Understanding the New Upcoming Travel Requirements: What You Need to Know

Travel requirements are in constant flux due to evolving security measures, new technologies, and shifting global situations. This means frequent changes to visa rules, ID requirements, and border crossing procedures.

Below are the latest travel requirements:

NEW PROCESS FOR ENTRY TO THAILAND

Thailand has a new digital arrival card system

Starting from 1 May 2025, all foreign visitors entering Thailand must submit their arrival information electronically through the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, replacing the current paper arrival card.

Travelers are encouraged to complete the TDAC online in advance to avoid delays and reduce congestion at entry points, and assistance will be provided at designated help points for exceptional circumstances.

The TDAC can be completed up to 3 days before the scheduled arrival date, and it is mandatory for all foreign passport holders, except for those transiting or transferring without passing through immigration control and those using a Border Pass.

CLIMBING MOUNT FUJI WILL NOW REQUIRE A FEE AND TEST

Mount Fuji, Japan

If you’re planning to climb Mount Fuji this year, be prepared to pay a fee of 4,000 yen ($27 US dollars) for all main trails, including Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Gotemba, and Subashiri.even Local officials have announced there will be a fee of ¥4,000 yen ($27 us dollars) to hike the iconic mountain during this year’s climbing season, scheduled from July to September.

Climbers must register online before their hike using a system set to launch next month.

New regulations include limited climbing hours (3 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and a daily cap of 4,000 climbers on the Yoshida Trail. Those climbing after hours will need a reservation at a mountain hut.

NEW ENTRY TIMELINES REVISED FOR EUROPE AND THE UK

Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Here are the new revised timelines for the EES and ETIAS:

The EES is expected to become operational in October 2025. This the Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border management system for registering non-EU nationals traveling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of 29 European countries using the system. The EES will modernize border management of the Schengen countries, gradually simplify border controls and prevent identity fraud.

Big Ben in London, UK

ETIAS is expected to follow in the last quarter of 2026. U.S. citizens will need an (ETIAS) which is an electronic screening system that allows visa-free access to the UK for short-term visits which is 90 days or less.

Once in place, you can apply online or through the mobile app. The application fee is estimated to be $8 for adults between the ages of 18 and 70. It will be valid for 3 years, or until your current passport expires, whichever occurs first. 

Stay tuned for more details.

Travelers must stay up-to-date, as what was true last year might not apply today.

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