Get Ahead of the Game: Essential Travel Requirements to Consider for Your 2025 Adventure!

If you’re intending to fly in 2025, there are a couple of new prerequisites you’ll want to remember, particularly if you’re traveling to the United Kingdom or various regions of Europe. Although some of the requirements won’t be fully enforced until later this year, being prepared may alleviate additional stress before your journey.

Initially, for those intending to remain in the U.S., you will soon be required to possess a Real ID in order to board any domestic flight. As of May 7, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security will mandate that every resident of the states and territories present a Real ID to board a domestic flight if they wish to use their ID to pass through the security checkpoint.

If your state-issued ID or driver’s license does not comply with Real ID standards, you will be obligated to present alternative forms of identification to pass through security. A list of those acceptable identification forms can be located on the DHS website.

Real ID-compliant cards showcase a designation in the upper section of the card, typically a gold or black star, or an insignia featuring a star. For example, in Michigan, a Real ID may display a gold image of the state with a white star cutout in the center.

The Real ID does not substitute for your passport and will not enable you to travel internationally for cruises or other excursions that depart from the U.S. For additional details on acquiring a Real ID in Michigan, visit the Secretary of State website.

If you’re planning to visit the U.K. or Europe, you’ll need to undertake an added step prior to travel to ensure your entry is permitted.

Beginning today, prior to traveling to the U.K., you’ll need to apply for United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA). The authorization differs from a conventional visa as it is processed entirely online and is significantly more affordable than visa applications.

The UK ETA remains valid for up to two years or until the passport it’s associated with expires. The UK ETA permits multiple visits of up to six months at each entry and costs approximately $12.50 to apply. For further details on how to apply, visit the UK ETA website.

Lastly, travelers intending to visit Europe may need to complete an additional step prior to their journey, although the exact timing for this step is still uncertain. The European Union’s European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is anticipated to launch in May 2025, and will be necessary for any U.S. citizen wishing to visit 30 European nations.

The ETIAS will enable visitors to enter European countries “as frequently as desired for short-term stays – generally for up to 90 days within any 180-day timeframe,” according to the ETIAS website. However, possessing a valid ETIAS authorization does not assure entry into the various nations. Border officials may still require your passport and other documents to grant you entry.

The ETIAS will be effective for three years or until the travel document submitted in your application expires. If you have previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will need to submit an application for the ETIAS. The application fee for the ETIAS is roughly $7; however, applications are not being accepted at this time. For more information, visit the European Union website.