The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued new travel guidance for Switzerland, which will become the epicenter of global tourism this July when it hosts the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Championship from July 2–27, 2025. With matches taking place across cities including Zurich, Basel, Bern, and Geneva, UK fans are expected to arrive in large numbers.
Swiss authorities have strengthened entry requirements. UK travelers can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa, but passports must:
- Be issued within the last 10 years.
- Be valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area.
In addition, border officials may ask for proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial resources (around CHF 100 per day). Travelers should also expect congestion in airports and public transport hubs during tournament days.
Italy: Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage Surge
Rome will welcome millions of visitors for Jubilee 2025 (Holy Year), running from December 24, 2024, until January 6, 2026. The Vatican will open its Holy Doors, attracting pilgrims from around the globe.
The UK government is warning travelers of crowded streets, packed hotels, and transport delays in Rome and Vatican City during this period. Travelers must follow Schengen entry rules and ensure passports are valid.
Additionally, UK nationals carrying medications regulated under international law must secure the proper medical documentation. The FCDO strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance, covering health emergencies and potential trip disruptions.
Netherlands: New Entry/Exit System from October 2025
The Netherlands, often a first stop for UK visitors, is preparing to launch the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025. This digital system will record travelers’ biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) and track visa-free stays.
For UK tourists, this means:
- Expect longer border processing times, especially at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
- Ensure passports are stamped upon both entry and exit. Missing stamps could cause problems with the 90-day Schengen limit.
The FCDO advises budgeting extra time at airports and land borders as travelers adjust to the new system.
Portugal: Wildfire Risk During Peak Travel
Portugal remains a top summer destination for British holidaymakers, but the government is highlighting wildfire risks during the dry season (April–October).
Regions most affected include:
- Madeira and the Azores – often impacted by seasonal fires.
- Central and southern Portugal – where rural wildfires can quickly spread towards populated coastal areas.
UK travelers should:
- Monitor Portuguese Civil Protection Authority alerts.
- Avoid traveling to fire-affected areas.
- Carry travel insurance that covers natural disasters.
Despite wildfire concerns, destinations like Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve beaches remain open and continue to attract millions of tourists.
Greece: Wildfire Warnings & Emergency Alerts
Greece, one of the UK’s most visited destinations, has issued summer wildfire warnings. Islands such as Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu are at higher risk between April and October.
The UK Foreign Office advises travelers to:
- Register for 112 emergency alerts in Greece.
- Follow local evacuation orders without delay.
- Avoid using barbecues or open flames in rural and forested areas.
While wildfires remain a concern, Greece’s tourism hotspots—Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos—continue to welcome visitors. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant while enjoying Greece’s beaches, islands, and cultural sites.
Hungary: Blue Badge Guidance for Disabled Travelers
Hungary has issued new information regarding UK-issued Blue Badges for disabled drivers. UK travelers can use their permits, but must ensure they meet Hungarian requirements.
As with other Schengen states, UK nationals can stay visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day period. However, the FCDO emphasizes the importance of comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, accidents, and theft.
Hungary is also preparing for the EU’s EES rollout, meaning travelers should anticipate longer checks at border crossings by late 2025.
What UK Travelers Should Do
The UK Foreign Office stresses three key points for smooth travel:
- Check passport validity – issued within the last 10 years and valid for 3 months beyond departure.
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance – covering medical costs, cancellations, and natural disasters.
- Stay updated – via the UK FCDO travel advice website and local government sources (e.g., Swiss transport updates, Portuguese wildfire alerts, Greek Civil Protection Authority).
Final Outlook: Safe But Busy Travel Season
As Schengen rules tighten and major events like Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland and Jubilee 2025 in Italy draw crowds, UK travelers must prepare for busier airports, longer border checks, and potential safety risks from natural events.
Despite these challenges, Europe remains one of the most popular and safest destinations for British tourists. By planning ahead, securing proper documentation, and staying alert, UK nationals can continue enjoying unforgettable travel experiences across Switzerland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Greece, and Hungary in 2025.
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