If you are travelling to Italy this year, it may be a little more complicated than usual. Be sure to pack your patience and plan accordingly. This year promises to be another record-breaking year for visitors to Italy. This is Papel Jubilee year! A trip to Rome is an exhilarating experience at any time, but with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee currently hitting its stride, 2025 is gearing up to require some extra thought.
The Jubilee year is a religious holiday celebrated by Roman Catholics. Jubilee 2025 began in Rome on Christmas Eve 2024, when Pope Francis opened the Holy Door to St. Peter’s Basilica. It continues until January 6, 2026. Also known as the Holy Year, this event takes place every 25 years and this year is expected to draw more than 30 million pilgrims who will come to Rome from across the world, to walk through the Holy Doors of St Peter’s Basilica or one of the other three Paple basilicas in Rome. This is in addition to the 10 million or so tourists who normally visit Rome each year.
The city is bracing for the unusual number of tourists which will mean an expected strain on the city, its infrastructure, crowded streets and longer lines. Religious and cultural events are planned throughout the whole year, but peak times will be spring to autumn. There are so many artistic and architectural treasures, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon and Michelangelo’s frescos in the Sistine Chapel. Rome has spent billions of euros cleaning up its monuments and upgrading the city’s metro and transport networks in preparation for the event.
Whether you plan to spend time in Rome or not, other cities and towns of Italy may be more crowded than usual because of the Jubilee overflow. With people flying into Italy, flights will be in high demand, especially to Rome. Planning in advance will be the best way to ensure travelers will be able to visit their favorite sites.
This may be the year to book a tour to Italy. Tour operators will feature “skip-the-line” tickets and pre-booked tours. Dedicated destination management local offices can help you experience all the wonders of Italy. You may also consider exploring other destinations across Italy. Venice, Florence or the Amalfi Coast are favorite choices as well as Chianti, a wine lover must. And there’s Italy’s beautiful countryside. Italy has something for all who seek memorable adventures.
Now, some updates:
New 2025 requirements for domestic flights. It is finally happening. On May 7, every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID compliant ID, generally identified by a star on the front of the card, which is a state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card or another acceptable form of ID, such as an up-to-date U.S. passport, U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents. TSA will not accept driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards that are not Real ID compliant.
I know many people feel that they don’t fly at all, but we all know that life happens and there may be circumstances where due to a family crisis you may need to fly. It is not an overnight fix to get that Real ID if you need it in a hurry. Please be proactive and if you do not have a Real ID, the next time you renew your driver’s license be sure the Real ID is added to your license.
Travelers will not need authorization to visit most European Countries until 2026. ETIAS has been delayed for MOST countries. Rules are changing all the time. I suggest a quick check of any country where you are planning to ensure you are compliant with the country’s entry rules. This notice does NOT apply to the UK. You will need to have an approved ETA to enter.
If you have any questions, contact your local professional travel consultant.
