Your October 2025 Global Travel Update: Flights, Cruises, and Border News You Need to Know
If there’s one thing we love at The Boarding Pass Travel Blog, it’s staying ahead of the travel curve, and October has delivered some seriously exciting headlines. From new border checks across Europe to world-record flights and cruise ships that resemble floating towns, it’s been a month full of adventure, innovation, and, yes, a few delays.
Europe’s New Border Rules: Welcome to the EES Era
From 12 October 2025, the European Union’s Entry-Exit System (EES) officially went live, changing how British and other non-EU travellers enter Europe. On your next trip to Paris, Rome, or Barcelona, expect a digital fingerprint and photo scan, and perhaps a bit more queue time. Reports suggest delays of up to four hours at major borders.
The good news? Once registered, future crossings should be quicker. ETIAS, the EU’s new visa-waiver system, has been pushed to late 2026, giving us a little breathing space.
Aviation Records and High-Flying Changes
Airlines are in record-breaking mode this month. Xiamen Air has launched the world’s longest nonstop scheduled passenger route, flying from New York JFK to Fuzhou in a cool 19 hours and 20 minutes. Imagine all those films, meals, naps and Boarding Pass Travel Blog posts you can read.
Meanwhile, American Airlines has cracked down on oversized hand luggage, staff will now measure bags at the gate rather than relying on those slightly terrifying metal sizers. I've often asked myself when airlines would crack down on huge bags. Time to double-check your carry-on.
Cruising into the Future
Royal Caribbean is going big, literally. Its upcoming “Legend of the Seas” is set to become the largest cruise ship in the world, housing 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew. Complete with eco-friendly systems, waterparks, and infinity pools, it’s basically a floating city of fun. First stop: the Mediterranean.
New Hotels, New Heights
As if Dubai didn’t already boast enough world records, the Ciel Dubai Marina is about to claim the title of world’s tallest hotel when it opens in November 2025. With 1,004 rooms, eight restaurants, and a rooftop pool overlooking Palm Jumeirah. Overkill?
Sustainability Takes Centre Stage
Cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Amsterdam are tightening the reins on overtourism. Venice has introduced a €5 day-trip fee, Barcelona is cutting down short-term rentals, and Amsterdam has hiked its tourist tax, now among Europe’s highest. The message? Fewer crowds, better experiences.
We'll be talking more about travel sustainability in the weeks to come.
Rail Travel Makes a Comeback
France is reviving the romance of the rails with new overnight “train hotels.” With demand for low-carbon travel booming, the country plans to double capacity by 2030. Think comfy cabins, café cars, and waking up to sunrise views over the French countryside, now that’s a fun commute.
Around the World in Travel Headlines
Ongoing air traffic control strikes in France continue to cause flight disruptions.
Pan-African visa-free travel gains momentum across 39 countries—a major win for tourism and unity.
At the World Travel Awards, Jamaica, Seattle, and the Caribbean walked away with top honours.
Sri Lanka’s tourism sees a post-pandemic comeback as visitor numbers from Germany and the UK soar.
What It All Means
From longer airport queues to greener holidays and new travel icons, the world of travel is changing fast. Whether you’re planning a weekend in Amsterdam, a cruise across the Med, or the world’s longest flight to China, the message is clear, travel is back, bigger and bolder than ever.