Preparing well for your trip pays BIG dividends. 

We work hard to provide you with helpful information to prepare for your trip, including an email series that covers the significant aspects of your trip, a library of Two-Minute Travel Tips, the Know Before You Go pages on our website, and even Stella Pelegrina: A Program for Pilgrim Formation. 

As we can’t possibly tell you EVERYTHING, we also encourage you to do some of your own research online and through travel books. 

Here are a few timely updates that you should be aware of. 

ETIAS and ETA-UK

ETIAS

We have received numerous calls over the past few weeks regarding the pending rollout of the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This new travel document requirement is often referred to as a “new visa,” but in reality, it is simply a pre-travel registration required for travel to the European Union.

The program has been repeatedly pushed back. Nothing has changed since the February update. The ETIAS is not expected to begin until the fourth quarter of 2026. 

ETA-UK

The ETA-UK is similar to the ETIAS for travelers to the United Kingdom. This system is in place, and you will need to obtain authorization before traveling to the United Kingdom.

For details and updates, as they become available, please see our Visas and ETA’s page here: https://selectinternationaltours.com/visas/

Greece Adds Sustainable Tourism Development Fees

Greece has recently introduced Sustainable Tourism Development Fees for travelers visiting Santorini, Mykonos, and other ports in Greece. The fees vary in price (between €4 and €20) depending on the travel dates, per port. Many of Select’s Greece trips include a cruise portion that visits these ports. 

The fees are NOT INCLUDED in the price of your trip and will be billed by the cruise line before disembarking. Please prepare to pay them via credit card when checking out.

Travel Protection Updates

Protecting your travel investment is an essential part of preparing to travel abroad. The unexpected costs of delays, trip interruptions, or emergency medical care can add up, so having a comprehensive travel protection policy can be extremely helpful. 

Many of our passengers heed our advice to purchase optional travel protection through Trawick International. The policy has recently undergone several updates, including changes to underwriters and the addition of new benefits, such as pre-trip telehealth appointments and lounge passes for extended airport delays. Additionally, CFAR coverage is now available to travelers living in Washington. 

For more information and complete details, please visit Trawick International’s website or call them at 1-888-681-6272.