1. Real ID Enforcement to Begin May 7 The enforcement date has not changed from May 7, 2025 and the rule finalized the two-year phased period in which agencies may begin card-based enforcement provisions.
It means that beginning May 7, Americans traveling domestically via commercial air will need a Real ID to board. According to the TSA, approximately 56 percent of driver’s licenses in circulation nationally are REAL ID-compliant. It adds that in 34 States, less than 60 percent of IDs in circulation are compliant, and, of those, 22 states have less than 40 percent compliancy.Here is the link to Real ID site. I have not figured out how to make it live in this new system so you will have to copy the link and put it in your browser: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/real-id/
2. Flying to or through England 4 days prior to air to UK (England) Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
YOU MUST DO THIS AT LEAST 4 DAYS BEFORE TRAVEL
Complete an online application.
Provide passport details, a digital photo, and pay a non-refundable fee of £10.00 (approximately $13.00). Processing typically takes three working days.
You can apply on your own or work through a third-party processor, such as CIBT, for a fee.
The ETA will be digitally linked to the traveler’s passport and remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Here is the link to apply: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#apply-for-an-eta
3. Travel to EU countries in Europe
Americans will need a valid travel document to which a visa may be affixed but you (Americans) do not need a visa just a ETIAS travel authorization. Appears that this system has not yet been implemented but is scheduled to go in effect mid-year. Here is a link to the https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.
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With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.
Your travel document should not expire in less than three months and it should not be older than 10 years. If your document expires sooner, check here to know how it affects your travel.
A travel document which does not comply with international standards may be rejected during the application process. It may also pose problems when a carrier verifies your travel authorization prior to boarding. If you have any doubt about whether your travel document entitles you to cross the borders of the European countries requiring ETIAS (and to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization), please check the European Council’s website
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requirements if you travel: Real ID, Europe ETIAS permit, England
#requirements if you travel: Real ID, Europe ETIAS permit, England