As you are planning trips in 2025 and beyond, you will need to know about changes coming to air travel and border crossings both domestically and abroad. Some of the changes, however, are not heavily advertised but you are still expected to know. New travel authorization requirements can affect your travel options.
Scheduled to have started in January, travelers to the United Kingdom (U.K.) from non-European nations, including the United States and Canada, will need to take an extra step as its new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system rolls out. The U.K. will use a new Electronic Authorization system for visitors from countries that do not need a visa to visit.
As of January 8, 2025, the U.K. will require U.S. passport holders to secure an ETA if visiting or transiting through the U.K., even if you are not going through U.K. border control before connecting to another flight or experiencing any type of a layover.
Whether just passing through a U.K. airport or planning a stay of six months or less for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences or study abroad, visitors are required to complete an online form. Applicants should fill in their information on the U.K. government website (www.gov.uk) and put ETA in the search bar. The application requires a photograph, travel details and personal details including valid passport information. An ETA cost approximately 12 to 13 U.S. dollars, allows for multiple journeys and terminates after two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.
While most applications are approved within the same day, the process can take up to 72 hours, so be advised to submit the application well in advance of your departure to avoid problems. Once granted, ETAs are digitally linked to your passport and allow for stays of up to six months at a time.
Similar to the U.K. ETA plan, the European Union is launching a Travel Authorization System in 2025, entitled the European Travel Information and Authorization System, called ETIAS. Expected to launch in May, travelers from many visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will need to apply for an ETIAS before entering most European countries, essentially requiring them to register online and receive early approval prior to their trip to enhance border security.
Travelers ages 18 to 70 will have to pay a $7.25 U.S. fee. Authorization will be valid for three years or until you passport expires. This is especially important if you are visiting several countries during your trip.
A long-awaited requirement for American travelers will finally be “REAL.” In early May, you will need a compliant REAL ID to board a domestic flight. It will also be necessary if you are visiting certain federal facilities. Starting May 7, Americans flying with their driver’s license will only be able to do so if they are REAL ID approved. If your driver’s license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is already Real-ID compliant. After many articles about the REAL ID, it looks like it is finally going to take effect in May.
Please keep in mind that these changing rules are all new government requirements for different countries and as we all have come to know, are subject to delays. Be sure to contact your local travel professional to answer questions about what requirements you will need for your next fantastic dream trip.
