Key Takeaways:
- The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is expanding to more airports, causing delays of up to 3 hours.
- Bulgaria officially adopts the euro as its currency on January 1.
- New laws in Indonesia and China, plus higher US park fees, impact travelers.
As the new year begins, a wave of policy changes is reshaping the travel landscape, with the most significant disruptions expected for those entering the European Union's Schengen Area. The phased rollout of a new biometric border system is already causing major headaches at airports.
For travelers, expats, and anyone planning a European trip, understanding these changes is crucial to avoiding missed connections and long waits.
EU's Entry/Exit System: A Bumpy Rollout
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is warning travelers to anticipate significant delays when entering the Schengen zone. The cause is the ongoing implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which digitally registers non-EU citizens by collecting biometric data like fingerprints and facial images.
The goal is to better track entries and exits, but the reality for passengers has been frustrating:
- Reported wait times have reached up to three hours.
- Technical glitches and staff shortages have led to missed flights.
- An Airport Council International report flagged France, Spain, Greece, and Italy for some of the worst delays.
The system, introduced to some airports in October 2024, is now entering a more intensive phase.
What's the Implementation Timeline?
The rollout is happening in stages to (theoretically) manage the impact:
- January 9, 2025: The system expands to capture data from 35% of incoming non-EU travelers at more airports.
- April 10, 2025: Full implementation across all air borders is scheduled.
Industry groups have called on the European Commission and member states to urgently review the process to avoid systemic disruptions. Travelers are advised to arrive at airports much earlier than usual and stay informed about the status at their specific port of entry.
Beyond Schengen: Other Key Changes for Travelers
While the EES is the headline for Europe, several other countries have enacted new rules that travelers should note.
Bulgaria Joins the Eurozone
On January 1, Bulgaria became the 21st member state to adopt the euro, replacing the Bulgarian lev. For visitors:
- A dual-currency period allows cash payments in both euros and lev until February 1.
- Bank withdrawals and change given by cashiers are in euros only.
- Prices will be displayed in both currencies for the next 12 months.
- Banks will exchange lev for euro for one year.
Indonesia's Controversial New Law
A new criminal code article banning cohabitation and sex outside of marriage (defined as between a man and a woman) takes effect on January 2. It applies to tourists, with penalties of up to one year in jail.
Important Note: Experts suggest the law is unlikely to impact most visitors, as police can only investigate based on a complaint from a spouse, parent, or child of the accused.
US National Parks Hike Fees for International Tourists
Visiting iconic US parks like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone just got more expensive for non-residents.
- Tourists aged 16+ must pay an additional $100 fee on top of standard entrance costs.
- The annual "America the Beautiful" pass for non-residents now costs $250, compared to $80 for US residents.
Furthermore, entry restrictions for nationals from 21 additional countries, including Nigeria and Syria, have been tightened.
Quick Global Round-Up
- Malaysia: Businesses must meet strict "BMW" toilet hygiene standards (Bersih, Menawan, Wangi—Clean, Attractive, Fragrant) to renew licenses. New public toilets require a 2:1 female-to-male ratio.
- China: New laws criminalize sending "obscene" material via digital platforms, which could include consensual sexting between adults. Penalties include fines or detention.
- Vietnam: New taxes are being phased in on large air conditioners (10%), sugary drinks (from 2027), and alcohol (steadily increasing to 90% by 2031).
Preparing for Smoother Travel in 2025
The overarching message for 2025 is to plan ahead and verify local laws. The Schengen EES rollout is the most pressing issue for European travel. Allow extra time at airports, monitor official travel advice, and consider travel insurance that covers missed connections.
Staying informed is the best tool any traveler has to navigate these evolving global rules.