Security Archives - Sophisticated Travel

New Rules for Europe Travel: What Americans Need to Know About ETIAS and EES

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond If you’ve got your heart set on exploring the cobblestone streets of Italy, strolling through Parisian markets, or hiking the fjords of Norway in the next few years, there’s some important news you’ll want to know. Europe is changing the way it welcomes international visitors—and yes, that includes travelers from the United States. Two major systems are being introduced to strengthen European border security and manage short-term visits more efficiently: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). These changes won’t stop you from traveling, but they ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-04-07T13:10:16-04:00April 10th, 2025|

“REAL ID Deadline 2025: What U.S. Travelers Need to Know Before Boarding a Domestic Flight”

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond As of May 7, 2025, significant changes are coming to domestic air travel in the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin enforcing the REAL ID Act, requiring travelers aged 18 and over to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights. This shift aims to enhance security measures and standardize identification protocols nationwide. Understanding the REAL ID Act Enacted in 2005 in response to the September 11 attacks, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-04-14T11:05:05-04:00April 7th, 2025|

How to Get an Expedited U.S. Passport: What You Need to Know Before You Travel

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond If you’re planning a trip abroad and suddenly realize you need a passport—or you’ve got one, but it’s expired or close to expiring—you still have options. Whether you’re traveling in a few weeks or a few days, here’s a clear breakdown of how to expedite your U.S. passport based on your timeline and situation. 📌 First, Know Your Timing When we talk about passport processing, there are two timeframes to consider: Processing time (how long it takes the government to issue your passport) Mailing time (the shipping time to and from the ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-04-04T11:05:44-04:00April 4th, 2025|

FEDEX launches expedited passport service

With passport applications now taking 18 weeks to complete, more travelers are needing to use passport expediters. For an extra fee, expediters can reduce the wait time from 18 weeks to just days, even overnight. FEDEX & RushMyPassport Partnership NOTE: We are a travel agency. For assistance with FEDEX & RushMyPassport call 877 503.9838. FEDEX has teamed up with RushMyPassport to offer a new service which is available at over 2,000 FEDEX offices throughout the United States. While the U.S. State Department offers expedited passport service, it's expedited program delivers you passport in 2 - 3 weeks. ......

By Brian Raymond|2025-02-03T10:11:42-05:00February 2nd, 2025|

New European entry authorization requirement (ETIAS) pushed back to mid-2025

UPDATED: November 1, 2023, to reflect new implementation date - mid-2025 Europe is one of the top tourist destinations for American travelers in part because of our history and heritage ties, but also because of the ease of travel. There are no complicated and time-consuming visa requirements for U.S. citizens to visit Europe. However, starting sometime in 2025, things will change just a bit. The start date has been pushed back several times. No exact start date has been set but officials have stated it will go into effect in mid-2025. ETIAS - Travel Authorization Requirement ETIAS, the new ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:42:10-05:00November 1st, 2023|

Delayed again – European Union will require new travel authorizations beginning in mid-2025

?Update: November 1, 2023 ETIAS REQUIREMENTS STARTS SOMETIME IN mid-2025 Originally the ETIAS system was planned to start on January 1, 2021. It has been delayed several times and now is slated to start sometime in 2024, but once again delayed until mid-2025 - although no specific date has been set yet. THE EU IS NOT REQUIRING VISAS FOR U.S. CITIZENS There has been a bit of confusion this week over whether the European Union (EU) is imposing a new visa requirement for United States citizens. Currently, U.S. citizens holding a valid US passport can enter Schengen Zone countries ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:42:11-05:00November 1st, 2023|

TSA REAL ID deadline pushed back AGAIN to May 2025

You'll be denied boarding on a plane without a REAL ID or a passport Updated: December 6, 2022 The federal requirements to have a “Real ID” compliant driver's license in order to board a plane or enter a federal building that requires an ID has been pushed back still again. The new implementation date is May 7, 2025. The implementation date has been pushed back several times. Most recently in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Now it has been delayed by Homeland Security due to problems the state's faced in issuing compliant IDs due to the Covid pandemic. We ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:42:12-05:00October 18th, 2023|

Croatia is the first EU country to open to US tourists

New health requirements Croatia has become the first member of the European Union (EU) to open its borders to US citizens. Visitors will be required to bring documentation of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours of arrival, proof they have a hotel reservation or accommodations and complete a travel registration document prior to arriving. The travel registration form requires visitors to declare their reason for the trip and provide proof they have hotel or other accommodations. Visa not required for US citizens Despite being a member of the EU, Croatia is not part of the visa-free Schengen ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:10-05:00July 15th, 2020|

Passport Office Is months behind. What you should do!

Send in your new or renewal passport application NOW! The U.S. passport office stopped regular operations in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Since that time, the office continues to accept applications and it will cash your check immediately. However, you application just gets added to the backlog of millions of passport applications sitting and waiting to be processed. If you need a new or renewed passport in the next 6 - 8 months, send in your application immediately. Otherwise you'll be further behind the millions of applications already backed up. The office is advising it plans to ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:14-05:00June 8th, 2020|

U.S. Passport Office still accepting applications with limits

Contrary to several news articles, the U.S. Passport office is still accepting passport applications by mail. Late last month the Passport Office issued a statement which caused a lot of confusion. In-person & expedited applications limited For now, the Passport Office has limited in person applications and expedited applications to those with a "qualified life-or death emergency" or who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours, new applications and renewals can still be mailed in. Plus, many in-person passport application acceptance offices such as libraries, clerks of courthouses, and some post offices are not accepting applications ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:37:18-05:00April 13th, 2020|