New Travel Requirements: REAL ID, ETIAS, and UK ETA Explained

Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Without a REAL ID, travelers will need an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, to pass through airport security checkpoints.

Meanwhile, international travelers heading to the United Kingdom will face new entry requirements beginning January 8, 2025. The UK‘s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program, modeled after the U.S. ESTA system, will require U.S. and European travelers to register online before arrival. The ETA, costing approximately $13, allows multiple entries over a two-year period and is designed to enhance border security and streamline entry processes.

In Europe, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in May 2025. U.S. passport holders visiting Schengen Zone countries will need to apply for ETIAS authorization before traveling. The system, which has faced multiple delays, will allow short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and will be valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires.

Additionally, new U.S. Department of Transportation rules aim to protect air travelers by requiring airlines to provide automatic refunds for canceled flights, significant delays, or non-functional services like WiFi. Baggage fee refunds will also be mandatory if luggage is delayed for more than 12 hours on domestic flights or 15-30 hours on international flights.

Travelers are encouraged to check their identification documents and stay informed about these upcoming changes to avoid disruptions to their travel plans.