2025 New Requirements for travel to Europe and the United Kingdom
Starting in 2025, travel to Europe and the UK is changing.  Below are the details to help you understand the new requirements.

New requirements to travel to Europe (Starting May 2025)

Starting in May 2025, a special travel authorization will be required to enter Europe.  Once the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) program starts, people from the U.S. and other countries will need an ETIAS Travel Authorization to enter 30 European countries. The document will cost €7, or about $7.50 (based on exchange rate). Travelers under 18 years old or over 70 will not have to pay a fee. The ETIAS travel pass will be valid for 3 consecutive years.

As of Jan 2025, ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications are collected at this time. It is due to start after the new Entry/Exit System (EES) is in place. The EES is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of the European countries using the system.

New requirements to travel to the UK (Starting 8 January 2025)

Effective 8 January 2025, all U.S. citizens transiting the UK or traveling to the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences, or short-term study for 6 months or less will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to travel.

An ETA is good for multiple entries within a 2-year timeframe. Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. The application for an ETA costs £10, or about $12.75 (based on exchange rate) and it takes about 15 minutes to complete. Processing could take 3-5 business days.

Additional information on the procedures for each area is described below.
European Union (EU) and Schengen Area   United Kingdom (UK)

The European Union is a group of 27 countries in Europe. These countries came together to make things better, easier and safer for people. They agreed to work together and help each other.

The Schengen Area is is a group of European countries that have eliminated internal border controls. This allows people to travel freely between member countries without needing to go through border checks.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an electronic screening system for passport holders granted visa-free access to the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area. Once implemented in 2025, each and every traveler entering Europe without a visa will need one.

Official ETIAS website

The purpose of ETIAS is to enhance border security to the EU. It is designed for short-term (90 days or less) visits to the EU and will be required for entry to the EU after the projected ETIAS launch in 2025. Your ETIAS must be secured before traveling to the European Union. An ETIAS authorization is valid for three years, or until your current passport expires, whichever occurs first. The ETIAS is not a visa or a stamp but an electronic code linked to your passport.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries.

Entry/Exit System (EES)

You should apply for an ETIAS Travel Authorizationwell in advance of your trip to Europe, ideally before booking your flights or accommodation.  Most applicants receive approval quickly but there could be situations requiring additional information, and you want to avoid any potential delays or issues at the border.

Some of the basics

-If you are a passport holder from one of the 60 countries currently eligible for visa-free entry into the EU, and you plan to stay for 90 days or less, you will need to apply for the ETIAS authorization.
-An ETIAS application is required for any short-term (less than 90 days) travel to the EU, including travel for business, pleasure, medical purposes, or if you are transiting through the EU en route to a further destination.
-Apply early: Aim to apply at least a few weeks before your travel date.
-Most applications are approved within minutes.
-Passport Requirements - Applicants need a valid, machine-readable e-passport and your passport should remain valid for the duration of your stay in Europe.
 

As of January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism, or business, including those just passing through UK airports, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they do not have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.  This requirement applies to all parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland and British Overseas Territories.

Note: The ETA is similar to the U.S. ESTA system that acts as a pre-clearance for travel. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that determines if a traveler is eligible to visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

This change is part of the UK’s move towards a digital border system.

US Embassy - Home Page

US Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom - Information on this requirement

Gove.UK - Information and How to Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation

Some of the basics

-May take up to three working days to process
-Is required for travelers of all ages
-Is valid for two years or the remaining period of validity on a passport, whichever is shorter and you can travel to the UK as often as you like during that time.
-Does not require travel details