Below are the new travel requirements for the United Kingdom, countries of the European Union, as well as Israel. As much as we’d love to see one universal system, we know that simply isn’t possible. Ultimately, due to a growing border crisis overseas, many countries have voted to institute these new travel authorization programs, and they’ve got some interesting abbreviations (albeit, a bit confusing) but we’ll break it down for you.
While many of these programs provide instant approval or rejection upon submission, we strongly recommend applying at least 30 days in advance. This allows ample time to address any potential issues, such as errors in your application, payment processing problems, or unexpected delays. Preparing early ensures a smooth process and gives you peace of mind before your trip. Approximately 30 days before your departure, you will receive an email from our office with detailed instructions on how to obtain your visa. Please keep an eye on your inbox and follow the provided steps to ensure a smooth process.
If you have upcoming travel impacted by these requirements, don’t hesitate to contact our team for guidance.
ETA
The United Kingdom will launch its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program on January 8, 2025. This new requirement applies to all visitors from North America (including the United States, Canada, and Mexico), who must complete their ETA application before traveling. Failure to obtain the ETA in advance may result in denied entry to the UK.
Uniquely, this program extends to layovers, meaning even if you’re only transiting through airports like London Heathrow (LHR), you’ll need an approved ETA. The requirement covers travel to England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, ensuring compliance is essential for all forms of entry.
Your ETA will be valid for up to 2 years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first) and allow for stays of up to 6 months at a time when visiting family and friends, on business, or short-term studies. To apply, be prepared to provide:
As of January 7th, 2025, the current application cost is £10 GBP, or approximately $13 USD, and you can apply directly online:
ETIAS
The European Union's European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is now scheduled to commence operations in the last quarter of 2026. This timeline follows the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which is expected to launch in October 2025. ETIAS will become mandatory approximately six months after EES is operational.
ETIAS will apply to travelers visiting 30 European countries, including popular destinations such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Belgium. This system aims to enhance border security while streamlining entry processes for short-term stays across the EU.
The ETIAS authorization will be valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and will allow stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. To apply, you will need:
Applicants under 18 or over 70 years of age will be exempt from the application fee. The application cost is €7 EUR, approximately $8 USD, and can be completed directly online.
Please note that no action is required from travelers at this point. The European Union will announce the specific start date for ETIAS several months prior to its launch.
ETA-IL
Israel’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL), introduced on January 1, 2025, is the country’s new visa system, replacing the traditional B2 visa. This requirement now applies to all travelers from North America visiting the Holy Land.
For the past six months, ETA-IL operated as a free pilot program and has now fully launched as one of the most advanced systems in the world. Similar to CLEAR or TSA PreCheck in the U.S., the process is streamlined: upon arrival, travelers simply approach a kiosk, take a quick photo, and proceed—making entry both efficient and convenient.
Your ETA-IL will be valid for up to 2 years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first) and allow for stays of up to 90 days at a time with no limit on the number of annual visits currently. To apply, be prepared to provide:
As of January 7th, 2025, the current application cost is ₪25 NIS, or approximately $7 USD, and your can apply directly online: