New travel requirements for Americans in 2025: What you need to know

There are a few new travel requirements that Americans should be aware of going into the new year.

Newsweek reached out to the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) and the European Parliament via email and the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., via online form for comment.

Why It Matters

Taking a spontaneous trip, whether in the United States or abroad, might be harder for travelers in 2025, thanks to the new requirements. Plus, travelers will have to pay a small fee for one of the requirements involving travel to the United Kingdom, adding to already high plane ticket prices.

The new U.K. travel requirement could disrupt one of the largest international airplane routes. U.S. International Trade Administration data shows that over 20 million people flew between the U.S. and the U.K. in 2023.

What To Know

Starting May 7, every American traveling domestically must use a REAL ID instead of other driver's licenses or identification cards at airports. The REAL ID is an updated driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards.

Starting January 8, Americans traveling to the U.K. must apply for the country's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a screening program. An ETA costs about $13 and is good for multiple entries into the U.K. for two years.

In May 2025, the European Union will implement its European Travel Information and Authorization System. Americans without a visa will need to apply through ETIAS and hold a passport to visit Europe.

What People Are Saying

Katy Nastro, spokesperson for the travel app Going, told The Washington Post about the ETA requirement: "The last thing you want to do is to apply at the last minute, sit in airport purgatory while you might get it in time, or worse, be denied boarding your flight because you didn't receive approval."

Virgin Atlantic Airways, one of the largest airlines that operates flights to and from the U.S. and U.K., told the Post that new travel rules risked "putting the U.K. and its respective carriers at a competitive disadvantage."

What Happens Next

With the updated travel requirements coming up as soon as a few days, it's important to plan accordingly. Upgrade your driver's license or ID card well before any upcoming airplane trips to ensure you receive the new card in time.

If you are going to the U.K. on or after January 8, apply for the ETA in advance, as the application may take up to three business days to process. It is also good to submit an ETIAS application as soon as you plan your European trip to ensure the application is processed in case of delays.