VISA
Below are the new travel requirements for the United Kingdom, countries of the European Union, Egypt, 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.
Egypt - E-Visa
E-VISA
Egypt’s Electronic Visa (E-Visa) system is the country’s official electronic entry requirement for foreign travelers, replacing the traditional visa-on-arrival process. To ensure smooth entry and avoid significant border delays upon landing, all international tourists are expected to secure their authorization online prior to departure.
The application is completed entirely online through Egypt’s official government portal, and primary applicants have the convenience of submitting for multiple family members within a single application.
Your E-Visa is recommended to be completed at least 7 days prior to departure. A single-entry visa permits stays of up to 30 days and is valid for entry within 90 days of issuance. To apply, be prepared to provide:
- Your passport (and a clear photo/scan of your passport info page in .JPG or .PNG format)
- A valid credit card for payment
The current application cost is $30 USD for a single-entry visa (or $65 USD for a multiple-entry visa if your itinerary leaves and re-enters Egypt), and you can apply directly online:
Israel - ETA-IL
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:
- Your passport
- A way to pay (credit or debit card)
As of January 7th, 2025, the current application cost is ₪25 NIS, or approximately $7 USD, and your can apply directly online:
The United Kingdom - ETA
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:
- Your passport
- A photo of yourself
- A way to pay (credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay)
As of January 7th, 2025, the current application cost is £10 GBP, or approximately $13 USD, and you can apply directly online:
The European Union - EES/ETIAS
EES/ETIAS
The European Union is in the process of rolling out two major travel systems that will impact U.S. passport holders and other visa-exempt travelers: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
EES
Began October 12, 2025
EES became operational on October 12, 2025, as originally planned.
It is being rolled out progressively/gradually across the 29 participating European countries (primarily Schengen Area members, including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, etc.). This means biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial scans for those 13+) is being introduced incrementally at external border points over a 6-month period.
Full implementation is expected by April 10, 2026 (some sources note April 9), when the system will be fully operational at all external borders. Until then, experiences may vary by border crossing, airport, or country—some may still use manual passport stamping in the early phases.
Other Notes: No major delays to the overall timeline have been confirmed by official EU sources, though some media reports mentioned potential flexibility or partial suspensions in exceptional cases (e.g., peak travel periods). The requirements for travelers (biometrics for ages 13+, passport presentation) remain as described. This applies even for connections if you pass border control, but not typically for airside layovers.
Official EU site confirms this phased approach with no immediate action needed beyond being prepared for biometrics at borders.
Under the EES:
All travelers aged 13 and older will be required to:
- Present a valid passport
- Submit to fingerprinting
- Consent to a facial recognition scan (photo taken at border control)
Children 12 and under will still present their passport and may have a photo taken, but will not be fingerprinted.
ETIAS
Launch Status: Still scheduled for the last quarter of 2026 (Q4 2026, e.g., October–December). No exact date has been announced yet—the EU will provide several months' notice before launch.
Following the implementation of EES, ETIAS is scheduled to begin operations in late 2026. Once in effect, ETIAS authorization will be mandatory for all travelers visiting any of the 30 participating European countries, including popular destinations such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Iceland, Belgium, and more.
The ETIAS authorization is not a travel visa, but a pre-screening requirement for short-term travel. It will:
- Be valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires—whichever comes first
- Allow stays of up to 90 days within a 180—day period
- Apply to travelers entering for tourism (such as group travel), business, or transit (see EES above)
To apply, travelers will need:
- A valid passport
- A photograph
- A credit or debit card for payment
- Basic travel details (purpose, destination, duration)
The application fee is now confirmed at €20 (about $21–22 USD, depending on exchange rates). Exemptions remain for those under 18 and over 70 (they must still apply but pay no fee).
Important Note
There is no option to opt out of EES or ETIAS. Travelers who decline biometric screening under EES will be refused entry, and those who fail to obtain ETIAS approval (once required) may be denied boarding by airlines flying to Europe.
At this time, no immediate action is needed. The EU will announce the precise start date in advance. We recommend keeping an eye on this page or contacting your Operations Representative for updates closer to your scheduled travel date.