever. Insurance is not only a legal requirement for many countries, but also offers peace of mind—covering medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost luggage, and more.
Don’t leave your travels to chance! Make sure you're prepared for any journey by choosing robust international travel insurance.