Draft Departure Feed

I would 100% come back here for their great service!

Wed, 18 Dec 24 16:34:51 +0000

Sam was very attentive when helping us book our flights and gave us support when our flights were canceled. I would 100% come back here for their great service!

I would definitely recommend her

Wed, 18 Dec 24 16:34:51 +0000

Ronnie is lovely to work with, very inviting and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend her. Thank you Ronnie for making a bad situation (my father is very sick had to go to Toronto to see him) manageable.

I appreciate so much!

Wed, 18 Dec 24 16:34:51 +0000

I have so much admiration and respect for staff here, especially during these unprecedented and stressful times. Colleen has been outstanding and has gone above and beyond the call of duty to assist me with my necessary trip cancellations and to also get some travel plans back on track for the future. She is a wealth of information and has always been very patient , kind and calm which I appreciate so much!

I am so glad I had your expert advice and help

Wed, 18 Dec 24 16:34:51 +0000

Absolutely fantastic experience with this company and Courtney Morin. I was hesitant about booking my vacations online and made the decision to hire this company and I had the pleasure of working with Courtney whom was informed and considerate of my preference. She was knowledgeable about the area I was travelling to and covered all the bases. Not only was I informed on the culture and people but also reassured about any worry I might have had. Courtney also was very considerate and sent me emails both before and after my journey. She was extremely supportive and fun to work with. I would recommend her to anyone as my experience was all i could hope for and more. Wow what an excellent time I had! Thanks, Courtney, for making it the best ever experience I could hope for! I am so glad I had your expert advice and help. 10 stars from me.

Looking forward to getting Max to plan our next trip.

Wed, 18 Dec 24 16:34:51 +0000

I’m writing this review for Maksym (Max) Shkurupii at Departures Travel to acknowledge his exceptional service.

We used Max in 2023 for a trip to Greece, and also in 2024 for a trip to Dubai and Seychelles. When planning the trips he gave us multiple options for accommodations within our price range to choose from. Max organized flights, ferries, private transportation and excursions with detailed itineraries. When we have emailed Max from our vacation he always got back to us right away, which is one example of his professional fee proving to be worth every penny. Max is always going over and above. On our way home from Dubai we were unaware that of connecting flight had been changed to a 12 hour delay. Max was on the phone with Air Canada and has us in a different flight with no delay. I became aware of this when I opened my email on my way to airport with everything rectified. Both of our vacations were amazing. Looking forward to getting Max to plan our next trip.

I highly recommend Theresa Bobrowsky and Departures Travel

Wed, 18 Dec 24 16:34:51 +0000

We have recently returned from an unforgettable trip to South Africa, coordinated by Theresa Bobrowsky of Departures Travel. During the planning stages, Theresa encouraged and responded to suggestions from our group to develop an itinerary that really took account of our specific interests while leveraging her knowledge of the many charms of South Africa. Theresa ensured our comfort and safety from start to finish making for a stress-free and thoroughly enjoyable time. I highly recommend Theresa Bobrowsky and Departures Travel for your next trip of a lifetime.

Big shout out to Cathy Larsen

Wed, 18 Dec 24 16:34:51 +0000

I have worked with departures travel for two big trips and they have been wonderful. I email my idea of my vacation, and they do all the work. It’s fantastic. Big shout out to Cathy Larsen. Thanks for everything you do.

New Ways to Explore Celtic Homelands with Brendan Vacations Beginning in 2025

Fri, 13 Dec 24 15:40:18 +0000

Planning travel to your Celtic roots; a reunion or a trip with a group of friends to Ireland or Scotland? Brendan Vacations, a leading expert in Celtic travel, has unveiled new guided and independent itineraries. New tour highlights include new, guided Women’s Only, Rail Vacation, Private Chauffeur, and multi-generational group tours.

New tours are now bookable for 2025 and 2026.

Ask us to help you plan your Celtic journey!

Brendan Vacations’ new itineraries recognize busy schedules and are created to give travelers an authentic Celtic experience with a combination of iconic attractions and local favorites. The tour company’s variety of travel styles ensures that you’ll experience the true essence of the region in ways that cater to your personal needs without sacrificing quality time.

