Travel Authorizations to Know: What’s Changing for Europe and the UK
As travel planning resumes for the year ahead, it’s helpful to be aware of a few updates quietly reshaping how travelers enter certain destinations — particularly across Europe and the United Kingdom.
Many countries are introducing electronic travel authorizations that must be completed before departure. These are not traditional visas, but they do require a bit of advance planning.
Europe: ETIAS Is Coming
Travelers visiting most countries within Europe’s Schengen Area will soon need to complete the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before arrival.
ETIAS is expected to launch in late 2026. While an exact start date has not yet been confirmed, it will apply to travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States.
Once in effect, ETIAS authorization will be completed online prior to travel. It will be electronically linked to your passport, valid for multiple trips over several years (or until your passport expires), and required for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Although ETIAS is still pending implementation, travelers planning trips to Europe in late 2026 and beyond should factor this step into their planning timeline.
United Kingdom: ETA Now Required
The United Kingdom has implemented its own Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
Travelers entering the UK for tourism, short business visits, or family travel are now required to obtain ETA approval before departure. This authorization is completed online and linked directly to your passport.
The UK ETA is generally valid for multiple entries over a set period, making it helpful to complete once and keep on record for future trips.
Planning with Ease
These new travel authorizations are designed to make border entry more efficient, but they do add one small step to the planning process. The good news is that once completed, they’re typically valid for multiple trips and easy to manage.
A little awareness — and a bit of advance planning — goes a long way.
We stay on top of the latest travel updates and entry requirements so you don’t have to. If you’re unsure how these changes might affect your trip, or just want a second set of eyes on the details, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help.
