New Travel Requirements for 2025 Will Impact U.S. Travelers Domestically and Abroad

Real ID enforcement, UK ETA, and European ETIAS programs introduce new steps for domestic and international travel starting this year.

Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must present a Real ID-compliant driver's license or an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
From January 8, 2025, U.S. visitors to the United Kingdom must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which costs $13 and is valid for two years, to streamline border security checks.
The European Union's European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require U.S. travelers to apply for pre-authorization starting in May 2025, with applications costing approximately $7 and valid for up to three years.
Travelers are advised to check passport expiration dates, as many countries require passports to remain valid for at least three to six months beyond travel dates to avoid being denied boarding.
Experts recommend preparing early for these changes, including upgrading to a Real ID, applying for authorizations well in advance, and renewing passports up to a year before expiration to ensure smooth travel.