The U.S. Transportation Security Administration on Thursday proposed a new rule that would hold off full enforcement of the upcoming Real ID deadline until no later than 2027.
The move follows the United Kingdom's confirmation that it would expand its Electronic Travel Authorisation program to inbound travelers from Europe and elsewhere in 2025.
The U.S. Real ID program is scheduled to begin May 7, 2025, after years of delays. (The original act was passed by Congress in 2005.) On that date, driver's licenses and identifications that are not Real ID compliant will not be accepted by federal agencies, including TSA at airport security checkpoints.
TSA's proposed rulemaking, though, instead would permit agencies "flexibility" in implementing the Real ID regulations before full enforcement on May 5, 2027.
Does this mean a passenger will be turned away on May 7 if they do not have a Real ID? Possibly.
If approved, the rule would allow TSA to consider a phased enforcement approach to Real ID implementation, although it's uncertain whether the agency would itself push back full enforcement. Travelers without a Real ID compliant ID or another form of acceptable ID after the May 7 deadline could face delays at airport security checkpoints, so it's still safest to have a Real ID prior to the deadline.
"TSA is engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to Real ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025," TSA administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. "Real ID provides an important security enhancement, and this rule allows us to plan for a range of scenarios to help minimize the potential impact to travelers, industry stakeholders and states during implementation."
Electronic Travel Authorization
The U.K.'s ETA, launched in 2023, initially applied to inbound travelers from several Middle Eastern countries, but on Tuesday, the British government confirmed that non-Europeans will need an ETA for U.K. travel beginning Jan. 8, 2025, while Europeans will need one beginning April 2. Non-Europeans can begin the application process on Nov. 27, while Europeans can begin the application process from March 5.
The program already is required for citizens of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
ETA is required for anyone planning to visit the United Kingdom—except British and Irish citizens. Travelers will need to apply and be approved for an ETA prior to their trip, and the document will be linked to a traveler's passport and "ensure more robust security checks."
An ETA will cost £10 (US$13.10), and they will permit multiple trips to the U.K. for stays of up to six months at a time over two years, or until the holder's passport expires, whichever is sooner. The aim of the program is to digitize the U.K. border and immigration system.
ETIAS (30 European Countries)
Meanwhile, beginning in the first half of 2025—the official start date has not yet been announced—visitors from 60 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will be required to have a European Travel Information and Authorisation System—ETIAS—travel authorization to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. It will be linked to a traveler's passport and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
With an ETIAS travel authorization, which will cost €7 (US$7.75), a person can enter these 30 European countries as often as they want for short-term stays (normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period). It does not, however, guarantee entry. According to the EU travel website, "most applications are processed within minutes," but it may take longer to process if additional information is needed, so apply "well in advance of your planned journey."
"When you get your ETIAS travel authorization, please make sure your name, passport number and other information is correct: if there is any mistake, you will not be allowed to cross the border," according to the EU.