New Travel Requirements for Americans in 2025: What You Need to Know

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Newsweek

Published Jan 01, 2025 at 7:23 PM EST | Updated Jan 01, 2025 at 9:23 PM EST


There are a few new travel requirements that Americans should be aware of going into the new year. Newsweek reached out to the European Parliament via email and the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., via online form for comment.

Why It Matters

Taking a spontaneous trip, whether in the United States or abroad, might be harder for travelers in 2025, thanks to the new requirements. Plus, travelers will have to pay a small fee for one of the requirements involving travel to the United Kingdom, adding to already high plane ticket prices. The new U.K. travel requirement could disrupt one of the largest international airplane routes. U.S. International Trade Administration data shows that over 20 million people flew between the U.S. and the U.K. in 2023.

What To Know

Starting May 7, every American aged 18 or older traveling domestically must use a REAL ID instead of other driver's licenses or identification cards at airports. The REAL ID is an updated driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards.

Starting January 8, Americans traveling to the U.K. must apply for the country's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a screening program. An ETA costs about $13 and is good for multiple entries into the U.K. for two years. In May 2025, the European Union will implement its European Travel Information and Authorization System. Americans without a visa will need to apply through ETIAS and hold a passport to visit Europe.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/travel-requirements-2025-real-id-uk-eta-etias-2008383

[Old Crank]

1. The article was very light on facts.

Here is some filler info.

Travel in the US by plane.
Acceptable ID if you don't have Real ID driver's license. Passport, passport card

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

To Great Britain.
At this time every flight in from out of Britain will need their ETA. that includes people who are transfering to another flight without leaving the airport.

To Europe.
It looks like it will be the same.

So If you are heading to London via a European airport you need two checks and the reverse.

Now I have to find out if I need one of those as a permanent resident in Germany.

[BumRushDaShow]

2. The RealID thing has been going on for years

but the UK thing is "new".

The State Department has some info - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/UnitedKingdom.html

They specifically link to the UK's site - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

And this might really be useful (further linked from the above link) - https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/at-border-control

[Old Crank]

4. Yes, the act passed congress in 2005

Between regulation writing and states dragging their feet and slow uptake by the public it will be a thing this year, maybe.

Since I'm a US citizen I won't need to apply for the US thing. I have to find out if permanent German residents need to apply for the European pass. I will for England.

More stuff to check at the borders in an effort to speed things up.

[BumRushDaShow]

5. The UK is still dealing with their Brexit mess

so whatever they are doing is probably different from the rest of the European and EU countries.

Who might be useful to get hold of is DUer DFW who is currently living in Germany and travels extensively all over Europe for his job. Am not sure if he is a "permanent" German resident but since his wife is, he might be.

[Old Crank]

8. I'm permanent German resident also.

Travelling in the EU, Shengen zone, for us should be no problem.
A person who isn't an EU citizen or permanent resident will need the new documentation to get into the EU. Once there there are no border checks between countries. So you can fly into Paris and then over to Berlin and not need the new documentations.
If your itinerary has you flying from Berlin to London and then the US you will need the English ETA even if you aren't leaving the airport.
It will be harder for people to just jump on a flight to the US, Europe or England soon unless you preregister for the new documentation you will need.

For US travelers going to Europe travel agencies should have all the information to let their clients know. I wouild hope airlines would have notification on their websites and ticket purchase sites letting peopeel know in time.

I wonder how the Real ID system change will go in the US. Can't wait for the horror stories...

[underpants]

3. VA, National parks, etc.

Googles AI overview says a Real ID is not required for entry into National Parks but I’ve found answers that it will be, it won’t be, or it depends. There’s some question about how much guidance DHS has provided to parks and it may depend on the park.

Entry to military bases of Fed facilities will need a Real ID. This could mean VA facilities. I’d check with your local VA on that.

Real ID is not required where no ID is currently required such as Smithsonian museums.

In Virginia for US citizens you will need
Current valid ID
Birth certificate
Social Security number/card but Va DMV can confirm this
Two bills that establishes your current residence (cell phone bills are not credible). A postmarked piece of mail with your address is valid but I’d go with a utility bill or rental agreement/mortgage documents.
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/forms/dmv141.pdf

[KatK]

6. Glad someone notes that passport or passport card will work n/t

[yardwork]

7. This is going to annoy a lot of people and I hope they blame Trump.

The Republicans created this ridiculous red tape so I'm glad it will be implemented while Trump is president.

People are going to show up at airports and be denied boarding. It's going to be a mess.

[IbogaProject]

9. Not mandatory until at least 2027 now

https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2024/09/16/tsa-punts-the-real-id-deadline-to-2027/

Not having it might lead to "Secondary Screening" or some such. Or people getting a single trip waver.

[mainer]

10. I just got my UK ETA (electronic travel authorization) this morning

It was really easy, using an app I downloaded on my cell phone. Took about 10 minutes to complete, using my phone to take photos of myself and my passport. I tried to use the phone to read my passport chip, but it never managed to detect it -- still, no problem, I just had to input a bit more information. My ETA was approved within 20 minutes. It's good for two years, for multiple entries into the UK.

Just go here to find out how to do it.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

[FakeNoose]

11. I always have my US Passport with me, it's really no big deal

I prefer to show my Passport whenever I need to show ID. The reason is that the signature on my PA drivers license doesn't look like my real signature. Like everyone else, I had to sign with one of those digital pens on a screen. The result looks almost nothing like my signature when I write with a pen on paper.

If my signature on my drivers license were ever to be challenged, I wouldn't be able to match it, to prove that "it's really me.".

On the other hand, the signature that is printed on my Passport is my real signature that was written with a pen on paper and then scanned and digitized. The difference between the two IDs is amazing. The other reason that I carry my Passport with me is so that I always know where it is.

[mwooldri]

12. UK/EU citizens have had to deal with a US ETA for some years now.

ETA - Electronic Travel Authorisation.
USA has had an ETA in place for many years, so I suppose it would only be a matter of time befeore the EU would have its own version.

What does amuse me is the fact that UK residents and citizens will have to deal with the EU ETA when going to mainland Europe will also need an ETA for EU & Schengen countries. Especially those people who are complaining about it and voted Leave. Incidentally it was David Cameron, then UK PM, who helped approve the EU ETA in the first place.

Irish citizens wont need the EU ETA nor a UK ETA - UK and Ireland have been in a common travel area that predates the EU. Also US citizens wont need an ETA for visiting the Republic of Ireland.