Four of the Biggest Rule Changes Coming for Travelers and Advisors in 2025

Advisors are no stranger to the rules of travel changing—ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the litany of new requirements and rules being rolled out on a regular basis has made travel more complicated than ever (and has also made consumers realize the value of a travel advisor).

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic being long in the rear-view mirror, the onslaught of rule changes in travel isn’t stopping. Aside from a set of new tourist taxes that are going to make travel more expensive, there are other rules coming that are going to greatly impact how the public has to travel and how travel advisors need to operate. Here are maybe the four most important rules coming in 2025, starting with the launch of the first-ever visa program from one of North America’s most popular international destinations.

1. The United Kingdom’s ETA – Jan. 8, 2025

Starting on Jan. 8, 2025, Americans and Canadians will both be required to apply and get approved for the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) when traveling to the U.K.

The ETA will be required for everyone regardless of how long they are staying in the U.K. or their reasons for travel, including simply connecting through a U.K. airport. It essentially grants permission for travelers to be in the U.K. as part of the country’s mission to modernize its immigration system and strengthen its border.

Applicants will have to fill in their information on the U.K. government website or via the U.K. ETA app on their phone. The application requires a photograph and some personal details, including passport information, along with a £10 application fee.

Travelers will be able to apply on behalf of others, so one member of a family or a group can secure visas for the whole traveling party.

The U.K. promises that the application process is “simple and fast” and that applicants will get a decision within three working days, but maybe sooner. If an ETA application is refused, travelers will need to apply for a visa instead.

2. REAL ID Launch – May 7, 2025

A long awaited, and dreaded, requirement for American travelers will finally go on the books in May when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) starts enforcing its new REAL ID requirement.

Starting on May 7, 2025, Americans flying with their driver’s license will only be able to do so if they are REAL ID approved. REAL ID-compliant IDs and driver’s licenses will usually have a marking on the top portion of the card—most often a star—that will prove its compliance.

For travelers who do not have a REAL ID and want to get one before the May 2025 deadline, the first stop is to go to their state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what is needed to get a REAL ID. Typically, at minimum, those applying for a REAL ID will need to provide a full legal name, date of birth, social security number, and two proofs of address. Other requirements could be needed depending on the state. The state-by-state guidelines can be found here.

3. ARC’s New Reporting Deadline – Jan. 13, 2025

As part of its plans to “expedite transaction data,” Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) is changing the way it requires agencies to report air ticket sales early next year.

Starting on Jan. 13, 2025, ARC will require agencies to authorize their weekly sales reports by 1:59 p.m. EST each Tuesday, save for Monday and Tuesday holiday weeks. Previously, ARC required air ticket sales to be reported by 11:59 p.m. EST.

Announcing the change on Thursday, in a message seen by TMR, ARC told its members that the change in process will allow for faster customer refunds—refunds/exchanges issued on Monday or Sunday will be accelerated by one day—and quicker access to sales data for agencies and airlines.

4. Europe’s New Entry/Exit System – Sometime in 2025

While the date still remains up in the air, Europe is planning to launch its new Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-Europeans starting sometime in 2025. The EES will be for travelers who do not have a short-stay visa or are not staying more than 90 days in a 180-period, which typically means all North American travelers. Just like the ETA, the EES will likely require travelers to enter some personal data, along with entry and exit dates. Also just like the ETA, Europe says the purpose is to “modernize” its border management system and improve security.

The EES was supposed to be operational in 2023 and has suffered from delays, like a lot of these programs. As of December 2024, Europe still says that the EES “is due to start in 2025” but has not yet given an exact date. The EES lays the groundwork for the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require all non-European, including travelers from the U.S., Canada, and U.K., to apply for, and pay for, a visa before entering any of the EU member nations. The ETIAS is scheduled to go into effect six months after the EES launches.