2025 Travel Requirement updates (For US Citizens)
Starting this year, travel to the United Kingdom and European Union is going digital.
With the long-discussed and anticipated EES and ETIAS for the Schengen Region and ETA for the UK going in to affect this year, there are a few extra steps travelers will need to take prior to take off.
With so many changes, these requirements can seem overwhelming and confusing, but we are here to help!
2025 Updates for US Travelers
US Domestic Travel: Real ID
⭐Effective May 7, 2025
To board a domestic flight in the United States, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification like a passport, meaning your state-issued ID must be marked as REAL ID compliant to fly domestically; if it isn't, you will need to use an alternative accepted ID like a passport
What is a Real ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards. It can be used to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access other secure federal areas.
Who needs a REAL ID?
Anyone over the age of 18 who plans to use their driver's license or non-driver ID to fly within the U.S. after May 7, 2025.
Children under 18 do not need a Real ID to fly domestically in the United States. However, the adult traveling with them will need a valid form of identification
How To Get a REAL ID
Make an appointment at your local DMV
Bring the required documents to your appointment
documents proving your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of your primary residence address, and proof of lawful status - *Be sure to check your state DMV for acceptable documentation.
Have your documents scanned and stored by the DMV
Pay the required fee (The fee will vary by state)
Do I need a Real ID if I have a Passport?
No.
You can use a passport as an acceptable form of identification for domestic flights.
While a passport can be used in a place of a REAL ID, it is always a good idea to have multiple options/back-up, so if your state issued ID is up for renewal, we recommend opting for a REAL ID.
United Kingdom: ETA
⭐effective januARY 8th, 2025 for us/Canadian travelers
What is an ETA?
The electronic travel authorization is an advance travel permission required from foreign nationals who intend to visit or transit the United Kingdom without a visa.
*This is not a visa.
Who needs to obtain an ETA?
Everyone travelling to the UK needs to get an ETA, including babies and children.
How much does it cost
£10 (approx $13) and it good for 2 years, or until holder’s passport expires.
You cannot get a refund after you apply.
What you need to apply
the passport you will travel with - not a photocopy or digital passport
access to your emails
a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
You will need to upload or take photos of the:
passport
face of the person applying
You do not need to enter your travel details.
How to Apply
You can apply via the official site here, but it is much more streamlined to apply via the app as you will need to take and upload photos.
To download in the app store, click here
To download in the google play, click here
Once You Are Approved
Approval generally takes only a matter of minutes and an email is sent to confirm.
There is no need to print anything or show documentation: your ETA will be connected to your passport.
You can delete the app (we know that precious storage space is needed for vacation pics).
It is always a good idea to keep the confirmation e-mail on the off-chance there is an error with your ETA linking yo your passport.
Schengen Union: EES
What is the European Union EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are automated systems that will improve border management in the Schengen Area. The systems are designed to: Replace passport stamping with electronic records, Strengthen border security, Make travel easier for legitimate visitors, and Identify over-stayers and document fraud.
What to expect
No action will be required from travellers before they start their trip, as registration will be done at the external border of any of the 29 European countries using the system.
Registration on the EES will be done every time travellers cross external borders and will replace the manual stamping of passports.
Cost
There is no cost to travelers.
What Countries are included?
The 29 countries belonging to the Schengen Area.
Schengen Union: ETIAS
⭐There is no official start date, however ETIAS is set to become mandatory in 2025
What is the ETIAS?
The Schengen ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a digital visa waiver program introduced by the European Union. It is designed to enhance border security and streamline travel within the Schengen Area, which comprises 30 European countries that have abolished internal borders for free movement.
Who needs an ETIAS?
Everyone travelling to the Schengen Zone (and Cyprus) needs to get an ETIAS, including babies and children. This includes people traveling for vacations, business, conferences, visiting family, or short-term educational programs.
How much does it cost?
The fee is expected to be €7, and the authorization is valid for 3 years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
What Countries are Included?
All 29 Schengen countries, Cyprus, will require the ETIAS prior to entry.
What you need to Apply
To apply for an EU ETIAS, you will need a valid passport, your personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, address, email address, travel plans within the EU, and information regarding your criminal history and past travel to conflict zones.
Tourist fees
Some European countries are adding, implementing, or changing fees and taxes for tourists in 2025.
What is a “tourist tax”
City tax, more commonly known as European tourist tax, is a small fee charged to visitors by the municipality. This small fee goes towards financing and maintaining facilities within the area. As well as producing brochures, tourist activities and modernizing popular tourist attractions including museums and castles.
What cities have tourist taxes
While tourist taxes have existed in many cities (such as Berlin, Rome, Vienna), some cities will be implementing, or increasing, taxes in 2025.
Countries and cities slated to implement or increase tourist taxes include Greece, Portugal, Paris, Barcelona, Venice, and Amsterdam.
CRUISES
Many countries are in discussions, or are in the process, of implementing taxes for tourists arriving via cruise ships.
Before Travel
Consult your GWATC travel advisor to discuss all pre-travel requirements, we are here to walk you through all the necessary steps and ease the process from start to finish.
We stay up to date on all the changes, requirements and fees so you don’t have to!
To get started working with our knowledgeable team members, click here.