Rail Vacations:

Guests can customize their Rail Vacations with new features such as flexible departure dates and adjustable nights in sample itineraries. Select locations without a rail connection are now accessible to travellers on rail vacations via a private driver including the curated properties and activities in Catherine’s Collection.

Travelers on Rail Vacations benefit from the support of Local Hosts in most cities who offer insights and recommendations during the visit.

Two new itineraries are available to book:

Ireland’s Local Charm & Ancient Culture: A six-day journey that explores Ireland’s lively capital city of Dublin, including a jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park, home to McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland, a day tour on the Ring of Kerry, and a delightful whiskey tasting at the small-batch Teeling Distillery as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, a responsible travel activity working to revive the tradition of whiskey stilling in Ireland.

Ireland’s South East Discovery: Kicking off in the historic capital of Dublin, this eight-day trip is packed with energetic activities ideal for the adventurous traveller. Activities include cycling the Waterford Greenway, a walking tour of Kilkenny, a visit to EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER guided city boat tour of Kilkenny where travellers will discover the biodiversity of the river and experience Kilkenny Castle with a local skipper.

Guided Vacations:

Brendan Vacations launches 13 new elevated itineraries designed for more intimate group experiences with enhanced comfort and exclusivity. Both Classic and Small-Group departures are available and include upgraded accommodations, transportation and exceptional dining experiences. Select trips will feature “relaxed-start” days, providing extra time for travellers to explore destinations at their leisure.

A dedicated Travel Director leads each journey with visits to both must-see attractions and unique off-the-beaten-path experiences plus authentic dining experiences from Ashford Castle’s elegant George V dining room to a sustainable farm-to-table experience at 19th Green Guest House in Killarney.

Brendan Choice is incorporated into each journey, allowing guests to choose different ways to experience select locations, like a scenic jaunting car ride or hike through Killarney.

Highlights of the new itineraries include:

Scenic Scotland, a Women-Only Tour: Designed exclusively for women, this eight-day small group tour begins in Edinburgh and features visits to historic sites, stunning castles, and beautiful lochs – all while fostering a supportive environment for women travellers. Highlights include a scenic ferry from Oban to Craignure, an Islander Harris Tweed® handbag workshop and a private afternoon tour with a traditional Scottish tea service with local Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart on his family’s 10,000-acre coastal castle estate as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience.

Enchanting Ireland: This eight-day journey immerses travellers in the wonder of Ireland. Starting in Dublin, highlights a scenic walk in the Wicklow Mountains, a tour of the Blarney Caste estate gardens led by a gardener on property and a foraging walk with a seaweed advocate and educator at Ring of Kerry to learn about how the plant works to protect the local ecosystem as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience.

Best of Ireland & Scotland: Spanning two weeks, this journey begins in Dublin and ends in Edinburgh, providing a deep dive into the region's iconic Gaelic and Celtic history. Highlights include visits to must-see landmarks such as Cliffs of Moher, and Killarney National Park, whisky tasting in Inverness, and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience at Giant’s Causeway, where travellers will discover the biodiversity and ecosystem that surrounds the geological masterwork and how local organizations are working to preserve it.

Private Chauffeur:

Brendan Vacations is offering a new active private chauffeur itinerary:

Ireland Active Adventure, which travels from Dublin to Shannon in 10 days, featuring exhilarating outdoor experiences such as biking Killarney National Park and the Gap of Dunloe, hiking in the Early Medieval monastic settlement of Glendalough Valley, the Dingle and Berea Peninsulas, sailing on an open boat in Killarney and a walking tour of the Burren.

ABOUT BRENDAN VACATIONS

Brendan Vacations Celtic travel experts, and a member of the TTC (The Travel Corporation) family of tour brands that includes Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, and more. Ireland and Scotland are all that Brendan Vacations does; they are your personal connection to our Celtic homelands.

