Already booked your vacation? What will change for travelers in 2025

Germany - Sizzling in the sun on the beach in summer and skiing in the mountains in winter. A city trip on a "long weekend" should of course not be missed out. But what should you bear in mind in the new year? TAG24 tells you!

New entry regulations, digital passport photos: If you want to travel carefree in the new year, you should be well informed about the latest regulations.
New entry regulations, digital passport photos: If you want to travel carefree in the new year, you should be well informed about the latest regulations.  © Archiv

Nothing works here without a passport

Since January 1, 2025, Tunisia , a popular vacation destination, has required Germans to have a passport when entering the country. A simple identity card, as was previously the case, is no longer sufficient. However, there is no visa requirement.

New ticket with Deutsche Bahn

Since the start of the year, Deutsche Bahn has been offering the flexible "Sparpreis Business". The cost of the ticket: 27.99 euros.

Traveling by train can be worthwhile.
Traveling by train can be worthwhile.  © Lando Hass/dpa

Smoking can be expensive here

Since the New Year, there has been an almost complete ban on smoking outdoors in Milan (except e-cigarettes). Violators can be fined up to 240 euros.

These countries require an e-visa

Heading to London for a quick weekend? Then don't forget to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) online beforehand. This will be mandatory from April 2, 2025 when entering the UK . It costs 10 pounds (12 euros) per person and is valid for a maximum stay of 180 days within two years.

Cuba, Israel and South Korea are also making an e-visa compulsory.

Anyone planning a trip to London must now apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA).
Anyone planning a trip to London must now apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA).  © James Manning/PA Wire/dpa

No more inconvenient border controls

For those traveling to Bulgaria and Romania, the lengthy identity checks will no longer be necessary as both countries will join the border-free Schengen area in January. However, you still need to have identification documents.

Code key boxes are banned

Italy has banned the typical code key boxes on vacation apartments and houses. The reason: in future, guests should identify themselves personally to the landlord and be reported to the police within 24 hours.

Dolce Vita in Italy. Enjoying your vacation anonymously is no longer possible this year.
Dolce Vita in Italy. Enjoying your vacation anonymously is no longer possible this year.  © Bernhard Krieger/dpa-tmn

There is a risk of collapse here!

The Brenner Bridge on the busy Alpine pass in Tyrol can currently only be used on one lane - risk of collapse. Plan for long travel times, for example when traveling to Lake Garda!

Mountaineers need a reservation

An online reservation is now required for the ascent to the hopelessly overcrowded Mount Fuji in Japan. Those who choose the popular Yoshida route must also pay 13 euros. The climb is limited to 3000 climbers a day.

Pure idyll! But the impression is deceptive. Mount Fuji in Japan is so busy that you now have to book a ticket for the ascent.
Pure idyll! But the impression is deceptive. Mount Fuji in Japan is so busy that you now have to book a ticket for the ascent.  © kyodo/dpa

A day in Venice is getting more expensive

Venice has increased the entrance fee for day tourists from 5 to 10 euros in 2025.

Offices receive digital passport photo machines

From May 2025, anyone who wants to have passport photos taken for a new passport or ID card will have to submit digital photos to the Citizens' Registration Office. Digital passport photo machines will be installed in the offices for this purpose.