Essential Travel News for You

New 2024 Travel Security Essentials for Europe…are you ready?

Hey, going to Europe soon…are you ready for the new security essentials? No? No problem, keep reading…

Details: We have a brief about what is going to be expect should you plan a trip to Europe in 2024 and after. Ever heard of ETIAS? The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), is a new travel rule for Europe. Travelers must plan for this “new” rule before going to Europe. France, Germany, Italy, the most European Countries will need this after 2024. So, travelers from the United States and 59 other countries will need to complete this online security request. Here is what you need to know…

For European travel beginning in 2024 you must –

  • Fill out the brief online application. You will enter personal data, travel data, and passport data. This is all done online.
  • This new protocol is for any U.S. travelers between the ages of 18 and 70.
  • There is also a fee. You will need to pay a small fee (expected to be around +/- $8 per person).
  • Once you submit the required application you should receive an automated approval within minutes of submission. This individual travel code is for your use and will be good for up to 90 days.
  • Note: Keep a copy of this on your phone and print a hardcopy in case. Remember – this approval code is the travel eligibility for your entirety stay. Think of it like a passport or drivers license, (always keep it with you.)

Why this new travel requirement? The reason for this new obligation is designed to help keep track of visitors in the Schengen Area countries who do not need a visa.

Need more help: Go to etias.com for more details or contact us.  As your personal travel concierge, we can walk you through it. It is our aim to keep you in the know…let us help plan your next great adventure.

Have Passport?

Passport renewal online…beginning by the end of 2023. So, renewing just got a lot easier…no more lines and special trips to renew…it can all be at the tips of your fingers. Technology has again made travel as ease as pushing a button…well almost.

There are a few things to know about… Well for the first time ever Americans will be able to renew their passports without making an appointment or standing in long lines at the passport/post office.

So, here is what you need to know…

  1. Online passport renewal should be available to Americans 18 and older.
  2. Must have a passport that is/was valid for 10 years.
  3. Are not making changes such as your name, gender or place of birth (Sorry, if you have recently married and have changed your last name – you will not qualify for online service and will need to make an appoint for the name changing service.)
  4. Have NO plans to travel internationally for at least the next 11 weeks following your submission of the online application.
  5. You are applying for a regular (tourist) passport.
  6. Finally, that you live in the United States.

Should you wish to use this new system of renewal you can start by setting up an account at travel.state.gov. (Example: travel.georgia.gov.)

What’s next:

  • You will need to upload a digital image(s) of your current passport and your personal identification details. Also, a recent digital photo of yourself.
  • Then verify information and checkout / credit card payment.
  • Later, you can check your travel account to see what the status is over your renewal request.

That’s it. Unless you need a rush renewal…then let’s take a quick look at this situation.

There is an option for faster renewal…it will cost you though. For example, there is a way to offset the cost of rush renewal passports. For example, if you have a AAA travel membership. Members can leverage their need for faster passport renewal. Or you will need to read the “rush renewal” process on the travel.state.gov for more details.

We try to inform you of active travel changes to make your travel experience stress-free.

Should you need help with traveling, please consider ODAAT for your personal travel assistance needs. We aim to provide the best service and deals in the industry……so contact us.

Safe travels,

ODAAT