Planning a major international meeting? Then you absolutely need to be aware of some significant changes impacting travel documents this year.
These changes could seriously impact your attendees, leading to airport headaches if you’re not prepared.
Let’s be honest: nobody wants stressed-out attendees, right?
That’s why I’m sharing five key updates to keep in mind, directly from Barbara Scofidio’s insightful piece on February 18th, 2025.
These are essential updates for smooth sailing, and early communication is key!
First up: Online passport renewal is now a thing in the US.
Since September 2024, US citizens meeting specific requirements can renew their passports online, ditching the old paper application and mail-in check system.
This is a convenient upgrade, but make sure your attendees are aware of the eligibility criteria.
Next, let’s talk about digital IDs.
Mobile-based IDs are gaining traction with airlines and border control, promising faster processing at security.
While adoption isn’t universal yet, this trend is definitely worth watching and letting your attendees know about.
For those traveling to the UK, there’s a new requirement: the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Non-European citizens now need an ETA, which, importantly, isn’t a visa.
Think of it as a digital travel permit linked to their passport, allowing multiple trips over two years or until the passport expires.
The world’s becoming more interconnected, and that’s reflected in expanding visa-free zones.
Initiatives like the Digital Nomad Visa are growing, along with more visa waiver agreements between countries.
Staying updated on these developments is crucial, so you can keep your attendees informed and avoid any surprises.
Finally, keep your eye on ETIAS: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
Launching in 2025, ETIAS isn’t a visa either; it’s a pre-screening system allowing visa-free entry to the EU and Schengen Area for those who apply online, share their information, and pass a security check.
Early communication and proactive planning are your best weapons against travel snafus.
Give your attendees plenty of heads-up about these changes, and set clear deadlines for confirming their travel documents are in order.
Remember, a well-informed attendee is a happy attendee.