New Travel Documents You May Need for 2025

and 

The Annual Mon Voyage Survey for 2026 Small Group Trips

We're looking ahead in this edition. First, I have just launched the annual survey in which YOU help determine the destinations for 2026 and early 2027 Mon Voyage Small Group Trips. Your opinions and suggestions are critical in making those decisions, and now is the time we start to put 2026 plans in place. Please take a few minutes to complete the short survey before December 1st.

(You can find updates on current trips at the end of this article.)

Second, I wanted to review several important new travel document requirements which may affect you after the first of the year.

Prepare for Your 2025 Adventures: New Travel Document Requirements

As 2025 approaches, travelers need to gear up for new document regulations that may affect international journeys. Whether you’re planning a bucket-list adventure or traveling for work, it’s essential to stay informed to avoid any hiccups at customs. Here’s a quick rundown of the changes and how to prepare:

The UK’s ETA in 2025

Traveling to the United Kingdom? Starting in early January 2025, many travelers will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the country--even if you are only changing planes. This new requirement is part of the UK’s efforts to enhance border security and streamline entry processes.

What Is the ETA?

The ETA is not a visa but a mandatory electronic authorization to travel to the UK. It’s designed to:

• Pre-screen travelers before they arrive.
• Speed up border control processes.
• Enhance overall security for the UK.

Who Needs an ETA?

The ETA will apply to travelers from visa-exempt countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. If you currently don’t need a visa to visit the UK for short stays, you will likely still need an ETA before your trip.

How to Apply

The application process is entirely online and straightforward:

1. Visit the official UK ETA portal here.
2. Provide your details: Passport information, travel plans, and personal information.
3. Pay the application fee (expected to be modest, around £10-£20).
4. Wait for approval: Most applications will be processed within minutes, though some may take up to 72 hours.

Once approved, your ETA will be electronically linked to your passport and valid for two years.

When Will You Need an ETA?

Starting November 27, 2024, US passport holders may apply for ETAs good for travel starting January 8, 2025. The ETA is required before boarding a flight, ferry, or train to the UK. It applies to short-term visits for:

• Tourism
• Business trips
• Family visits
• Transiting through the UK (changing planes)

Fancy Updated Passports and REAL ID

Some countries are now requiring biometric passports for enhanced security. If your passport was issued more than ten years ago or lacks an embedded electronic chip, it’s time for a renewal. These passports include a microchip that stores personal data, making border crossings smoother. Does yours have a chip? Read more and see the symbol here.

In case you missed the news earlier this year, most US passport holders may now apply for renewal online here. Processing times are very good right now--officially four to six weeks, but recently they've been faster than that (unofficially).

Tip: Check your passport’s expiration date—many countries mandate at least six months of validity from your travel date.

Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need to have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license for domestic flights. You can check if your driver's license or ID is REAL ID-compliant by:

• Looking for a star (and/or flag) or "Enhanced" on your ID
• Using an interactive tool on the Homeland Security (.gov) website
• Checking if your state is REAL ID compliant at dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief

ETIAS for Europe still on the horizon

Starting at some point in in 2025--exactly when, we still do not know--travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before visiting most European countries. ETIAS isn’t a visa, but it’s a mandatory pre-screening process that adds an extra layer of security for Schengen Area nations.

The process should be quick—most approvals will be issued within minutes—but it’s wise to apply at least a few weeks before departure, once the rule goes into effect. There will be a modest fee (around €7) and the authorization will be valid for three years.

The official website for information and applications for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is managed by the European Union. You can find the dedicated page at travel-europe.europa.eu. This site includes all official guidance on who needs to apply, how to complete the process, and key requirements​

Plan Ahead

Ensure your 2025 travel plans for the UK, Europe, and beyond go smoothly by securing your documents in advance. I recommend using the official websites mentioned above for secure and direct processing​.

Staying proactive about these new travel requirements can save you time and stress at the airport. Take a moment to review your documents, check destination-specific rules, and plan early for a seamless travel experience in 2025 and beyond.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Small Group Updates

A Mon Voyage PERFECT PAIRING: Rhône Roaming and the Ravishing Riviera 

I'm so excited for a fantabulous trip to the South of France in late August-early September 2025. You may choose a luxuriously indulgent Riverside Ravel Luxury Cruise on the Rhône (with spectacularly favorable launch pricing*) and/or an enchanting weeklong City Break in Nice and the Côte d'Azur. Click here for the brochure.  Riverside has only been sailing for two seasons but was recently named by Forbes as the best river cruise line for Europe.

*PLEASE NOTE that the first of four promotions that have been applied to the Rhône cruise pricing will expire on November 30th.

Gems of Southeast Europe: This luxurious late June 2025 river cruise aboard the AmaMagna (the ship I call the Queen of the Danube) will be a change of pace. We'll visit countries that spent many decades behind the Iron Curtain. This cruise will surely be both enlightening and educational, in addition to being relaxing and indulgent. Read more here. Note that the cabins are about 90% sold at this time.

LAST CALL: One week in Hungarian wine country and Budapest: If you'd like to add a memorably intimate Hungarian wine tour of Eger and Tokaj (plus Budapest) after the late June cruise, space for this specially curated land extension is very limited. We're staying at a castle. On a vineyard. Seriously. See the brochure here. Reservations for this tour will close on December 2nd.

You are also welcome to participate in this tour even without the cruise!

Wonders of Colombia: Looking for a new destination? How about Colombia's Magdalena River? Join us for this colorful new itinerary aboard the brand new AmaMelodia in late January 2026. Take a look at this cruise here. This trip is still 14 months away but there are only FIVE CABINS LEFT on the ship. Based on the dwindling number of cabins, I would expect this sailing to be sold out by the end of 2024.