New international travel requirements set to take effect in 2025 will impact travelers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the European Union (EU), as well as many other countries.
The most immediate change will affect visitors to the United Kingdom from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other non-EU countries, who currently do not need a visa for short stays. Starting January 8, 2025, they will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country.
According to the U.K. government website, to obtain an ETA, travelers must complete an online form and pay a £10 fee (approximately US$12.75). In most cases, travelers will receive approval within a few hours, though some applications may take up to three business days. The ETA is valid for multiple entries to the UK for stays of up to six months, and it remains valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
To apply, visit the UK government’s travel authorizations page at www.gov.uk.
As of April 2, 2025, citizens of the European Union will also need an ETA to enter the UK.
According to the UK Home Office, this expansion of the ETA system — it was previously only applied to citizens of seven Middle Eastern nations — is aimed at creating a more streamlined entry process by confirming a traveler’s eligibility to enter the UK before departure from their country of origin.
ETIAS
In May 2025, the European Union is scheduled to implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) — similar to the ESTA visa-waiver program in the United States, and eTA travel authorization program in Canada.
Citizens from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada and Mexico, will need to apply online for authorization to visit the 30 Schengen Area countries. This will also include U.K. nationals, who will need to obtain the authorization.
REAL ID
Meanwhile, starting May 7, 2025, U.S. citizens will need to present a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport, for domestic flights within the United States. This change is part of a federal mandate to enhance the security of identification documents. The REAL ID will also be required to enter federal buildings and access certain nuclear power plants.
To learn exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID, visit your U.S. state’s driver’s licensing agency website. It is important to note that REAL ID cards cannot be used for international border crossings into Canada, Mexico, or other countries.