Hey there, adventure seekers!
If you’re planning a trip outside the US to the UK, Europe, or Brazil in 2025 or beyond, we’ve got some important updates for you.
As your friendly neighborhood travel experts at Educational Travel Adventures, we want to ensure you know the latest travel regulations.
If you are heading to either the UK or Europe, there are a few new travel authorization systems launching that you’ll want to know about. It’s not a visa, just an extra step to make travel safer. And if you’re heading to Brazil on April 10 or beyond, you will need to apply for a visa!
You might be wondering why different countries are introducing this new system. It’s all about enhancing security and making travel smoother in the long run. By pre-screening travelers, they hope to reduce wait times at borders and improve overall safety.
All the details are below…
For anyone traveling within the US after May 7, 2025…
REAL ID requirements for adults begin on May 7, 2025. Remember, those 17 and under are not required to have any id when traveling with an adult. For updates on REAL ID requirements for domestic travelers over 17 here.
Traveling to the UK in 2025 or beyond?
The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) will be implementing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). ETA is an advance travel permission required from visitors who intend to visit or transit the United Kingdom without a visa.
- All visitors, regardless of age, will need an ETA to travel to the UK
- An ETA is not a visa; it does not permit entry into the UK – It authorizes an individual to travel to the UK
- An ETA costs £10, permits multiple trips to the UK and it is valid for two years
- Begins on January 1, 2025
- Look for updates here on how and when to get your ETA for the UK
Traveling to Continental Europe in 2025 or beyond?
There’s a new travel authorization you’ll need to know about. It’s called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), and it’s set to launch in the first half of 2025. The exact date has not yet been announced.
- ETIAS will be required for Americans visiting most European countries
- 30 European countries including France, Spain, Italy & Germany will require it and you can review the full list of countries here
- The cost is approximately €7 (roughly $7.50) and is valid for three years
- If you’re under 18 or over 70, it’s free!
Click here to learn more about ETIAS and remember that no specific implementation date has been set at this time
Traveling to Brazil?
And, the best news?
It’s still 2024, and, for now, it’s business as usual! You don’t need any of these things yet, so if you plan a trip this year, you’re good to go with just your passport!
Remember, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