Offering travel for every style and every occasion. Guests who choose to travel with Brendan Vacations can choose from Guided Vacations, Private Chauffeur, Self-Drive, Rail Vacations, or Luxury Self Drive trips, which means guests can travel any way they want to. Whatever way guests choose to travel, guests will experience a uniquely tailored trip that is planned, managed, and personally delivered by our passionate team in Dublin, Ireland.

With more than 50 years of experience creating deep friendships in the Celtic travel community, no one knows Ireland and Scotland quite like Brendan Vacations.

*** Images courtesy of Brendan Vacations

*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, date and pricing information.

VIDEO: Baking Festive Sweets Aboard a Viking Christmas Market River Cruise – with Recipe!

Thu, 12 Dec 24 20:02:47 +0000

Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a Christmas market cruise on the Rhine from Switzerland, through France, and Germany, to the Netherlands, in the cradle of so many of our Christmas traditions. It’s a multi-sensory travel experience, from the sights of festive decorations and booths at the markets, twinkling lights and decorations, the scent of mulled wine, and the authentic tastes of holiday treats, at the markets, as well as on board our Viking longship.

You’ll be immersed in the joy of the season as you explore markets and cross everyone off your Christmas list with delightful, artisan-made arts, crafts and treats unique to the region.

Viking brings Christmas on board, too, with decorations, and lights that twinkle indoors and on the top deck as you stand spellbound by the romance of sailing through the middle Rhine, with the world’s largest collection of castles on the banks of both sides of the Rhine River. Not to mention the festive treats!

Guests are invited to join – and taste! – during demonstrations of local, ‘spirited,’ hot Rudesheim coffee, as well as baking traditional regional sweets.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: As we join the Viking Sigyn’s chef baking Vanilla Kipferl cookies.

These crescent-shaped, delicate, but richly-flavored almond cookies are a European Christmas classic. A Vanilla Kipferl with tea or strong coffee is the essence of holiday get-togethers.

The legend says their origins can be traced to an Austrian victory over the Ottoman Empire (whose symbol was a crescent) in the 1600’s. From Vienna, where you will find them in the city’s iconic coffee shops, the sweet treat quickly spread in popularity across Central Europe, as well as Germany, Switzerland and, with a slight variation, to France. They’ve become a Christmas tradition throughout these regions.

While they appear simple, Vanilla Kipferl is a bit tricky to get just right. Properly prepared, the dough is soft and needs to be shaped with cool hands; warming it up can make the cookie tough. And you have to shape the dough into a crescent shape without breaking it.

That’s why it was such a pleasure to learn from the chef aboard the Viking Sigyn! Viking also shares its shipboard recipe with its guests, and we’re passing it along to you:

Viking Cruises’ Vanilla Kipferl Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

1 c (230 g) butter, softened plus extra for greasing
½ c (96 g) sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
1 tsp (5 ml) almond extract
3 lg egg yolks
1 c (85 g) ground almonds
1 c (125 g) flour
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease baking sheets. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add extracts and egg yolks; beat until creamy. Add almonds; stir to combine. Gradually fold in flour until completely combined. Refrigerate dough at least 1 hour. Working with a quarter of dough at a time, divide into eighths and shape each into about a 1½-inch (4 cm) crescent; transfer to a baking sheet. Bake for 12–16 minutes or until firm to the touch but still pale. Remove from oven; dust with confectioners’ sugar while still hot. Cool; store airtight.

Prep time: 1 hour 20 minutes.

Cook time: 12–16 minutes.

Makes about 32 cookies.

Variations

The classic Vanilla Kipferl cookie is dusted with powdered sugar, as we did in the video. However, for a touch of extra decadence (if any is needed!) you can also dip one end in melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate.

Some people vary the ground nut used, substituting ground walnuts, hazelnuts or pecans – so let your taste and imagination guide you!

Fans of Vanilla Kipferl note they are ideally accompanied by a cup of strong coffee, and that they are often taken as hostess gifts to friends’ and families’ celebrations.

Not very handy in the kitchen, or out of time to bake once you return home for the holidays? Never fear, you can pick up boxed Vanilla Kipferl in many bakeries along your Christmas market river cruise journey to take home as a tasty souvenir of your trip.

