Whether your New Year’s resolution is to finally book your dream vacation or put some points to good use and fly to a new destination, there are travel requirements Coming into force in 2025, everyone should be aware.
New travel changes in 2025: how to prepare and why it matters
REAL IDA
Americans should make sure their identification is up-to-date no later than this winter, because starting May 7, 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security will implement the use of REAL ID at airports and some federal facilities.
Close-up of a person holding an American passport at an airport.
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US travelers must complete REAL ID to board domestic flights. Read more about the requirement here and see how to get your REAL ID on time.
Entering the UK with ETA
Expansion of the Electronic Travel Permit (AND) program will affect US and European travelers to the UK.
From 8 January 2025, incoming travelers will be required to register an ETA so that UK authorities can screen visitors before they arrive, in an effort to reduce security risks that was modeled after the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). making border entry more efficient.
A view of a UK/EU lane sign as air passengers proceed to Passport Control at a British airport.
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The ETA, which costs approximately $13, is not a visa and does not replace an existing visa requirement.
Americans traveling to the UK on or after January 8 can apply through the UK government’s official website here or use the ETA app.
The ETA is valid for multiple entries into the UK over a two-year period.
ETIAS entry and exit conditions
Although not yet operational, the European Union’s European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which has been delayed several times, will enter into force in May 2025.
US passport holders traveling to Europe without a visa will now need to apply for permission before visiting through the ETIAS platform.
An airport employee stamps a passenger’s passport.
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Once granted an ETIAS travel authorisation, travelers may enter the participating countries multiple times for short-term stays (usually up to 90 days) within a 180-day period. ETIAS is valid for three years, but if your passport expires, a new ETIAS travel permit will be required.
Read more about ETIAS requirements and how to apply here.
New protections for air passengers
At the beginning of the year, new federal regulations went into effect require airlines to refund ticket holders after flight cancellations or other major changes.
Under the Department of Transportation’s new rule, passengers can easily receive automatic refunds if they choose not to take a rebooked flight, significant delays are clearly defined on all airlines, and passengers have the right to return their bags after a delay of more than 12 years. hours (or 15-30 hours for international flights), refunds for extra paid services that don’t work, such as WiFi, and 24/7 live customer support. channels
Click on here To read more details about what’s new under the updated DOT airline rules.
