Greece Joins Italy, Hungary, France, Luxembourg, and Germany As UK Issues Travel Advisory for Schengen Entry Updates

Published on August 5, 2025

Greece has joined Italy, Hungary, France, Luxembourg, and Germany in the UK’s updated travel advisory due to significant changes in Schengen entry requirements, which will come into effect on October 12, 2025. These changes are important for British travelers because they impact the validity of the passport, stay without visa limits, and the higher scrutiny of documents beyond the passport control in these countries. The new requirements make entry to the Schengen Area less complicated, but travelers have to be ready to meet travel requirements in full.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an updated travel advisory for British citizens, highlighting significant changes to the entry requirements for several Schengen Area countries, including Greece, Italy, Hungary, France, Luxembourg, and Germany. These new entry rules, effective from October 12, 2025, aim to standardize passport validity and visa procedures for all Schengen countries. Travelers must be aware of these updated guidelines to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel. This article breaks down the specific requirements for each country.

Greece: Key Updates for Schengen Entry

Passport Validity Requirements:

• Date of Issue: For entry into Greece, your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years. If your passport was renewed before October 1, 2018, it may be invalid for travel, as it could have been issued more than 10 years ago.
• Expiry Date: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Greece. The Schengen Area requires this additional validity to cover any unexpected delays.

Visa Requirements:

• 90-Day Visa-Free Limit: British citizens can travel to Greece without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes short-term tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or partaking in cultural activities.
• Exceeding the Limit: If you exceed this 90-day limit, you risk being banned from the Schengen Area for up to 3 years, a serious penalty for non-compliance.
• Special Notes for Workers: If you plan to work in Greece or stay longer than the allowed 90 days, applying for the appropriate work visa is essential.

Italy: New Travel Advisory and Schengen Entry Rules

Passport Validity Requirements:

• Date of Issue: Like Greece, your passport must have been issued within 10 years of your planned arrival in Italy. Ensure your passport is up-to-date and meets the validity requirement.
• Expiry Date: Your passport must remain valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from Italy, in compliance with Schengen entry standards.

Visa Requirements:

• 90-Day Stay: As part of the Schengen area, British nationals can stay in Italy for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. This rule applies to tourism, business trips, and short-term studies.
• Longer Stays: If you wish to stay in Italy beyond the 90-day visa-free period, a work or study visa will be required. The application process may vary depending on the type of visa you need.

Hungary: Impact of Schengen Entry Changes

Passport Validity Requirements:

• Date of Issue: Your passport must be issued within 10 years of your planned arrival in Hungary. Be aware that if your passport was renewed before October 1, 2018, it may not meet the updated validity criteria.
• Expiry Date: Ensure that your passport has at least 3 months of validity left after your intended departure from Hungary to avoid entry issues.

Visa Requirements:

• 90-Day Limit: British citizens can stay in Hungary for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. The stay must be within the Schengen Zone to count toward the 90-day limit.
• Working or Studying: To work or study in Hungary for more than 90 days, British citizens must apply for the appropriate work or residence visa.

France: Stricter Entry Regulations for Schengen Travelers

Passport Validity Requirements:

• Issue Date: Ensure that your passport was issued no more than 10 years before your arrival in France. For renewals prior to October 1, 2018, check the issue date carefully to avoid complications.
• Expiry Date: Your passport must remain valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from France.

Visa Requirements:

• 90-Day Visa-Free Travel: British nationals can travel to France for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without needing a visa. This applies to tourism, short-term studies, and family visits.
• Overstay Consequences: Exceeding the 90-day limit could lead to a ban on future entry into France and other Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
• Health and Safety: Given the ongoing wildfire risks, travelers should monitor local conditions and ensure they have adequate travel insurance to cover unexpected delays.

Luxembourg: Updated Schengen Requirements for British Citizens

Passport Validity Requirements:

• Date of Issue: Your passport must be issued no more than 10 years before your arrival in Luxembourg. If your passport is older, it may not meet entry requirements.
• Expiry Date: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from Luxembourg.

Visa Requirements:

• 90-Day Stay: British nationals can stay in Luxembourg for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This applies to tourism, business, and short-term educational purposes.
• Extended Stays: Those who plan to stay longer than 90 days must apply for a residence permit or work visa through the Luxembourg embassy.

Additional Documentation:

• Travelers may be required to show evidence of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation, proof of sufficient funds, or a return ticket upon entry into Luxembourg.

Germany: Schengen Entry Changes and FCDO Travel Advisory

Passport Validity Requirements:

• Issue Date: Your passport must have been issued within 10 years of your entry into Germany. Those who renewed their passports before October 1, 2018, should ensure their passport meets the updated validity rules.
• Expiry Date: The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure from Germany.

Visa Requirements:

• 90-Day Visa-Free Stay: British citizens can stay in Germany for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. This rule applies to short trips for business, tourism, or family visits.
• Work and Study: If you wish to stay in Germany beyond the 90 days or plan to work, you will need to apply for a visa before departure.

Border Control:

• Make sure to have your passport stamped upon entry and exit. If missing a stamp, provide evidence of entry or exit, such as flight tickets or boarding passes.

With the updated FCDO travel advisory and new Schengen area entry requirements for Greece, Italy, Hungary, France, Luxembourg, and Germany, British citizens must take extra precautions to ensure they meet all passport validity and visa requirements before traveling. These changes, effective from October 12, 2025, aim to streamline entry and reduce complications for travelers but also pose risks for those who do not comply. It’s crucial for travelers to ensure their passports are valid, renew them if necessary, and understand the visa-free limits and documentation requirements for each country.

Greece has joined Italy, Hungary, France, Luxembourg, and Germany in the UK’s updated travel advisory due to new Schengen entry requirements effective from October 12, 2025. These changes impact passport validity, visa-free stays, and travel documentation, requiring British travelers to ensure compliance to avoid disruptions.

If you’re thinking about taking long business trips, getting the right travel visa or work permit is crucial. Keep in mind that exceeding the 90-day visa exemption window may incur harsh penalties, such as losing the right to enter Schengen countries. Use this travel guide to navigate your way to these popular European destinations without much hassle.