By: TTW News Desk

Norway joins France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia as the UK issues new travel restrictions due to change in border entry requirements which will come into effect on the 12th of October, 2025. This is in parallel with the additional biometric security features set to be implemented by the EU on its new border control system, the Entry/Exit System (EES). The UK is warning its travelers to be prepared for additional security finger, face, and eye recognition checks on entering these countries, which will need to implement tighter border security and reduce the risk of illegal immigration for the Schengen countries.]

As the European Union prepares to roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, the UK FCDO has issued a new travel advisory for British citizens traveling to the Schengen area. This update comes as several Schengen nations, including Norway, France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia, implement new entry protocols that will affect travelers arriving from the UK. The EES will introduce new biometric checks and further border regulations, impacting travelers’ experience at the border.

Norway: Updated Travel Rules and Entry Requirements

Norway is one of the Schengen countries where UK citizens will face new entry requirements starting October 12, 2025. As a part of the Schengen area, Norway will introduce the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). This means travelers will need to undergo biometric screening, including fingerprint and facial recognition, when entering or leaving the country. These checks will be part of the broader European effort to enhance border security and streamline immigration processes.

For British travelers, the following requirements will apply:

• Passport Validity: UK travelers must ensure their passports meet Schengen rules. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival in Norway and must remain valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure from the Schengen area.
• Visa Requirements: UK travelers can visit Norway for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for tourism, business, or short-term studies. However, the new EES could slightly increase wait times at border crossings.
• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended. Insurance should cover emergencies, such as health issues, cancellations, and trip interruptions.
• Onward Tickets and Financial Proof: Travelers may be asked to show a return or onward ticket and prove sufficient funds to cover their stay.

France: Stricter Schengen Entry and Biometric Checks

France has long been a popular destination for UK travelers, but starting on October 12, 2025, visitors will face tighter entry controls. Like other Schengen nations, France will implement the new EES system, which involves biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial photos) at border entry and exit points.

For UK passport holders traveling to France, these changes mean:

• Passport Validity: UK passports must meet the Schengen validity requirements. If your passport was issued more than 10 years ago (before October 1, 2018), ensure that it meets the criteria set by the Schengen area for entry.
• Visa-free Travel: Travelers can still enter France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business without a visa. However, overstays could result in a three-year ban from entering any Schengen country.
• Proof of Funds and Accommodation: Travelers may be asked to provide evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay and proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings.
• Travel Insurance: It is advisable to obtain comprehensive travel insurance, particularly to cover any medical emergencies or trip cancellations.

Denmark: Enhanced Border Security with EES and New Travel Guidelines

Denmark, another prominent Schengen country, will also implement the EU’s Entry/Exit System starting on October 12, 2025. For British travelers, this means additional biometric checks, including fingerprint and facial recognition scans, when entering or leaving the country.

Key travel considerations for Denmark include:

• Passport Validity: Ensure that your UK passport is not older than 10 years from the date of arrival in Denmark, and that it has at least 3 months of validity remaining after your intended departure from the Schengen area.
• Visa Requirements: As a tourist, UK travelers do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies for business, tourism, and short-term study trips.
• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for your protection during your travels. Ensure your insurance covers health emergencies and trip cancellations.
• Proof of Funds: Be prepared to show financial evidence of your ability to cover your expenses during your stay, especially if traveling to multiple countries in the Schengen area.

Estonia: New Schengen Rules for Short Stays and Longer Visits

Estonia, one of the Baltic nations in the Schengen zone, will also be rolling out the new EES system from October 12, 2025. British citizens traveling to Estonia should be aware of the following updates:

• Passport Validity: As with other Schengen countries, UK passport holders must ensure their passport was issued within the last 10 years and remains valid for at least 3 months after departure from Estonia.
• Visa-Free Travel: UK nationals can continue to travel to Estonia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for business, tourism, or short-term studies without the need for a visa.
• Additional Border Controls: With the introduction of the EES, travelers will be required to undergo biometric screening at border entry and exit points. This is a new measure aimed at improving security across the Schengen area.
• Travel Insurance: Ensure that you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and other unexpected issues during your stay in Estonia.
• Proof of Funds: Be ready to show proof that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your trip, especially if your stay includes multiple Schengen countries.

Greece: Updated Border Controls and EES Implementation

Greece, a key destination for British tourists, will implement the new EES system on October 12, 2025, affecting travelers’ entry and exit procedures. Here’s what UK travelers need to know:

• Passport Validity: Ensure that your UK passport is no older than 10 years from your arrival date in Greece and valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
• Visa-Free Travel: UK passport holders can visit Greece for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or short-term studies without requiring a visa.
• EES Impact: As part of the EES system, UK travelers will need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos) upon arrival and departure. While this is intended to enhance border security, it may result in longer waiting times at entry points.
• Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, travel insurance that covers medical expenses, cancellations, and other emergencies is highly recommended.
• Financial Requirements: Border officials may ask for proof that you have enough funds to cover your stay in Greece. Be prepared to present evidence of sufficient funds, especially for extended stays or travel to multiple Schengen countries.

Croatia: Transition to Schengen Rules and Enhanced Entry Procedures

Croatia, which recently joined the Schengen area, will implement the new EES system as part of the EU’s updated border security measures. British travelers should prepare for the following changes:

• Passport Validity: UK passport holders must ensure their passports are valid for at least 3 months after their departure from Croatia and that they were issued within the last 10 years.
• Visa Requirements: UK nationals can travel to Croatia for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
• Biometric Screening: Starting in October 2025, travelers will need to undergo biometric screening at the border. This process involves fingerprint and facial recognition, and may increase processing times.
• Travel Insurance: Although travel insurance is not mandatory, it is recommended for covering unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies or travel delays.
• Proof of Financial Support: Border guards may ask for evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Croatia. Be ready to present evidence of accommodation and financial support.

Norway, along with France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia, is now part of the UK’s updated travel advisory due to the new Schengen entry regulations coming into effect on October 12, 2025. These changes, including biometric checks and stricter border controls, are being implemented to enhance security and streamline immigration processes across the Schengen area.

Starting October 12, 2025, when the Schengen zone implements new biometric entry and exit systems, British travelers to Norway, France, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, and Croatia will face increased scrutiny at border control. These alterations represent the European Union’s attempts to improve security procedures and streamline the flow of immigration. Following the new entry protocols, having valid passports, needed documents, and appropriate travel insurance will ease your travel throughout the Schengen area. Always review the most recent travel warnings and comply with the policies of every individual country to ensure timely travel or issues throughout the journey.