6 NEW Travel Rules You Need to Know in 2025

NEW TRAVEL RULES & UPDATES are coming in 2025 that will impact EVERY traveler.

Today we’re breaking down the biggest changes to keep your 2025 travel plans on track. From the ETIAS visa waiver for Europe launching after the new Entry/Exit System (EES), to Real ID deadlines, game-changing DOT rules on flight cancellations and refunds, and free family seating—we’ve got you covered. Plus, learn about the new online passport renewal process and how to plan ahead for smoother international trips. Don’t miss these critical updates!

Video Update
Correction: I mistakenly refer to the Entry/Exit System 'EES' as 'ESS.' (Oops 🙈)
Clarification: The term 'Social Insurance Number' used in the video should be understood as 'Social Security Number' for U.S. viewers.

✈️ TRAVEL RESOURCES

🌎 WATCH NEXT

Welcome to Portable Professional, where I, Megan, use my experience from over 300 flights to offer you simple, practical and game-changing travel tips and hacks. Our mission is to help you reduce stress and make the most of every trip.

🐶 Chapters
0:00 Travel Updates 2025
0:19 Update 1
2:15 Update 2
4:40 Update 3
7:25 Update 4
9:10 Update 5
10:15 Update 6

Affiliate Disclosure: This content contains affiliate links. We may receive compensation at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!

[NatalieSanchez-xpev]

You work for 42yrs to have $2m in your retirement, Meanwhile some people are putting just $20k in a meme coin for just few months and now they are multi millionaires. I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life

[mikeschiesel]

I agree about passport stamps, I love paging through my passport, the stamps bring back memories of various trips.

[cabmonk]

In Aug my flight with air Canada was delayed just over 6 hours. I applied online for the compensation and got the e-transfer in just under 3 weeks. Crazy considering my whole flight and hotel package to las Vegas was $568 total. I got $700 in compensation so my trip was free lol.

[dixiemerchant]

Prior to another family trip flight I binge watched you while I was packing and getting ready at different times for a few days. It was motivational, psyched me up, and I must say I learned quite a bit that made a difference!

[d.thomas]

I’m curious how they will enforce the “families must sit together” rule… Will single passengers be forced to change seats after purchase? If a single person pays for seat selection and is moved to accommodate a family, do they get the seat selection fee back?

[enoughenough]

The online renewal system worked great. Took the photo myself and received my passport in 10 days.

[HaklGuru]

That’s why I moved to Bangkok this year, baby! Not missing Canada one freezing moment…

[paddyanne]

Thank you for the information. I did start following you as I thought you were Canadian and offered good advice to Cdn travellers, but lately I hear you consistently mention tips for Americans and no mention of Canadians - have you moved or changed your focus, or am I confused!! Thank you!

[angelrosee]

EES or ESS? All good info! thank you for keeping us up to date! Traveling to ASIA and am so nervous about everything going smoothly - Japan, China & S. Korea

[marceld]

The lack of no longer getting your passport stamped is a little disappointing but, it also prevents you from not having enough empty pages and being refused entry.

[AliceHernandez-uq]

OH My! Pretty excited about findng you. Clear, easy to understand, no nonsense. Love you. Gonna watch another right now and expolore yur website this weekend. Thank you. Hope you want to hear how helpful you have been. thnk you.

[AusNetFan]

Your travel tips are a blessing Megan. Wishing you and Ollie a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please be safe. 🎄

[robstevens]

Years ago (actually decades ago) I had an international flight that was delayed 8 hours. It was actually a blessing in disguise. The trip to the airport on a normal day was 45 minutes, but a freak snowstorm hit (mid-April) and the drive to the airport took 5 hours! I was happy for that delay.

[renferal]

I am waiting for the site to go live so I can get one. I have already had my passport scanned and photo taken when entering the UK and also, when boarding the plane as well. I renewed my passport when I got back home this last time, online. it was so easy and I got my new one in 2 weeks. I must say, I really do appreciate your videos

[papist]

Megan; Thanks for what you do. My wife and I are trying to travel during retirements and getting your perspective has been very helpful!

[cdvr]

Meagan thank you for always keeping us in the loop with all these changes in the travel industry. Merry Christmas and good luck to all!!!

[joelquen]

Thanks for all the information, Megan. I’m traveling abroad in March and you have provided me a lot of great information in your videos. I’ve shared your channel and videos to friends and family. Keep up the great work that you do it’s helping people. HAPPY HOLIDAYS .❤
.

[andremauriceholmes]

I just renewed my passport online. I was shocked to get it in the mail in less than two weeks. I had a professional photographer take my picture digitally. I recommend it as it saved me time and trouble.

[windsongdesigns]

Love your videos. I used to take a very full checked bag on a 2 week trip. Now thanks to your videos and others, I am taking a carry on only on my upcoming 2 Month trip. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Hugs from Ontario.

[brianmaltby]

I also believe that starting on January 8, 2025, travellers from various countries travelling to the UK will need a UK ETA Visa.