START YOUR CHRISTMAS MARKET RIVER CRUISE!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Recipe courtesy of Viking.

New, ‘Suite’ Stays at Sandals Resorts Take Your All-Inclusive Beach Vacation to Another Level

Thu, 12 Dec 24 20:02:47 +0000

Sandals is introducing its first-ever four-bedroom butler villas, brand new ‘Skypool Suites’ with rooftop terraces, more guest-favorite ‘Rondovals,’ as well as re-imagined beachfront and bluff view rooms across adults-only, ‘luxury-included’ Sandals resorts throughout the Caribbean.

Now available for booking, these new, ‘suite’ experiences are part of ‘Sandals 2.0,’ and encourage visiting amongst friends, and bringing the tropical outdoors into your living space during your next beach vacation.

Sandals Resorts is renowned for all-inclusive luxury romance for adults, with iconic, destination-defining properties in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Curaçao and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, each set on a white-sand beach handpicked for its beauty.

JAMAICA’S NEW ‘SUITE’ SPOTS

Check out newly renovated villas at Sandals Ochi, including the Two-Bedroom and Four-Bedroom Butler Villas with Private Pool.

New One-Bedroom Skypool Butler Suites with Roof Terraces are also available to book now at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay for arrivals on February 1, 2025. These elevated suites take the guest's favorite Skypool suites to the next level, offering unparalleled ocean views, spacious living and dining areas, and ample space to unwind. As part of the new Balmoral building set on the ocean, the suites focus strongly on design and feature contemporary coastal Caribbean details, drawing inspiration from the blue waters and white sand of its setting. This expansion comes after the room category’s earlier debut at Sandals Negril, which quickly became one of the most sought-after suites at the resort.

ISLAND TO ISLAND

Sandals is introducing additional Rondoval Villas across resorts throughout the rest of the Caribbean, expanding and elevating a guest-favourite room design.

At Sandals Regency La Toc in Saint Lucia, nearly two dozen Rondoval Butler Villas with Private Pools – eight of which will also feature a private rooftop – are now available to book for March 1, 2025 arrivals. Inspired by Saint Lucia’s tropical charm, the villas’ sleek, modern design features light, airy tones that seamlessly tie in the serene outdoor setting into the lush getaway through glass doors.

At Sandals Royal Curaçao, several Asombroso Rondoval Butler Villas with Private Pools are also available to book now, offering a secluded getaway for travellers and a taste of what’s to come in Saint Lucia.

Additional new room types at Sandals resorts across the Caribbean include refreshed and reimagined beachfront suites with outdoor tranquillity soaking tubs at Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals South Coast in Jamaica, two-story bluff villas with private patios and pools at Sandals Regency La Toc, and additional swim-up and sky pool suites at Sandals Negril.

START YOUR ALL-INCLUSIVE BEACH RESORT TRIP!

Images courtesy of Sandals

New Battleship Memorial Exhibit at Pearl Harbor for 80th Anniversary of End of WWII in the Pacific

Thu, 12 Dec 24 20:02:47 +0000

December 7, 1941, is remembered annually for the attack on Hawai’i’s Pearl Harbor that drew the USA into World War 2. But September 2, 1945, is just as important in American history. That date in 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, with the formal Japanese surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

Two moving battleship memorials at Hawai'i’s Pearl Harbor symbolically bookend America’s War in the Pacific. The USS Arizona, sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor, remains the final resting place of 900 of the ship’s 1177 sailors who lost their lives that day.

The USS Missouri, the location of the ceremony where the war ended, ultimately returned to Pearl Harbor after decades of service and is now docked just a ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial. And for the 80th anniversary of ‘VJ’ (Victory in Japan) Day, a new exhibit on the Battleship Missouri Memorial commemorates that historic and momentous occasion.

