Thinking of booking a break in 2025? Before you get excited picturing yourself poolside, take a sec to see if any new travel rules could catch you out.
From beach bans in Spain to airport security changes, here's what's new - and what you'll want to know before you go.
What new travel rules can we expect for 2025?
We get it - as soon as your trip's booked, your mind's already in holiday mode.
But before you start packing, it's worth getting familiar with a few new (and upcoming) rules that could affect your plans.
Changes to liquids rule
It's true - rules around liquids at the airport security are changing. That means the days of cramming everything into one plastic bag could soon be over.
Some UK airports have already started relaxing the restrictions, although the 100ml per item rule still applies for now. These airports include:
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- Gatwick
- Leeds Bradford
- Luton
- Newcastle
- Southend
- Teesside
Top tip: European airports are making similar updates, but not all have rolled them out yet. If you're flying from one of these airports, or coming back through one, check in advance whether the old plastic bag rule still applies. It's worth chucking a plastic bag (20cm x 20cm) in your suitcase for the way home just in case.
2 new schemes for Brits travelling to most EU countries
2 connected systems are coming soon and if you're heading to most EU countries, they'll apply to you.
They haven't launched yet, but here's what's on the horizon:
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES). This is an automated system that'll log non-EU travellers (like UK citizens) as they enter and exit the Schengen area. It's currently due to launch in October 2025.
- European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Like an ESTA for the States, this is a travel authorisation you'll need before visiting most EU countries. ETIAS is expected to roll out from late 2026.
Want some more info on what to expect? We've broken it all down in our guide to the ETIAS.
Spanish laws to be aware of
Before heading anywhere this summer, it's worth checking whether local laws differ from what you're used to. It could save you a fine - or at the very least, an awkward run-in with local authorities.
Always check foreign travel advice at GOV.UK before you travel.
Here's some quick links for popular travel destinations from the UK:
Spain has introduced a handful of local laws aimed at curbing antisocial behaviour in tourist hotspots - and they're still very much in force.
So, if you're planning to soak up some Spanish sun this summer - brush up on them before you go:
New info needed from Brits
If you're checking into a hotel, private rental, campsite or even picking up a hire car in Spain, expect to share a bit more info than usual.
Businesses are now legally required to collect personal details from everyone in your group aged 14 or over. Once they've done that, they'll pass it to the Spanish Ministry of Interior within 24 hours of you checking-in.
You'll need to provide:
- Gender
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Your home address
- Landline/mobile phone numbers
- Passport number
- Payment details
- Your relationship to anyone in the travel group under 14
Alcohol clampdown in Balearic Islands
There's a ban on the sale of alcohol between 9:30pm and 8am in certain areas of Ibiza and Mallorca. That includes:
- San Antoni (Ibiza)
- Llucmajor, Palma and Calvia (Mallorca)
Party boats can't come within a mile of these spots either - and you can't be picked up or dropped off by one, full stop.
Licenced taxis
Getting an unlicenced taxi might seem like a quick fix, but it could cost you. If you're not using a registered cab for airport transfers or getting around, you could be fined up to €600 (just over £500)1.
Drinking or smoking on the beach
If you plan on opening a beer or lighting a cigarette on the beach in Spain, be sure to check the local laws in advance. If you drink alcohol on the beach in Benidorm on the Costa Blanca, for example, you could be fined up to €750 (£641). This goes up to €2,000 (£1711) for smoking on the beach. 2
Nightswimming rule in Benidorm
Also - in Benidorm, swimming between midnight and 7am is banned to prevent accidents. If you're caught, you could face a fine of between €750 (£641) and €1,200 (£1,026)2.You risk the same fine for sleeping or camping on the beach. Even if you have camping travel insurance, this policy could become void if you're found to be breaking the rules.
Wherever you go, be aware of tourist tax
Tourist taxes are small fees added to your stay - usually charged per person, per night. They're often paid directly to your hotel or accommodation and help fund local services like public transport or city maintenance.
Rates vary from place to place. Some locations, like Venice and parts of France and Greece, have updated theirs recently - or introduced new ones altogether. We've got the full breakdown in our tourist tax guide.
Want a better idea of costs?
Tourist taxes differ from place to place. Use our checker to see how much you might owe, based on where you're heading.
Check now
Will any of these rules affect travel insurance?
Possibly - and it's why it's worth giving your travel insurance docs a once-over before you go.
Some rules (like local fines or entry bans) probably won't be covered by your travel policy. So if you're caught breaking local laws, you'll likely have to cover the cost yourself - even if you've got insurance.
It also won't cover you if you're travelling against travel advice, so check what's recommended for your destination.
But that doesn't mean it's not useful. Your policy can still help with things like:
- Lost or stolen belongings
- Medical care
- Trip cancellations or delays
Compare travel insurance
One last thing - check your passport!
Just to cover all bases, it's worth taking a sec to check if your passport's still valid - especially if it's been gathering dust for a while.
As of April 2025, passport renewal prices have gone up by 7%, so it's worth factoring in the extra cost if yours is nearly out of date.
Here's what you'll need to pay now:
- Adult: £94.50 for online applications, / £107 for postal applications
- Children: £61.50 for online applications / £74 for postal applications
And, to be on the safe side- it's good to know how to get emergency travel documents if your passport is lost or stolen while you're away.
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