Real IDs & ETIAS - Changing documentation requirements travelers need to know

The ABCs of travel include countless documents - IDs, passports, and visas, oh my! Boarding flights and entering new countries requires more than just showing up. In the coming years, the standards for travelers will continue to change, and we want to make sure you know your ABCs before these changes are made.

Most notably, US travelers have been hearing buzz about Real IDs for domestic travel and ETIAS for European travel. So, what do you need to know and when do you need to be prepared to provide updated documentation when traveling? Let’s break it down.

Real IDs for domestic US travel

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been working for years to establish minimum security standards for issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards. Real IDs are the result of this work. Beginning on May 7, 2025, Real IDs will be required for accessing certain federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding federally regulated aircraft.

Once enforcement begins, federal agencies including the DHS and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will only accept state-issued IDs meeting Real ID requirements. For most people, the most prevalent effect of this policy will be providing identification for domestic flights. Aside from a Real ID, domestic airline passengers can use a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver’s license for identification purposes. Real IDs will only be accepted for domestic travel - they cannot be used for border crossings into Canada or Mexico or for any other international travel.

So, how do you know if you are Real ID ready? IDs meeting the requirements will have one of five symbols containing a star in the upper portion of the card. Check out the DHS’s Real ID FAQs page for more information and visit your state’s driver’s license issuing agency to gather the required documentation to obtain a Real ID. If you still need to update your ID to meet the requirements before the May 7, 2025 enforcement date, remember to do it sooner than later. Especially in the wake of the pandemic, many states are experiencing extended wait times for ID issuance.

ETIAS for European travel

Similar to the Real ID program in the US, the rollout of the European Travel Information and Authorization Systems (ETIAS) program in Europe has been delayed several times. Currently, the program is set to be implemented starting in mid-2025.

Once implementation begins, over 1 billion people from more than 60 visa-exempt countries will be required to obtain a travel authorization before entering 30 European countries. Travel authorizations will be linked to a traveler’s passport and will be valid for three years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first).

Although the language has been vague, ETIAS authorizations are not visas - they are for short-term stays, not for those looking to work or live in the countries requiring them. ETIAS will allow travelers to enter countries as often as they please for short-term stays - typically for up to 90 days within a 180 day period. This program closely reflects current travel standards throughout the world and was created to keep better track of who is coming and going from certain countries amid the increasing fear of terrorism worldwide. However, ETIAS are meant only for security and data purposes, they are not meant to deter any tourism, as many of the economies of the countries that will require them rely heavily on tourism

Despite the fact that the program will not be enforced until 2025, it is never too early to start planning for future travel. Check to see if any countries you plan to travel to will require an ETIAS travel authorization and keep an eye on the European Union’s ETIAS homepage for application information to become available. Once available, most applications will be processed within minutes, however, if you are asked to provide more information or invited for an interview, the process could take up to 30 days, so always apply as early as possible to be sure your application processes before your travel date.

When in doubt, apply early and always double check documentation requirements before travel

As these changes begin to roll out, remember that it never hurts to be prepared. Apply for new documentation early, always travel with a passport that doesn’t expire for at least six months, and double (or triple!) check which travel documents will be required throughout your trip. Aside from changes to IDs for domestic travel and authorizations for European travel, there have always been visa and medical card requirements for travel in certain countries. Check out the Elliott Report’s guide to passports, visas, and IDs for more information on less common travel documents that you won’t want to be caught without.

Travel is meant to fuel your soul - don’t spend time on your trip stressing about documents! Learn your travel ABCs now to save time later.