New Travel Requirements for the UK and Europe Starting in 2025 - What You Need to Know

Traveling to the UK and Europe in 2025 will require an extra step beyond booking your flight. Both the UK and the Schengen Zone are introducing new authorization systems aimed at enhancing security and tracking health and immigration issues. Here’s what you need to know about these changes.

Why Are These New Measures Being Introduced?

Starting in 2025, travelers will need to apply for travel authorizations to visit the UK and Europe. These new systems are being implemented to address security concerns and better track travelers' health and immigration status. While the additional steps may seem like an inconvenience, they’re designed to ensure smoother and safer travel.

UK: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

From January 8th, 2025, travelers to the UK from countries like the US, Australia, Canada, and the EU will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). 

How to Apply

The ETA application can be completed online or through a mobile app. Most applications are processed within 3 days. 

What You’ll Need 

A biometric passport (most US passports issued after 2007 are biometric), information about your travel plans, an email address, and a credit or debit card to pay the 10-pound fee.

Validity

Once approved, the ETA is valid for 2 years, allowing multiple entries to the UK (including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland), with a maximum stay of 6 months per visit. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA.

Eurozone: Europe Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

For the Schengen Area (which includes 29 European countries), travelers who previously did not need a visa will now need to apply for the Europe Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) starting May 2025.

Duration

The ETIAS allows for stays up to 90 days for business or tourism within the Schengen Zone.

Cost and Process

The ETIAS costs 7 euros and is valid for up to 3 years or until your passport expires. The application process takes a few minutes and asks for basic information such as your passport details, personal info, and intended travel itinerary. Most applications are approved within minutes, though some may require additional documentation.

How Does This Affect Your Travel Plans?

The good news is that these travel authorizations are valid for multiple entries over a period of time: 2 years for the UK’s ETA and up to 3 years for the ETIAS in the Schengen Zone. Once approved, you can visit these regions multiple times without reapplying within the validity period.

Assistance with Travel Permissions

At Girls’ Guide to the World, we understand that these new travel requirements may be confusing. That’s why we offer full-time concierge support to help you apply for the necessary travel permissions for any of our 34 trips to Europe and the UK in 2025. Our team is here to make sure your journey is as smooth as possible.