Starting from May 2025, travellers to and within the United States should be ready for substantial changes to the requirements for travel paperwork. The implementation of the REAL ID Act for domestic flights and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe are two major changes impacting both domestic and international travelers. To ensure a smooth journey, travelers must plan ahead and ensure they have the required documents in place before their trip.
REAL ID compliance for domestic travelBeginning on May 7, 2025, all passengers who are 18 years of age or older and travelling within the United States will be required to show a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or another authorised document, like a U.S. passport. The REAL ID Act, originally passed by Congress in 2005, was designed to enhance the security of state-issued identification cards and driver’s licenses. However, its enforcement has been repeatedly delayed. Now, the deadline is set, and passengers should be aware of the following key details:
A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card will feature a star in the upper right-hand corner.
Standard driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights.
Alternative acceptable forms of identification include US passports, military IDs, and DHS-trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry cards).
REAL ID is not required for international travel, but a valid passport is still necessary.
Read more: US H-1B lottery 2026: What next for selected and non-selected applicants
Travellers should verify with their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) whether their ID is REAL ID compliant and, if not, update it to be so. The REAL ID application procedure varies from state to state and often requires additional documentation, such as proof of residency and verification of the Social Security number.
ETIAS requirement for US travellers to Europe
There will soon be extra pre-trip permission requirements for U.S. passport holders travelling to Europe, in addition to changes to domestic travel. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will be implemented by the European Union in May 2025, will impact travel to 30 Schengen Zone countries and their adjacent areas.
Key aspects of ETIAS include:Before entering any of the participating European countries, US travellers must apply online for travel authorisation.
It is anticipated that the application procedure will be brief and include questions about background checks, travel schedules, and passport details.
The ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
The cost of the ETIAS application will be €7 ($8 USD) for travelers aged 18–70, while minors and senior citizens will be exempt from the fee.
ETIAS is not a visa, but rather an electronic travel authorization designed to enhance security and streamline border entry.
Read more: UK rolls out Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): What travellers need to know
Visa-free travel into participating nations for brief visits (up to 90 days during a 180-day period) is made possible by ETIAS clearance. Applying for ETIAS at least 96 hours prior to departure will help travellers avoid delays when planning travels to Europe.
Tips for travellers
With these changes approaching, travelers should take the following steps to ensure they are compliant with the new rules:
Check your ID: Verify whether your driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant. If not, visit your local DMV to upgrade as soon as possible.
Apply for a REAL ID early: It's a good idea to get your REAL ID in advance because DMV offices may see a spike in demand as the deadline approaches.
Prepare for ETIAS application: Apply in advance and become familiar with the ETIAS application process if you want to visit Europe in late 2025 or later.
Stay updated with travel regulations: Since regulations might change, travellers can keep informed by visiting official government websites like the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) and the ETIAS's websites.
Consider alternative travel documents: If you frequently travel domestically and internationally, a US passport or Global Entry card may serve as a convenient, universally accepted ID.
REAL ID and ETIAS represent a change towards more efficient entry procedures and improved travel security. These new regulations may appear like unnecessary obstacles at first, but their ultimate goal is to improve travel efficiency and safety. US travellers can guarantee smooth domestic and international travel by planning ahead. To avoid a last-minute surprise at the airport, check sure your ID is current and your ETIAS application isn't misplaced before packing your bags.
REAL ID compliance for domestic travelBeginning on May 7, 2025, all passengers who are 18 years of age or older and travelling within the United States will be required to show a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or another authorised document, like a U.S. passport. The REAL ID Act, originally passed by Congress in 2005, was designed to enhance the security of state-issued identification cards and driver’s licenses. However, its enforcement has been repeatedly delayed. Now, the deadline is set, and passengers should be aware of the following key details:
A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card will feature a star in the upper right-hand corner.
Standard driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights.
Alternative acceptable forms of identification include US passports, military IDs, and DHS-trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry cards).
REAL ID is not required for international travel, but a valid passport is still necessary.
Read more: US H-1B lottery 2026: What next for selected and non-selected applicants
Travellers should verify with their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) whether their ID is REAL ID compliant and, if not, update it to be so. The REAL ID application procedure varies from state to state and often requires additional documentation, such as proof of residency and verification of the Social Security number.
ETIAS requirement for US travellers to Europe
There will soon be extra pre-trip permission requirements for U.S. passport holders travelling to Europe, in addition to changes to domestic travel. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will be implemented by the European Union in May 2025, will impact travel to 30 Schengen Zone countries and their adjacent areas.
Key aspects of ETIAS include:Before entering any of the participating European countries, US travellers must apply online for travel authorisation.
It is anticipated that the application procedure will be brief and include questions about background checks, travel schedules, and passport details.
The ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
The cost of the ETIAS application will be €7 ($8 USD) for travelers aged 18–70, while minors and senior citizens will be exempt from the fee.
ETIAS is not a visa, but rather an electronic travel authorization designed to enhance security and streamline border entry.
Read more: UK rolls out Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): What travellers need to know
Visa-free travel into participating nations for brief visits (up to 90 days during a 180-day period) is made possible by ETIAS clearance. Applying for ETIAS at least 96 hours prior to departure will help travellers avoid delays when planning travels to Europe.
Tips for travellers
With these changes approaching, travelers should take the following steps to ensure they are compliant with the new rules:
Check your ID: Verify whether your driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant. If not, visit your local DMV to upgrade as soon as possible.
Apply for a REAL ID early: It's a good idea to get your REAL ID in advance because DMV offices may see a spike in demand as the deadline approaches.
Prepare for ETIAS application: Apply in advance and become familiar with the ETIAS application process if you want to visit Europe in late 2025 or later.
Stay updated with travel regulations: Since regulations might change, travellers can keep informed by visiting official government websites like the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) and the ETIAS's websites.
Consider alternative travel documents: If you frequently travel domestically and internationally, a US passport or Global Entry card may serve as a convenient, universally accepted ID.
REAL ID and ETIAS represent a change towards more efficient entry procedures and improved travel security. These new regulations may appear like unnecessary obstacles at first, but their ultimate goal is to improve travel efficiency and safety. US travellers can guarantee smooth domestic and international travel by planning ahead. To avoid a last-minute surprise at the airport, check sure your ID is current and your ETIAS application isn't misplaced before packing your bags.
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