Month: February 2025

Hello Adventurers,

A special warm welcome to many of you who are new to receiving my newsletter. I hope you find joy and inspiration from the stories and tips I share about travel. Here’s the latest scoop!

Travel in 2025: What You Need to Know About New Document Requirements

The world of travel is evolving, and 2025 brings a host of new updates. With changes to U.S. domestic and U.S. passport requirements, new entry systems in Europe and the UK, and consumer protection improvements, staying informed can make your adventures smoother.

XOOM Tours breaks it all down so you can be prepared for your next journey.

REAL ID: The New U.S. Domestic Air Travel Standard

Starting May 7, 2025, the Federal REAL ID Act finally goes into effect. If you’re flying within the U.S., you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-approved form of identification, such as a passport, to board any domestic flight or enter a federal facility.

So, how do you know if you already have a REAL ID? Check for a star or flag in the corner of your ID. If it’s not there, it’s time to upgrade. According to recent data from the Department of Homeland Security, only 56% of driver’s licenses in circulation are considered Real ID compliant.

Here’s how to get your REAL ID…

• Visit your local DMV’s website to confirm the required documents (typically proof of identity, Social Security, and residency).
• Make an appointment to streamline the process.

Remember, a valid passport works too, but getting a REAL ID ensures access to certain federal facilities and smooth domestic travel.

Heading to the UK? ETA is Your New Travel Companion

If the UK is on your itinerary for 2025 or beyond, you’ll need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This system, launched on January 8, 2025, is designed to streamline border entry for travelers from visa-exempt countries like the U.S.

Here’s the quick lowdown…

• Apply via the official UK government website or ETA app. The process is usually processed quickly (minutes to a few days).
• Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years and allows multiple entries.

Important to Note…

The UK ETA is linked to a specific passport. So, if you need to renew your passport, you will need to apply for a new UK ETA using the new passport.

While it’s not a visa, the ETA adds an extra layer of security and ensures a hassle-free arrival.

Traveling to Europe? Get to Know ETIAS

Planning a European adventure? The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) launches this Fall 2025, adding a new step for U.S. travelers visiting 30 European countries. Think of it as Europe’s answer to the U.S. ESTA system.

Here’s what you need to know…

• The application is simple, will cost around $10, and will be competed online.
• Once approved, ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, allowing multiple short-term stays (up to 90 days within 180 days).

Additionally, Europe will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), which uses biometric data to track entries and exits. While there’s no action required for EES, it’s good to be aware of this enhanced security measure.

Not only do passports expire, but there are other very important conditions that may make your passport invalid.

This is more common than you think. Over the past few years I’ve had clients with expired passports, and recently a few that wanted to travel in less than 10 days, but their passports were expired.

In another case, they didn’t think it would be a problem since they’d be back in the U.S. before it ‘officially expired’. Unfortunately, the destination where they wanted to travel to, like most countries, require passports to be valid 6 months BEYOND your dates of travel to guarantee entry.

Four very important things to confirm on your passport!

1. Six-Month Validity Requirement – Let’s take a closer look at this detail. What is your passport’s “Date of Expiration”? Most countries require a passport to have six months of validity, BEYOND the dates of your travel. Also, many airlines will not let you board if you don’t meet this requirement. You can renew at any time, but it is recommended you do it nine months to a year before it expires.
2. Blank Pages – Many countries like Canada, Mexico, Peru, the United Kingdom, Italy and Iceland require at least one blank passport page for valid entry. Several others like China, Belgium, Norway, Portugal, and India require two full blank pages. If you show up without the required empty pages, you can literally be turned away. Keep in mind the last two pages of a U.S. Passport do not qualify as visa pages. So, if you need a visa, make sure you have an empty page with “visa” at the top.
3. New Passport, New Visa – When your passport expires, even if your visa is still valid, many countries won’t recognize a valid visa in an expired passport. China, India, Saudi Arabia and Brazil are the exceptions, but you’ll have to carry both the new and expired passports.
4. Face Tattoo or Face Surgery – This applies if someone has been in an accident resulting in major facial surgery that alters their appearance, or those that may have added facial tattoos or piercings that significantly alter their appearance. You’ll need to renew your passport and passport photo.

New Online U.S. Passport Renewal System

Renewing your U.S. passport just got easier! Since late 2024, you can now complete the process entirely online through MyTravelGov. This is a game-changer for travelers.

Here are the basics…

• Eligibility: U.S. residents over 25 years old with a 10-year passport that haven’t had any major changes (name, gender, etc.).
• Create an account at MyTravelGov and follow the “Renew Your Passport” process.
• You’ll receive updates on your application status via email, including when your new passport ships.

Renew early if your passport expires within six months of your travel dates, as many countries won’t allow entry otherwise.

Consumer Protections for Air Travelers

Good news for U.S. travelers! The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new rules are putting more power in your hands:

• Airlines must now refund passengers for significant schedule changes (over three hours domestically or six hours internationally), cabin downgrades, or inaccessible services.
• Compensation is required for issues like lost baggage or undelivered paid services (e.g., Wi-Fi).
• Hidden family seating fees are also banned, ensuring families can sit together without extra costs.

These protections mean fewer surprises and a more transparent booking experience.

What Should You Do Now?

Here’s how to stay ahead of these changes:

1. Upgrade to a REAL ID if you haven’t already. Visit your state DMV website to schedule your appointment.
2. Apply early for ETA and ETIAS for your UK and European travel. Don’t wait until the last minute!
3. Check your passport’s expiration date and renew online if eligible.
4. Stay informed: Rules can evolve, so check official sources before booking.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

While you’re preparing for these updates, consider adding travel insurance to your pre-trip checklist. From unexpected delays, lost luggage and medical emergencies, a good policy ensures peace of mind and keeps your plans on track.

At XOOM Tours, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and plan unforgettable adventures.

“Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion.” ~Leigh Hunt