No… but the entry requirements are changing.  Here’s what you need to know:

The United Kingdom has announced they will require visitors from the United States to have an Electronic Travel Authorization starting on November 27.  The European Union still has an undefined date in 2025.  Here’s your cheat-sheet:

It’s Not really a Visa.  Some countries require you to send your passport to their embassy in advance of travel to get a visa, and often you need to hire a lawyer to get it done.  The Europeans are putting in place an Electronic Travel Authorization… NOT a visa requirement.

It’s no big deal.  Visitors to Australia and New Zealand have been doing this for decades, and generally find the process to be easy.  We expect the same from the EU and the UK. 

What countries does it cover?  ETIAS will cover all 29 countries in the Schengen Zone.  This covers just about all the countries our clients visit in Europe.  The exceptions are mostly in Eastern Europe (Albania, Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria).

Is the UK separate?  YES…the British chose to leave the European Union, so ETIAS will not cover your trips to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.  The British have put their own Electronic Travel Authorization starting on November 27, so if you have a trip to Europe planned that also includes the UK, you’ll have to get authorization for each separately.

What if I’m connecting in the UK?  If you don’t leave the airport, you won’t need the ETA. 

What are the requirements?  You need a valid US Passport, and a credit card to pay the fee.  You will also be asked questions about your previous travel history, and your occupation.  If you have any criminal convictions, you will be required to disclose those.  I have completed many visas and electronic travel authorizations, and these questions are quite standard.  

What’s the process?  Sometime in advance of 96 hours before you go, you’ll need to go to the ETIAS website, and complete your application, and pay the fee (if applicable).  Once you’ve gotten ETIAS authorization it is good for 3-years for multiple entries for up to 90-days.  The system is expected to issue approvals within a few minutes (or up to 24-hours).  They are currently not taking applications, but once this begins, it makes sense to apply well in advance.  

What’s the cost?  €7 if you’re between 18 and 70.  If you’re older or younger, it’s free.

When does this begin?  There have been several false-starts, but the current time-table is for this to start in the first half of 2025.  The British version starts on November 27.

Don’t be cranky about this.  It’s worth noting that citizens of the EU have been required to get an electronic authorization to visit the USA for more than a decade, and they have to apply every time they come to the US at a cost of $14.  The conditions the Europeans are imposing on us are notably less than we’ve imposed on them.  

Where can I learn more?

Europe Union:  https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/faqs-etias_en 

United Kingdom: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta 

Today’s Travel Opportunities

TAUCK RIVER 

Lyon, Paris & Provence for 10-days

• Do walking tours in Paris and Lyon, experience farm to table cuisine at a private ranch in Provence, have private wine tastings at Beaujolais and Chateau Neuf du Pape, and visit Viviers, Arles, and see the Roman Ruins in Avignon.
• Departures April through October from $6790

Prague to Paris for 14-days

• Visit Paris for 2-nights, then board your ship in Luxembourg, and stop at Trier, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Frankfurt, Bayreuth, Bamberg, and Nuremberg.  Transfer to Prague for 2-nights.
• Departures April through October from $9790

Portugal & Spain on the Douro River for one-week:

• Visit Porto, Douro valley, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Mateus Palace, Guimaraes.
• See the vineyards and estate wineries, traverse the locks, take in spectacular scenery, visit castle ruins, see paleolithic art, and enjoy architectural treasures.
• Optional extensions to Madrid and/or Lisbon. 
• Family departures available if you want to take your grandkids on a river cruise.
• Departures April through November 2025 from $5890 

SEABOURN – 15% off

All Seabourn ships carry 600 guests or less, and they define luxury service and amenities. 

Croatia & Greece departing June 1 for 7-days

• Visit Dubrovnik, Kotor, Gallipoli, Sarande, Zakinthos, Nafplion, Athens
• Veranda Suites from $4769

Thailand & Vietnam departing February 2 for 14-days

• Visit Singapore, Bangkok, Ko Kood, Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue (Vietnam), Ha Long Bay, Hong Kong.
• Veranda Suites from $7224

Northwest Passage from Anchorage to Reykjavik departing August 27 for 23-days

• This cruise is only for those with keen desire to visit one of the most remote places on earth, and relive the adventures of explorers from previous centuries that search for the illusive passage between the Atlantic and the Pacific.  
• Visit Nome, Port Clarence (Alaska), Herschel Island (Canada), Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Baffin Island, Pond’s Inlet, 3-ports in Greenland
• Veranda suites from $29,969

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

This luxury train journey is a great way to see these two incredibly scenic sections of the Rocky Mountains: 

US Rockies from Las Vegas to Denver for  7-nights

• Visit Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon, Moab (2 nights), Glenwood Springs, Denver (2-nights)
• 2025:  departures in April & May for $4776.  July/Aug for $4959

CANADIAN Rockies from Vancouver to Calgary for 8-nights

• Visit Vancouver (2-nights), Kamloops, Lake Louise (2-nights), Banff (2-nights), Calgary
• 2025:  May from $4444.  July/August $4907

CUNARD CLOSE-IN SAILINGS

If you’re looking for a last-minute getaway between now and the end of the year, CUNARD has a handful of space left of some interesting itineraries:

Norway & Northern Lights departing round trip from London November 1, for 12-nights

• Visit Bergen, Tromso (overnight), Trondheim, Alesund, Stavanger
• Verandas from $2727.  Suites from $9147

Portugal & Spain departing round-trip from London on November 17 for 14-nights

• Visit Seville, Cartagena, Valencia, Malaga (for Granada), Gibraltar, Lisbon
• Fares from $4824 for a 500 square foot Penthouse on the brand new QUEEN ANNE

Go Christmas Shopping in London departing New York on December 3 for 7-nights

• Travel to the UK on the classic ocean liner QUEEN MARY 2.  If you have time you can travel both to AND from London by ship, with some days for shopping in between
• Fares from $3486 for Princess Suite

Caribbean Getaway round-trip New York departing December 21 for 13-nights

• Visit Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Rouseau, Dominica, Castries, St. Lucia, Barbados, Brasseterre, St. Kitts
• Balcony fares from $2599.  Suites fares from $9498

In Case You Missed It:

Cruise the next Solar Eclipse: The next solar eclipse is in August of 2026.  Several cruise lines will sail you into the path of totality: 

https://pamperedcruiser.com/what-are-you-doing-for-the-next-eclipse/

Meet the PAMPERED CRUISER Team: Here’s a bit more background on us and our team

https://pamperedcruiser.com/meet-the-team/

Recently booked a Viking Cruise?

Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online, by phone, or on board.  Our clients worry that if they book on-line (or on board), that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation.

We’ll check over your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.

We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.

There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).

If you recently booked a Viking Cruise, please let us know as soon as possible.

Have something to say about this?

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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley