New travel requirements for the US, UK, and Europe mean you need to plan ahead

If you're planning to travel soon, make sure you're aware of new entry requirements to avoid last-minute surprises.

Real ID - Required for U.S. Domestic Flights

Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers flying within the United States must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-approved form of identification at airport security checkpoints.

Not sure if your ID qualifies? Check with the DMV, you can .

Of course, a passport or passport card works, and there is a whole list of other acceptable forms of ID on the .

UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

If you’re heading to the United Kingdom, you’ll need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you arrive.

The ETA costs about $13 U.S. dollars per person. It’s valid for multiple trips over two years or until your passport expires. The application must be completed before traveling to the UK. Go to the to apply.

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

At some point in 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to France, Italy, Spain, or other European destinations might need the (ETIAS).

ETIAS, which has been postponed several times, is not a visa but will be a mandatory pre-travel authorization needed before entering 30 European countries in the Schengen Area.

The application costs 7 Euro, which is a little less than eight U.S. dollars, for travelers ages 18 to 70 (It's free for minors under 18 and seniors over 70).

Once approved, ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after leaving Europe.

ETIAS is not currently required, and , it is not expected to start in the first half of 2025 so travelers don’t need to do anything yet. The European Union said it would inform travelers about the start of ETIAS several months before it is required.

Editor’s Note: Previous links in this article were not to the official ETIAS website, they have been updated. Also, the article has been updated to make it clear that ETIAS, which has been postponed several times, is not required as of this writing.