In 2025, travellers to Europe will face new travel systems that may add to pre-trip to do lists with extra information required at border security.

“Ahead of the holiday season, travellers and businesses should be prepared for significant changes to travel authorization requirements for visitors to the UK,” said Holger Luikenga, VP Global Services Amex GBT, in a press release.

The most imminent change starts on January 8, 2025, from when eligible non-European visitors, including those from Canada, the US, and Australia, will need to obtain the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling.

This digital application process costs £10 ($18); it allows for multiple journeys and lasts for two years or until the person’s passport expires – whichever comes first.

Eligible visitors can apply for their ETA through the UK ETA app. Most applicants will get confirmation within three business days, although it may take longer if you have incomplete information or further checks are needed.

Visiting European Schengen area & Cyprus

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has faced various delays, but is expected to launch in mid-2025. Travellers from Canada and other countries eligible to enter the European Schengen Area and Cyprus without a visa will need an ETIAS when visiting. This includes transit passengers.

All 29 countries in the Schengen Area and Cyprus are participating in ETIAS.

As of October 2024, Schengen countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Amex GBT advises travel planners to check the ETIAS website regularly for updates. To help support seamless travel, the company has published detailed information, resources and links here.

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