Visas and ETA's
ETA and ETIAS Requirements
If you follow travel news, you have likely heard about new developments in electronic travel authorizations. Acronyms like ETIAS, ETA, and ETA-IL have been popping up in the news, creating confusion and causing some people unnecessary worry. Let’s unpack this and give you some answers and peace of mind.
First, let’s take a look at the different acronyms.
ETA-UK
Traveling to/Through the UK
ETA (also referred to as UK-ETA or ETA-UK) is an electronic travel authorization that United States passport holders must complete before traveling to or through the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland). What is important to note about this particular authorization is that whether you remain in the United Kingdom or simply pass through on a connecting flight at Heathrow, for example, you are still required to fill out the ETA.
Important Facts:
- This program requires travelers to download an app to their phones in order to apply.
- The ETA-UK application costs 10 pounds (about USD 13.00).
- It is valid for two years from the date of approval or when your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- You MUST have this pre-authorization to travel to or THROUGH the UK.
- You MUST apply at least 96 hours prior to travel.
ETIAS
For Traveling to the EU
Select has been sharing the ETIAS updates with our pilgrims for quite some time. Originally slated to begin in 2022, there have been some setbacks, and the date continues to be pushed back. While no date has been announced, we expect the ETIAS launch will happen around the summer of 2025.
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. While not technically a VISA, it requires all non-EU travelers to be pre-approved for travel through the EU. The system is meant to improve security by tracking and monitoring travelers entering the member states. Similar systems are in place for visitors traveling to the United States.
Important Facts:
- ETIAS approval lasts for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- There is a nominal fee of 7 euros (which is $7.12 USD at the time of this article).
- It is free for travelers over 70.
- You MUST apply at least 96 hours before departure.
The EU will also introduce biometric screening upon arrival sometime in 2025. This will be a kiosk shortly after departing the jetway, where you will need to scan your passport and take a photo. The system will print you a ticket, which you will need for entry into the country.
ETA-IL
Traveling to Israel
Starting in January 2025, travelers from the United States need to register online for an electronic travel authorization to enter Israel.
Important Facts:
- The ETA-IL is valid for two years from the approval date or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- The ETA-IL application costs 25 NIS (about $7.00 USD).
- You MUST have this pre-authorization to travel to Israel.
- You MUST apply at least 96 hours prior to travel.
- Once you begin the application you must complete it within 30 minutes or the system deletes the application and you will need to start over.
Israel already uses biometric screening for travelers when they enter the country. They simply scan their passports and receive a ticket that is kept with them until they depart. Most pilgrims will agree that it is an organized and easy process.
What You Need Before You Apply
- Dates of travel: You will be asked when you are traveling, so please ensure you have your dates handy. Please note that, with ETA and ETIAS approval, you can travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Valid Passport: Please review your passport to confirm it is not expiring for at least six months after the return date of your trip. If you need to renew your passport, give yourself plenty of time and renew it BEFORE applying for an ETA, ETIAS, or ETA-IL. You must have a valid passport at the time you apply.
- Personal Information: including address, phone number, and email address is required during the application process, so please have it handy.
- Credit card: to pay your online fee.
- Mobile Phone: You may be required to use your phone to complete your application. For example, the ETA-UK requires you to take pictures of your passport, as well as yourself, to scan the chip in your passport, and to upload them all to the application. This is most easily accomplished using the official app.
- Patience: We have mentioned this in other posts, but it certainly helps to approach this task with extra patience. Navigating things like this can be frustrating and even stressful. To be better prepared, take a deep breath, read through the information, and take it one step at a time.
Regardless of where you are traveling, your application should be submitted at least 96 hours before your travel date. However, we highly encourage you to apply further in advance just in case you run into any issues.
Many of you have traveled with Select before, but remember that rules for international travel can change often, so please do your due diligence before traveling. We highly encourage you to follow our social media for updates and check out the websites and videos provided to answer questions and help explain the process.
Lastly, we cannot do this for you. Each pilgrim is responsible for submitting their application and following up with any feedback received. Select will continue to update the information on our website and answer any questions you have.
Companies That Provide Visa Service
If you would prefer to have your ETA or ETIAS completed for you for an additional fee, we suggest looking for a visa service company. While we have no affiliation with the following companies, they may be of help to you in this regard:
COMING SOON!
We are working on creating videos to walk you through the process for applying for each of these Electronic Travel Authorizations. Please check back often for updates and to watch the tutorials.
General Visa Information
Select International Tours assumes that you are traveling on a USA Passport. If any visas are required for your trip, we will make every effort to notify you of the requirements before you travel. However, it is important that you do your due diligence in ensuring you have all the proper documentation to travel. Foreign nations may change their entry requirements at any time and failure to have the proper documentation at a border entry is solely the responsibility of the individual traveler. Should you be denied entry due to incomplete or invalid documentation all cancellation terms and fees apply.
If you are traveling with a Non-USA passport, please contact your embassy for information regarding required visas for your trip.
Please note that Select International Tours does not provide visa service. All required visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler.