United Kingdom ETA System
- Electronic Travel Authorization now required for travel to the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
- Currently not required for airside transit through UK airports
- Apply upon booking flights
- Processing time: 3 days
- Valid for 2 years (unless passport is renewed)
- Cost is £ 16
- Link to apply online (slower option)
- Link to UK ETA app to install on your phone (faster option)
At left, the San Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London
European EES (Entry and Exit System)
- Currently not in force but set to begin in October 2025
- The EES is a new digital border system that will replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travelers and electronically register them
- Biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, will be collected to create a digital record
- Entries and exits through European external borders logged automatically
- Applies to non-EU Nationals: Travelers without nationality from EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland
- Short Stays: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period, counted across all EES European countries
- Link for more information
At left, Villa Lante in Bagnaia
ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System)
- Currently not in force (Link to ETIAS updates) Now delayed until late 2026
- Start date: Six months after EES (European Entry and Exit System)
- Required for all travelers including children
- Apply at time of booking via the official ETIAS website or mobile app
- Requirements: Valid travel document, payment of fee, and completion of biometric, travel, and security-related questions
- Valid for 3 years (unless passport is renewed)
- Processing takes up to 96 hours; Cost is 7 Euro
- Authorization is emailed and linked to your passport
- Link for more information
At left, the iconic symbol of the Château de la Chèvre d’Or, Côte d'Azur
Real ID
- Real ID required for travel in the USA starting on 7 May 2025
- Required to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities
- Applies to U.S. Citizens and all legal residents age 18+ of the USA
- Link to complete TSA list of acceptable identification
- Link for more information
At left, current Real ID symbols
Trip Insurance
- Trip insurance is now more important than ever.
- Link to purchase Travelex insurance.
- Info on Covid coverage from Travelex.
At left, the Villa Pisani on the Brenta Canal near Venice
Passport Renewal
- Good information from Austin's Passport Express
At left, the Temple of Hera in Basilicata, Italy
Venice Access Fee
- The Venice Access Fee is required starting 18 April 2025
- Required for visitors to Venice for the day and/or staying outside of Venice
- Link for more information
- Link for the calendar of dates in 2025 when the Access Fee is charged, from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At left, approaching the Grand Canal by water taxi
Traveling in the USA
- Real ID required for travel in the USA starting on 7 May 2025
- Info above
At left, horses near Marfa, Texas