Tuesday, January 28, 2025 US, Australia, and New Zealand travelers must prepare for 2025’s strict visa changes, impacting UK cruises and requiring new authorizations for smooth boarding. Cruise travelers are being cautioned about a critical mistake that could result in being denied boarding their ship altogether. Gary Bembridge, a seasoned travel expert, highlights significant updates for 2025 that every cruise passenger should take note of.
One of the most pressing changes involves updated visa requirements that could catch travelers off guard. Two popular cruising regions have introduced new travel regulations this year. Visitors to the UK from the US, Australia, and New Zealand must now secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Starting in April, this policy will expand to include additional European countries. For UK-based travelers, modifications to the Entry/Exit System (EES) are also on the horizon. In a recent video on his Tips for Travellers YouTube channel, Gary issued a warning: “Throughout 2024, there was a sharp rise in passengers being denied boarding due to incomplete travel documentation, and this trend is likely to worsen in 2025 with upcoming changes.
” One of the major shifts includes the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for those traveling to Europe from the UK. This new system, rolling out in 2025, will cover entry into Schengen Area countries and cost €7 (approximately £6). As part of the pro.