"American travelers headed to the United Kingdom next year will need to fill out online authorizations ahead of their trips, as part of new rules that take effect in early January.
Visitors to the European Union will also face new regulations, with more information to be released next month.
The changes mark a meaningful disruption to European travel from the U.S.
Travelers have grown accustomed to booking tickets to much of Europe without applying for a visa or other advanced permission.
Those who don't apply in advance risk being denied entry to the country they hope to visit.
New U.K. rules
Many U.S. travelers headed to the U.K. in 2025 will need to apply online for a travel authorization ahead of their trips.
Those visitors must have advance permission regardless of their age, including all children. The electronic travel authorization (or ETA) is required for arrivals starting Jan. 8.
Travelers can submit the application online or through the ETA app. The application costs 10 pounds, or a little under $13.
Approval can take up to three business days, the U.K. government says.
The authorization is good for two years, so travelers don't need to reapply every time. However, if you get a new passport, you will need a new authorization.
Travelers must provide a photo of themselves and of their passport to apply.
Even travelers with layovers in the U.K. must apply, which differentiates this program from others requiring advance notice.
That means if you're flying from New York City to Amsterdam but have a layover in London, you still must complete the authorization ahead of your trip.
The authorization isn't a visa and is intended for short stays. Travelers who require permission to study or work should check whether they need to go through the more extensive visa-application process.
EU rules
Americans traveling to more than 25 European countries, including Italy, France and Spain, will have their faces and fingerprints scanned and logged in a new digital registration system, likely beginning next year.
The entry-exit system has been delayed multiple times, but European Council officials said Thursday that a road map for the system will be put out with dates by Jan. 31.
The system stores four fingerprints and a photo of the traveler's face.
It won't be optional: If you refuse to have fingerprints or a photo taken, you will be denied entry into the country.
U.S. travelers and those from over 50 other countries will also need prior authorization to enter certain European countries, but that requirement won't go into effect until six months after the entry-exit system launches. It will be good for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The context
More countries require advance authorization for travelers as part of a push to enhance security and expedite border crossings.
The entry-exit system also helps mark when travelers cross borders and automatically notes when travelers overstay.
The U.S. also asks foreign travelers to complete authorizations ahead of their trips." [1]
1. Travelers to Europe Must Register First. Pohle, Allison. Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y.. 16 Dec 2024: A.11.
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