Spring Break in London & Paris: Navigating the New Travel Rules

Spring Break is calling, and this year, we’re heading to London and Paris! But before we jet off, we need to make sure we’re compliant with the latest travel regulations. Travelers entering the United Kingdom now need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), while the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for entry into Paris and the rest of the EU isn’t required just yet. Let’s break it all down so you can plan your trip stress-free.

What is the ETA, and Who Needs It?

The UK ETA is a new requirement for visa-exempt travelers, including U.S. citizens, who are not UK residents or do not hold a UK visa. Here’s what you need to know:

• Who needs it? If you're visiting the UK for short stays (up to six months) for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term study, you need an ETA.
• When to apply? Before you travel to the UK—don’t wait until the last minute!
• How to apply? Online through GOV.UK or the UK ETA app.
• Cost? £10 per applicant.
• Validity? Two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
• What happens if you don’t have an ETA? You may be denied boarding at your departure airport or refused entry upon arrival in the UK.

What About ETIAS for Paris?

ETIAS is the European Union’s version of an electronic travel authorization. While it’s not required yet, it will be soon! Here’s what we know:

• Who needs it? Travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., visiting the EU for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
• When does it start? Expected to go live in late 2026.
• What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)? Starting in October 2025, the EES will register travelers from non-EU countries each time they cross an EU external border.
• How to apply for ETIAS? Online through the official European Union website or mobile app.
• Cost? 7 euros for travelers aged 18-70 (free for minors under 18 and seniors over 70).
• Validity? Three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Applying for the UK ETA: My Experience

The application process for the UK ETA was surprisingly smooth. I used the UK ETA app, and here’s exactly what to expect:

1. Start the application (you must complete it within 30 minutes before the app times out!)
2. Enter your email address and verify it with a code.
3. Enter your phone number.
4. Answer if your passport has a biometric chip (I answered yes based on the app’s recommendation, but honestly, I couldn’t find it anywhere on my passport, no matter how many times I scanned different pages!).
5. Take a photo of your passport with the app.
6. Verify that all passport details were read correctly.
7. Confirm you’re a real person with a facial scan.
8. Take a selfie against a white background.
9. Enter your address information.
10. Answer criminal history questions.
11. Submit!

That was it! I received the confirmation email at 5:23 PM and the approval email at 5:24 PM—yes, within a minute! Now, I can’t promise it will always be that fast, so I highly recommend applying at least two weeks before your trip in case there are any delays.

Final Tips for Stress-Free Travel

• Save your ETA confirmation email in an easy-to-find place.
• Keep an eye on ETIAS updates—2026 will be here before you know it!
• If you're traveling elsewhere in Europe, check visa requirements—each country may have different entry rules.
• Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip (and ideally six months beyond). For the UK, passports need to be valid for the entire length of your stay. For Paris, however, your passport must be valid for three months beyond the end of your stay. Planning a trip and don’t meet the passport requirements? Not to worry. Check out these two articles to learn how you can renew your passport on the fly!

Passport on the fly! Part ☝️

Hey there, fellow travelers and passport procrastinators! We’ve got a little tip that might just save your international travel plans. It’s all about taking advantage of the services that our hard-earned tax dollars are paying for – and in this case, it’s the magic of passport appointment assistance.

Miles to AnywhereJacqueline Gomez

Passport on the fly! Part ✌️

Welcome back, passport procrastinators and travel enthusiasts! You might remember our previous post about the magic of passport appointment assistance, and today we’ve got the thrilling sequel to share. So, buckle up for another passport adventure! As you may recall, we reached out to the office of our friendly

Miles to AnywhereJacqueline Gomez

London and Paris, here we come! If you're planning a trip soon, be sure to get your documents in order so you can focus on the fun stuff—like deciding where to eat all the croissants and which museum to visit first.

Safe travels!

Note: Some links in this post may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you, as we participate in affiliate programs. All information is accurate as of the date of publication but may change over time. Always check for the latest details before making travel plans.