Recently, several countries have changed their entry requirements for US citizens. Some have not yet taken effect but are in the works. What countries are affected and what do you need to do? Read on to find out!
Some basic information about all the new programs:
- These are officially not visas. They are travel authorizations.
- They must be obtained prior to departure.
- The applications are done online (or in an app for travel to the UK).
- There is a nominal fee (between $7-$13) per application.
- You must have a valid passport that will be used for the duration of your travel before applying.
- You don't have to visit any special office/government building to apply.
authorizations required now
The United Kingdom – Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA or ETA-UK or UK-ETA)
- This includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Once received, your ETA is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires– whichever comes first.
- You must download an app and have your passport present with you during your application. You will be asked to scan your passport as part of the application process.
- Authorization can be as quick as a couple of hours or may take a couple of days. Most ETAs are issued within 3 days.
- For more information, please visit the official site here.
Israel – Electronic Travel Authorisation to Israel (ETA-IL)
- Once received, your ETA is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires– whichever comes first.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days from your entry to Israel. You will need your passport with you when you apply.
- Most applicants will get a response immediately. In some cases, it may take up to 72 hours. Your authorization will be sent to your email.
- For more information, please visit the official site here.
Authorizations coming soon-ish
Europe – European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
- Will be valid for 30 European countries (notably, this does NOT include Ireland)
- Once received, your ETIAS will be valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure
- For more information, please visit the official site here.
- To read our previous blog about ETIAS, click here.
At least 6 months prior to the start of ETIAS, Europe will be implementing an electronic Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES is designed to streamline the border-crossing process (for external European borders – also known as the Schengen zone) and to make sure people are not overstaying their allotted time in Europe.
The EES is due to start sometime in 2025, though no date has been announced yet. It will not require any pre-departure action on your part. Registration in the EES will happen each time you cross the external borders of the Schengen zone and will replace the stamping of passports. For more information, please click here.
Each of our pilgrims is responsible for applying for the right program prior to travel. Much like a passport application, it requires personal information and consent that we cannot provide on your behalf. Please visit the above sites with any technical questions about these programs.
NOTE: The above programs apply to US citizens and citizens of some other countries. If you are not a US citizen, please click on the links above to see what is required for your country.
BONUS – Domestic Travel Tip: On May 7, 2025, in order to board a domestic flight (within the United States), you will need to present a REAL ID or its equivalent. If you do not have acceptable identification, you will not be permitted past the TSA checkpoint.
For more information about obtaining a REAL ID, please click here.
For more information about what types of identification will be accepted by TSA, please click here.