There will be some travel changes for Americans this year, so let’s dive into what you need to know before you head to the airport.
REAL ID in the USA
Starting May 7, 2025 you will need REAL ID-compliant identification from your state, or a valid passport to fly ANYWHERE. Yes, that means travel within the United States too. Earlier this month, the TSA published their “final rule” on the deadline and enforcement of this law that was passed back in 2005 as a result of 9/11 security flaws.
“You know if your state ID is compliant if there’s a star in the upper right corner,” says Joe Reise, Director, Travel Purchasing, Planning, and Supplier Relations at Motivation Excellence.
To find out how to get a REAL ID in your state visit usa.gov/real-id. You’ll be required to bring in certain documents to verify your social security number, identity and address.
“Homeland security has an FAQ website that provides all the information travelers need to know. The bottom line though is if you don’t have a valid REAL ID or valid passport you won’t get past security at U.S. airports as of May 7, so take action now if you plan to travel domestically this year,” warns Reise.
REAL IDs will be required to enter a military base or other secure federal facilities after May 7, as well.
ETA in the UK
United States citizens traveling to or through the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) are now required to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you fly.
“The key thing with the ETA is that it applies to layovers too,” Reise says. “The application process can take up to 72 hours, so it needs to be on your to-do list the week before your planned travel if your flight is taking you into a UK airport.”
The fastest way to apply is through the UK ETA app which is available for iPhone and Android users through the App Store or Google Play Store. You’ll need your actual passport, an email address and a digital way to pay like a credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
ETIAS for European Travel
We first wrote about Americans needing to add a visa-like travel document to U.S. passports for European travel more than a year ago, but the requirement deadline is still fuzzy. According to the Travel Europe website, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be operational six months after the automated Exit/Entry System (EES) is up and running.
“We hear that EES and then the subsequent ETIAS travel authorization for non-EU nationals will come into play sometime in 2025, but we haven’t heard a definite date yet,” Reise states.
Reise suggests US travelers check the US Department of State for the latest information and requirements you need to know before international travel.
Motivation Excellence makes sure our clients and their participants are aware of extra hoops to jump through well in advance of our incentive group travel programs, whether domestic or international. We hope this blog will help guide you to a safer and happier travel adventure in 2025!
