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12/16/2024

3. Europe’s New Entry/Exit System – SOMETIME in 2025
While the date still remains up in the air, Europe is planning to launch its new Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-Europeans starting sometime in 2025. The EES will be for travelers who do not have a short-stay visa or are not staying more than 90 days in a 180-period, which typically means all North American travelers. Just like the ETA, the EES will likely require travelers to enter some personal data, along with entry and exit dates. Also just like the ETA, Europe says the purpose is to “modernize” its border management system and improve security.
The EES was supposed to be operational in 2023 and has suffered from delays, like a lot of these programs. As of December 2024, Europe still says that the EES “is due to start in 2025” but has not yet given an exact date. The EES lays the groundwork for the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require all non-European, including travelers from the U.S., Canada, and U.K., to apply for, and pay for, a visa before entering any of the EU member nations. The ETIAS is scheduled to go into effect six months after the EES launches, SO, the ETIAS requirment MAY OR MAY NOT happen in 2025.

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12/16/2024

2. REAL ID Launch – May 7, 2025
A long awaited, and dreaded, requirement for American travelers will finally go on the books in May when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) starts enforcing its new REAL ID requirement.

Starting on May 7, 2025, Americans flying with their driver’s license will only be able to do so if they are REAL ID approved. REAL ID-compliant IDs and driver’s licenses will usually have a marking on the top portion of the card—most often a star—that will prove its compliance.

For travelers who do not have a REAL ID and want to get one before the May 2025 deadline, the first stop is to go to their state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what is needed to get a REAL ID. Typically, at minimum, those applying for a REAL ID will need to provide a full legal name, date of birth, social security number, and two proofs of address. Other requirements could be needed depending on the state.

Of course, if you use your passport for identification, it will be accepted without question.

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12/16/2024

This post as well as the next couple of my posts are going to cover THREE very important changes that will impact ALL US travelers, especially those traveling to Europe.
This one is DEFINITELY going to happen on this schedule:
1. The United Kingdom’s ETA – Jan. 8, 2025
Starting on Jan. 8, 2025, Americans and Canadians will both be required to apply and get approved for the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) when traveling to the U.K.
The ETA will be required for everyone regardless of how long they are staying in the U.K. or their reasons for travel, including simply connecting through a U.K. airport. AGAIN, even if you are just CONNECTING to another flight in a UK airport, if you're coming from the US and/or Canada, you MUST have and ETA. It essentially grants permission for travelers to be in the U.K. as part of the country’s mission to modernize its immigration system and strengthen its border.
Applicants will have to fill in their information on the U.K. government website or via the U.K. ETA app on their phone. The application requires a photograph and some personal details, including passport information, along with a £10 application fee.
Travelers will be able to apply on behalf of others, so one member of a family or a group can secure ETAs for the whole traveling party.
The U.K. promises that the application process is “simple and fast” and that applicants will get a decision within three working days, but maybe sooner. If an ETA application is refused, travelers will need to apply for a visa instead, which is a longer and more extensive process.
The UK ETA allows Canadian and US citizens to enter the UK for up to 6 months without a visa.

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10/03/2024

I've been receiving requests seeking information about the re-opening of Notre Dame in Paris so I thought I'd post the most recent information sent out by my travel Consortium:

*December 8: Cathedral reopens, but only to officials and those who worked on the restoration.
*December 8-15: A week of ceremonies and celebrations.
*December 15 and forward: Opening to the public (with limited reservations). Details to follow.
*June 2025: Opening to groups of 25 max with licensed guides. No groups during Vespers and Lauds (times to be announced), Saturday evenings, and Sundays all day.
*The cathedral will be open daily from 7:45 a.m. until 6 p.m. (Possible late-night opening on Thursday, TBD)

Reservations
*Reservations for visits are free, but ONLY on the Cathedral website.
*Reservations for visits are optional – and possibly only available for the 3 days before preferred date of visit (TBD).
*Entrance to Mass will be free of charge, reservations not required.

Please note that all of this is still tentative and we will continue to update you as soon as we know more!

10/03/2024

I know a lot of people on my flist travel to Mexico, especially Cancun or Cozumel. Here's an important update for you:

Important Notice: Enforcement of Mexico Customs Regulations on Electronics

Effective immediately, please be aware of the following guidelines concerning the import of electronic devices for travelers to Mexico. Each traveler is permitted to bring ONE portable computing device (e.g., laptop, notebook, or iPad) without incurring an import fee.

If passengers bring multiple devices, such as a laptop and an iPad, each will be treated as a separate item, which may result in additional fees.

Allowed Items:
1 laptop or similar portable computing device (e.g., iPad)

Limited Items:
Up to 3 cell phones
1 GPS
2 cameras
1 pair of binoculars
4 fishing poles

Exceeding these limits may result in customs duties starting at 19% of the item's estimated value, with some cases reporting fees as high as 200%. To avoid these potential charges, please advise your clients traveling to Mexico to adhere to these guidelines.

08/19/2024

While this has been talked about, it looks like this may definitely move forward by the end of this calendar year. This is a good article that explains who, what, when, where, and how you can prepare these documents for any upcoming trips to the EU.

After many delays we now have a start date for the first of the two big changes to EU travel rules - so if you have a trip planned, here's what you need to know in advance.