New domestic and international travel requirements this year are going into effect for U.S. citizens. To make sure you're not caught off guard, I've rounded up the 3 most pertinent for all American travelers.
Real ID Travel Requirements
If you plan to travel domestically this year, your drivers' license or state ID card may no longer cut it. Starting May 7, 2025 you must have either a Real ID drivers' license/state ID card or plan to travel with your U.S. passport if you want to fly anywhere in the U.S. or its territories.
To obtain a Real ID, you'll need to apply for a new or updated Real ID drivers' license or state ID card at your local DMV. If you don't currently have a REAL ID or a passport and plan to travel by air domestically, I highly recommend applying for a Real ID as soon as possible to avoid the rush this Spring.
UK ETA
Since January 8, 2025, all travelers from the United States now need an electronic travel authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. That includes England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
These ETAs are meant to ensure stronger security checks prior to departure, and are linked to your passport. You can apply either online or via the UK ETA app. Before applying, grab your passport and a mode of payment. The application costs £10. You can apply on behalf of someone else online, but if you apply via the app, make sure the person in question is physically with you — you’ll need to take a picture of them. You’ll hear back within about three days. Note that, if you’re traveling in a group, people may hear back at different times. Each ETA is good for two years. Within that period, you can travel to the UK as many times as you please, for up to six months at a time. However if you get a new passport in the interim, you’ll also need to get a new ETA.
Every American citizen — including babies and children — will need an ETA to enter the UK.
ETIAS
30 European counties will also start requiring that Americans apply for an European Travel Information and Authorization System waiver later this year.
These counties include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. If you plan to visit any of the 30 European countries listed above for a short-term stay, you will need an ETIAS travel authorization.
The ETIAS waiver will cost £7 and will be attached to your passport. They expire when your passport expires or whenever you get a new passport.
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