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Traveling in 2025? Don't Miss These Important Updates

Updated: Feb 15

A smiling couple forms a heart with their arms on a boat.
Cute couple enjoying a boat cruise.

As we eagerly anticipate 2025, the Summit & Tide Travel team is here to keep you informed about important travel updates that could influence your upcoming adventures. Staying ahead of these changes will ensure your journeys are as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Here's what to look forward to:


U.S. REAL ID Enforcement Deadline


Airplane taking off at sunset with bright lights on runway. Sky is a gradient of orange and purple hues, creating a dramatic scene.
An airplane lifts off the runway, its lights glowing against the sunset sky.

Starting May 7, 2025, all domestic air travelers aged 18 and over in the United States will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport to fly within the country.


  • Action Steps: Check your current driver's license or state-issued ID for a star marking, indicating REAL ID compliance. If it's not compliant, contact your state's driver's licensing agency to obtain a REAL ID. Remember, temporary paper licenses may not be accepted by TSA, so plan to have your permanent card before traveling or carry your passport as a backup. 


Travelers flying domestically after the deadline will need to provide a passport as identification if they have not obtained a REAL ID. 


 

United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)


Tower Bridge at night with glowing lights reflecting on the Thames. Illuminated buildings and a moody, cloudy sky create a serene ambiance.
Tower Bridge at night with glowing lights reflecting on the Thames.

The UK is rolling out its ETA system in 2025, requiring visitors from visa-free countries, including the United States, to obtain digital entry authorization before travel.


  • Application Details: Apply via the UK ETA mobile app or the official government website. The process involves submitting personal and travel information, a recent photo, and a £10 non-refundable fee (approximately $12.58 USD). Each traveler, including children, must have an individual ETA. Decisions are typically made within three working days. Note that even with an ETA, border officials have the discretion to deny entry.


  • Key Dates:


    • From January 8, 2025: Non-European nationals, including U.S. citizens, will need an ETA to visit the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).


    • From April 2, 2025: European nationals will also require an ETA.


  • Transit through the UK: When the program started travelers transiting through the UK, but not passing boarder control, were still required to obtain an ETA. The this requirement was removed in January 2025. However, we recommend travelers transiting through the UK check regularly for any further revisions to this policy that coincide with their travel dates.

 

 

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

Cobblestone street leading to the Eiffel Tower at sunset. Flanked by classic buildings and parked cars.
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France.

Anticipated to begin in mid-2025, travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will need to obtain ETIAS authorization before visiting Schengen Area countries. Anyone traveling to Europe in the second half of 2025 should check regularly for updates on this program.


  • Application Process: Apply online or via the official ETIAS mobile app with a valid passport and a €7 non-refundable fee (about $7.30 USD). The authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are processed within minutes, but some may take up to 30 days if additional information or an interview is required. It's advisable to secure ETIAS approval before booking flights and accommodations.


  • The countries that will require the ETIAS authorization currently include:

 

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

 

  • Transit: Note that the ETIAS is not required if you are transiting through the airport on a layover and not exiting the airport into the ETIAS territory.


Official ETIAS Website: Travel Europe - ETIAS


Spain's Updated Tourist Documentation Requirements


Ornate arches frame the Plaza de España in Seville, featuring grand brick towers, a curved canal, and vibrant blue sky, evoking a historic charm.
Plaza de España in Seville, Spain.

As of December 2024, Spain requires travelers to provide detailed contact information when engaging with accommodations, car rental agencies, and travel services.


  • Information Needed: Be prepared to share significant personal identification details, including full name, gender, ID number and type, nationality, birthdate, complete home address, phone number, email address, payment information, number of travelers in your party, their relationships (for minors), and travel itinerary specifics. Service providers are mandated to collect and verify this information.


  • Recommendation: Ensure you have all necessary identification and contact details readily available when checking in or booking services in Spain.


  • Further Reading: Travel Weekly - Questions and confusion surround Spain's data-collection ruling


Thailand's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and Tourist Fee

Colorful boats on clear water near a towering rock formation. Calm sea under a bright blue sky creates a tranquil, scenic view.
Longtail boats on a Thai beach, with limestone cliffs and blue skies.

Thailand is planning to introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system and a tourist fee in 2025.


  • Current Status: The pilot ETA program, initially slated for December 2024, has been delayed, with further implementation expected by June 2025. The online ETA application is projected to be free. Additionally, a tourist fee may be introduced as early as January 2025. Travelers should monitor the situation and be prepared for these changes.


Other Notable Travel Documentation Updates


  • Zanzibar, Tanzania: Since October 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar are required to have mandatory travel insurance purchased from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. For more information and to apply, visit: Visit Zanzibar

 

  • Namibia: Effective April 1, 2025, certain nationalities, including U.S. citizens, will require a visa to enter Namibia. Visas can be obtained upon entry for approximately $35 USD.

 

  • Turkey: Turkey has introduced a one-year renewable visa for digital nomads

    from select countries, including the U.S. Applicants must be aged 21 to 55, hold a university degree, and have a documented annual income of at least $36,000. An interview is also part of the application process. For detailed requirements, visit: Digital Nomads - GoTürkiye Experiences

 

Smiling woman leans out of a blue train window, enjoying lush green hills and bright sky.
Woman looking out train window.

We at Summit & Tide Travel are dedicated to keeping you informed and prepared for these developments, ensuring your 2025 travels are filled with excitement and free from unexpected surprises. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend consulting official government websites and trusted sources. Remember, it's your responsibility to stay informed about changes that may impact your travel plans, and we're here to support you every step of the way.


Wishing you happy travels in 2025 and beyond!

 

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