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Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The major changes coming to the way Aussies travel to Europe in 2025 - what you need to know
Aussies planning a European vacation this year can expect to see a series of changes into the way they travel. New requirements such as fingerprinting and photographing upon arrival, as well as a new entry fee, are some of the new measures being rolled out across many European countries. Daily Mail Australia has put together a simple guide to help travellers stay informed and avoid any surprises before their next getaway. European Entry and Exit System A brand new European Entry and Exit System (EES) is set to be introduced in October this year. The EES will impact all non-European nationals, such as Australians, who are travelling in the Schengen Zone. The Schengen Zone is made up of 29 European countries that have removed internal border rules, which allows for visa-free travel between one another. It includes all 25 European Union member states, and four other countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The EES is a digital border, which requires all non-EU travelers to be fingerprinted and photographed before they can enter the country. The biometric data will be used if travellers return within three years. An exact start date for the EES is not yet confirmed. Schengen Area Entry Rules Australians can travel visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, attending cultural or sports events, transit, official visits, medical treatment, short-term studies, or research. To enter, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area. Aussies should be sure to get their passport stamped upon arrival in their first Schengen country. An unclear or missing stamp could result in fines or detention. In some countries, you may also need to register your stay within three days of arrival. For detailed entry and exit requirements for each Schengen country, check the Smart Traveller website Information on temporary border controls is available on the European Commission website. Note that non-Schengen countries have separate entry rules. You can find up-to-date information by contacting the relevant embassy, high commission, or consulate. When to get a Visa Anyone planning a stay longer than 90 days in the Schengen Zone will need a visa. Travellers will need to apply from outside the country, through the embassy, high commission, or consulate of the country where they'll spend the most time, or the first country they will enter from if the stay length is the same. Visa rules apply to Australian passport holders. Dual nationals should check entry requirements for their other nationality. Find foreign embassies and consulates in Australia on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website. Changes coming in 2026 Starting in 2026, all visitors to Europe, including Australians, will need to apply for authorisation through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before entering. The ETIAS will cost the equivalent of $12 and will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Before entry is granted, travellers will undergo a security screening when visiting any participating European country.
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Travel + Leisure
26-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This 8-day Cruise Takes You to Some of Europe's Most Festive Christmas Markets—and You Can Buy Tickets Now
While the holidays might seem far away, it's never too early to plan a yuletide escape—yes, even before the start of summer. This holiday season, Abercrombie & Kent invites travelers on a luxurious journey through the heart of Europe with its "Christmas Markets on the Rhine" cruise. For eight festive days, passengers sail along the scenic Rhine River, stopping in storybook towns aglow with twinkling lights and the holiday spirit. From charming market stalls to historic squares decked with seasonal splendor, this itinerary offers a convenient way to experience Europe's most beloved Christmas traditions. Beginning in Strasbourg, France, known as the "Capital of Christmas," guests can wander through one of Europe's oldest and most popular Christmas markets, set against a backdrop of timber-framed houses. A highlight of Strasbourg is a visit to the Cave des Hospices, the city's oldest wine cellar, where guests can sample local vintages and learn about the region's winemaking heritage. From Strasbourg, the cruise makes its way to Freiburg in Germany's legendary Black Forest. Here, market stalls brim with handcrafted ornaments, traditional nutcrackers, and the irresistible aromas of bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and steaming cups of spiced glühwein (mulled wine). The route also winds through several quaint villages in the Alsace wine region. In Heidelberg, Germany, guests are transported to a fairytale holiday setting, nestled beneath the romantic ruins of the town's historic castle. Notable activities include an exclusive cocktail reception and a gourmet chef's table dinner, with plenty of time to visit the festive holiday markets that line the city's cobbled streets. In Rüdesheim, travelers can explore the famed Drosselgasse, a picturesque street lined with charming shops, and take a guided walking tour of the medieval town of Koblenz. In the evening, the Captain's Gala dinner provides a celebratory event on board with fine cuisine and Rhine River views. Next, the itinerary leads to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. A visit to the Beethoven-Haus Museum offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of the legendary composer. The cruise concludes in Cologne, home to one of Germany's most awe-inspiring cathedrals and some of its most beloved Christmas markets. After exploring the Cologne Cathedral, guests can meander through festive stalls and try lebkuchen —the spiced gingerbread holiday favorite. This exciting eight-day trip, starting from $7,995 per person, runs from Dec. 1 to Dec. 8 and includes a one-night hotel stay before and after the cruise. Guests will sail aboard the luxurious and modern Amadeus Star , enjoying hotel-style comforts, gourmet cuisine, and private small-group excursions led by an experienced resident tour director. For more information, visit
