What you need to know about the Real ID and EU travel requirements:

US Real ID:

This is critically important for those traveling in the USA—the RealID requirement becomes effective on May 7, 2025. Attached is an infographic that details the requirements, but the bottom line is that noncompliant driver’s licenses will no longer suffice to board commercial flights. So, all travelers in the States who have relied on a license for identification needs to either obtain a new, compliant license or have another acceptable form of ID available (for example, a passport).

Click here and select your state to see what is required to get your RealID:  https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

EU Entry/Exit:

In November of this year (currently either November 10 or 17, 2024), the EU will implement the EU Entry/Exit (“EU EE”) system, which will replace the manual checking of passports with fingerprint/facial recognition technology for most EU countries. Ultimately, this system, which will store your biometric information for three years, should be a timesaver, but the initial registration process may take two to three minutes. So, at least during the first few months, anticipate long queues while first-time registrants go through the initial registration process. Full information can be found at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en.

U.K. Sets Dates for Launch of ETA Visa Requirement for U.S. and Canada : 

The U.K. government has set the deadline for when Americans and Canadians will be required to apply for and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travel to the U.K. Starting on Jan. 8, 2025, all Americans and Canadians will need an ETA to get into the U.K., regardless of how long they are staying or their reasons for travel, including simply connecting through a U.K. airport.All other international travelers, except for Irish nationals, will also need an ETA, including Europeans, though their deadline is later than January 2025.

The application portal for Americans or Canadians with travel plans starting on Jan. 8, 2025, will open on Nov. 27, 2024.

What’s the cost and process? The ETA, which was announced last year, will cost £10 (around $13.09 USD and around $17.77 CAD). It will be valid for two years after approval.

Applicants will have to fill in their information on the U.K. government website or via the U.K. ETA app on their phone. The application requires a photograph and some personal details, including passport information. Travelers will be able to apply on behalf of others, so one member of a family or a group will be able to secure visas for the whole traveling party.

The U.K. promises that the application process is “simple and fast” and that applicants will get a decision within three working days, but maybe sooner. If an ETA application is refused, travelers will need to apply for a visa instead.

What’s the point?  The ETA is modeled after a U.S. version, called Electronic System for Travel Authorization or ESTA. The ESTA is required for anyone boarding a plane or vessel bound for the U.S. According to Homeland Security, “in most instances, ESTA applicants will receive real-time notification on the disposition of their application to travel to the United States.” The ESTA costs applicants $21 USD.

The U.K. government says that its version will not only add revenue to its tourism economy but will also help modernize its immigration system and “strengthening” its border.

“The ETA scheme will give us a comprehensive understanding of those traveling to the UK and the ability to prevent the travel of those who pose a threat, including those who are transiting through UK airports,” the U.K.’s Home Office says.

ETIAS:

Is the development that applies to those traveling to Europe—the European Travel Information and Authorization System (“ETIAS”) program—is slated to become operational sometime in early 2025. The ETIAS program will require those travelers who are not required to obtain a visa to pre-register through the ETIAS system before traveling to EU countries. The implementation of ETIAS has been delayed several times, but now anticipate that it will become operational in the Spring of 2025.

Once you are approved through the ETIAS system, your authorization to visit those countries within the Schengen Region of the EU will remain valid for three years. However,…and this is important…if you obtain a new passport before the passage of three years you will have to apply again. The EU website for ETIAS information is https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en#applying-for-an-etias-travel-authorisation.

In a nutshell, remember:

-For all airline travel in the USA you will need RealID compliant identification beginning in early May of 2025.

-The European EE system will become operational this November (2024) and will initially mean slower processing when entering most European countries. This is particularly important if you are making an airline connection; at some European airports the initial processing line for non-EU passport holders is already lengthy.

-The ETIAS system appears likely to become operational early in 2025. Once operational, you absolutely must have ETIAS preauthorization to travel to most EU countries before departing the United States and many other countries.