Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! I hope 2025 is off to a good start for you despite the crazy weather we’re experiencing around the country. Yesterday, I helped a client re-route flights from Maui back home from their originally planned connection through LAX (Los Angeles airport) due the winds and wildfires. In between, I was working on trips for clients France, Ireland, Holland, Japan and more. All in a days work as a travel advisor!
This week’s newsletter is different from my typical travel inspiration blogs. Did you know that you can search on and read past issues on the website? The link is here: www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com – hit the blog tab on the top (see image below).
This week’s topic is about the changes for US citizens traveling domestically, to the UK and to EU countries. If you have plans to travel in the coming year, this newsletter will be helpful. Please share it with anyone who might benefit. You can forward this one, and they can sign up to receive future issues in their inbox at this link: www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/newsletter
Important Note – this information was accurate at the time of publishing. Since these are government programs, they can be changed at any time. I provide links to the official websites so you can bookmark them if you’d like.
All these measures are expected to enhance security, a critical concern in this day and age. Read on for the scoop….
ETA FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM (EFFECTIVE NOW)
What is ETA? The UK government is introducing electronic travel authorization (ETA) for millions of visitors who pass through the UK border every year, including 6 million from the USA, Canada, and Australia. From today all eligible non-European visitors can apply for an ETA and will need one to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025. An ETA is not a visa, it is a digital permission to travel
How do you apply? Eligible visitors should apply for their ETA through the UK ETA app, which is quick and simple to use and enables most applicants to receive a decision in hours. Visitors can also apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
Is there a cost? An ETA costs £10, permits multiple journeys, and lasts for 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. Once granted, ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and allow for stays of up to 6 months at a time – including both short trips and more extended stays.
The above was copied from the official website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-opens-pre-travel-requirement-to-non-europeans
While it will be the responsibility of each traveler to the UK to get receive their ETA before travel, my clients will receive a reminder.
BOOK A VACATION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM
REAL ID for Domestic Travel (Effective May 7, 2025)
“Beginning May 7, 2025, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require passengers 18 years or older to present a REAL ID-compliant U.S. driver’s license, state-issued ID, or other acceptable form of ID to fly within the U.S. Requirements to get a REAL ID vary by state.
Visit dhs.gov/real-id for complete information. Wait times can be lengthy at some state offices, so we encourage travelers who plan to use a U.S. driver’s license or state-issued ID to get a REAL ID soon. Alternative to a driver’s license, you can present your passport or passport card.”
BOOK A TRIP IN THE US – HAWAII? ALASKA?
ETIAS FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION (TBA later 2025)
“What is ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorisation System?
The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries (including US citizens). ETIAS is currently not in operation at the time of publishing this newsletter.
When does ETIAS begin? ETIAS which will be in effect approximately 6 months after the start of EES both of which have yet to announce dates. EES stands for Entry/Exit System and is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any of the following European countries using the system. More details here: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en Note that you won’t need to apply for this – it will happen automatically.
When do you apply? We strongly advise you to obtain the ETIAS travel authorisation before you buy your tickets and book your hotels. Most applications will be processed within minutes and at the latest within 96 hours. However, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documentation or to participate in an interview with national authorities, which may take up to additional 30 days.
How much does it cost? When applying using the official ETIAS website, you will be charged a fee of EUR 7. Applicants who are under 18 or over 70 years of age are exempt from this payment. Also exempt are family members of EU citizens and family members of non-EU nationals who have right to move freely throughout the European Union. The ETIAS travel authorization is issued only to one person and is linked to their travel document. Other persons, including family members, are required to have their own ETIAS travel authorizations.” Source
PRE-TRAVEL CHECKLIST
| While you’re thinking about 2025 travel, here’s a punch list of things to do now:Check passport/s for expiration dates. For Europe and many places, having 6 months validity after you return home is required.Check that your passport is in good condition and has blank pages. If not, replace it.If you have Global Entry, TSA Pre-Check, or the like, check those expiration dates.Learn about what’s important for your destination at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html Inspect your luggage – is it in good condition ready for your next trip? Should you invest in any handy travel items like I wrote about in this newsletter: https://hiddengemtravelconsulting.com/nine-of-my-favorite-things-%f0%9f%8e%81/ I hope you found this information helpful! For more information visit the links provided and/or reach out to me. I’m always monitoring travel requirements for my clients 🙂 Ready to begin 2025 travel planning? Respond to this email or click on the links above or below to get started! Wishing you amazing travel adventures, Susan |
BRAINSTORM AND BOOK A BUCKET LIST TRIP
TRAVEL NEWS YOU CAN USE
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: My TSA App
The MyTSA app is very handy! It shows airport wait times, what you can bring onboard (carry on and checked luggage) and there’s a tab to ask TSA a question. Download it and check it out: https://www.tsa.gov/mobile
| About Hidden Gem Travel Consulting |
| Hidden Gem Travel Consulting was founded by Susan Wilson. After decades of traveling the world and working for Fortune 50 companies and global nonprofits, she opened her own travel business which is affiliated with Virtuoso – the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel. Through her deep network and signature consultative process, she designs customized travel itineraries that elevate your escape and speak to what will wow everyone on the trip. It’s a new way to travel – a vacation that allows you to feel the full vibrancy of the destination while giving you access to perks, amenities, and experiences that are “ungoogleable.” Enriching. Experiential. Effortless. Hidden Gem Travel Consulting is your trusted travel advisor. |
SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
| Hidden Gem Travel clients get some fab perks at many premium and luxury hotels around the world! Want to book a hotel on your own and get upgrades and perks? Follow this link: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/SusanWilson?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dinner_and_a_show&utm_term=2023-05-11 Follow my Facebook & Instagram pages for more curated travel inspiration: www.facebook.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting www.instagram.com/hidden.gem.travel Virtuoso Wanderlist SpecialistHidden Gem Travel Consulting is proud to be one of the first travel businesses to be certified in Virtuoso Wanderlist, a unique and exclusive consulting service designed to turn travel dreams into reality through the creation of a strategic plan – called a travel portfolio. Much like wealth advisors manage investment portfolios, Wanderlist Advisors manage an equally important asset – our leisure time. Wanderlist marries “Netflix-style” technology with the deep expertise of a travel advisor. Wanderlist helps families live a life filled with anticipation and special memories. |
