Are you giving the gift of travel to yourself or a loved one this holiday? Do you know about the new domestic and international requirements for 2025? Now is the time to make sure your documents are up to date to avoid missing take-off.
REAL ID - May 7
The deadline for travelers to be REAL-ID compliant is May 7, 2025. On that date, every state and US territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant state driver’s license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for boarding domestic flights. Alternate forms of identification include passports and passport cards.
For more information about REAL ID, visit dhs.gov/real-id.
UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - January 8
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) passengers can fly to London year-round on daily non-stop flights. Beginning May 23, 2025, American Airlines will restart its nonstop service between PHL and Edinburgh, Scotland. If your travels will take you to the United Kingdom- as a destination or even just an airport layover—and you are not a British or Irish citizen, you will need to complete an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you fly. Americans must have ETAs beginning January 8.
The ETA application can be completed with an app available for iPhones and Androids. The cost is about $13 (£10). For more information on ETAs and the application, visit gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y/usa/tourism.
Check your passport expiration date
If your passport is close to the expiration date, be sure to apply to have it renewed and check for any visa or passport requirements for the countries you plan to visit. Many countries will not allow visitors with passports that are expiring in less than six months. For information, visit travel.state.gov
European Union Passport Regulations for US Citizens
PHL’s airline partners fly to 13 countries in Europe's Schengen area. The passports for those traveling in countries in this area must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry. Passports must also be valid for at least six months for anyone connecting to Europe through Canada and the United Kingdom.
For more information on how to obtain a new passport or replace or renew a passport, visit travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html. Remember, passports for children under 16 are only valid for five years. Passports for those over 16 are valid for 10 years.
Coming in 2025: European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
Like the ETA for the United Kingdom, non-European Union citizens traveling to Schengen area countries will need a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) prior to departure. The date for the ETIAS has been delayed multiple times, but it is anticipated that it will go into effect in 2025.
Those traveling to Europe can register for email updates on the launch and for more information here: etias.com/.
Other Helpful Travel Resources
Real Time Updates When Traveling: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
The U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a helpful resource for US citizens and nationals traveling abroad. Those who register their trips via the website will receive real-time health, weather, safety, and security updates for the country they are visiting; obtain information about the local U.S. embassy for where they are visiting; and provide the local embassy or consulate with emergency contact information.
Expedite The Security Wait Time: Enroll in TSA PreCheck and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry
Save time when departing US airports or returning home from an international getaway by enrolling in a US Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler program. Among the benefits of the TSA’s PreCheck program are the ability to go through a designated security line without removing shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.
CBP’s Global Entry program directs members to kiosks as they return from international flights to participating airports, including PHL. A photo confirms the traveler’s membership and directs them to an officer. No paperwork or processing lines are required.
TSA PreCheck and CBP Global Entry charge a fee, require an application and in-person interview and are valid for five years. Global Entry involves an extensive background check and includes TSA PreCheck.
Those who have been conditionally approved for Global Entry, but still need to complete the interview process can do so at the PHL-CBP Global Entry Blitz weeknights now through December 20. The Blitz will be held in PHL’s Tour Room, located between Terminals C and D. No appointments are necessary, but eveyone must bring two forms of ID, including a valid US passport. For more information, visit phl.org/newsroom/Global-Entry-Dec.