Opening September 2, 2025, the immersive Pathway To Peace: USS Missouri’s World War II Experience explores the historic ship’s involvement in World War II and the experiences of her sailors onboard. Pearl Harbor visitors can take an interactive journey through the pivotal events surrounding the USS Missouri's wartime service and her emergence as an international symbol of peace at the end of WWII.

The exhibit offers visitors an unprecedented look into the lives of the sailors on the “Mighty Mo” who served during one of the most pivotal moments in American history. It spotlights crew stories through personal artifacts and belongings. Guests will get a chance to hear directly from WWII sailors through interactive media interviews with Veterans. Complimentary historic objects will help bring their experiences to life for visitors.

The exhibition also highlights the formal Japanese Surrender Ceremony that took place aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945, ending human history's bloodiest conflict, from the unique perspective of the shipmates who facilitated the era-defining event.

Exhibit cases will display items from Battleship Missouri Memorial’s historic artifact collection, some that have never been publicly displayed, including objects donated by the ship’s crew and their families. Notable artifacts on display include Surrender Cards that were issued exclusively to those in attendance onboard during the September 2nd Surrender Ceremony in 1945, a Japanese Arisaka rifle that was captured by a USS Missouri landing party, and the sword of the ship’s first commanding officer.

About Battleship Missouri Memorial

The USS Missouri’s career spanned five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation.

Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted more than 10 million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Docked near the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.

Pathway to Peace: USS Missouri's World War II Experience opens to the public on September 2, 2025, in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II.

Plan now to include the Battleship Missouri Memorial on your next trip to Hawai’i.

START YOUR HAWAI’I TRIP!

Images courtesy of Battleship Missouri Memorial.

France’s Christmas Miracle: Spectacular Reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris After Fire

Thu, 12 Dec 24 20:02:47 +0000

Restored to its former glory and beyond, Notre Dame de Paris has risen from the ashes of a 2019 fire that many feared meant the end of an era for one of the most joyous historic cathedrals in Europe. The December 7, 2024 reopening ceremony and resumption of Masses felt like a Christmas gift to the world, not just for the church-going community, but also for those of us who have fallen in love with travel to Paris and France.

The five-year restoration project was massive in both care and scale. Coming in at over $800 million, with work still to be done, it tapped thousands of masters of ancient craftsmanship and even the ancient forests of France. Both were needed for the materials and the skills to restore the landmark of groundbreaking, mediaeval gothic light and effervescence in the heart of the French capital.

Notre Dame de Paris hasn’t just undergone a restoration. The huge fire provided the opportunity and impetus for a complete transformation, from a revealing cleaning to all-new touches that put a 21st-century mark on the 12th-century marvel.

© Etienne Castelein

Millennial Symbol of Paris and France

Notre Dame de Paris is no ordinary European historic cathedral. For over a thousand years, it has been central to the history of Paris and France, the site of momentous occasions and ordinary lives of Parisians, as well as a marvel of innovating architecture, design and art, and the basis for cultural references. The Hunchback of Notre Dame novel immortalized the cathedral as a character in the life of Paris, and has been re-imagined even by modern Disney animation!

The Bishop of Paris laid the first stone in 1163 as the start of a vision for a new religious architecture, which came to be called ‘Gothic art.’ Notre Dame de Paris was the largest religious structure in Europe for two centuries.

The finest stonemasons and artisans of the day contributed to the masterpiece of design and construction. Instead of traditional walls, pillars inside, and innovative gothic flying buttresses outside support arches in the tall, airy interior and the unprecedented number and size of windows. Notre Dame de Paris has two central naves that intersect in the shape of a cross, with the central nave an impossible 12 stories high! Over a thousand square yards of stained-glass windows are masterpieces of delicate medieval craftsmanship and reflect a uniquely light- and joy-inspired celebration of faith.

© Yannick Boschat

Symbol of Resilience and Rebirth

All of that seemed in jeopardy with a fire broke out in 2019, blazing for hours, and destroying the thousand-year-old cathedral’s wooden roof and collapsing its spire.

But the French government quickly declared that Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) would rise again, sparking a global campaign for its restoration. That vow was fulfilled in December 2024, when the Archbishop of Paris inaugurated the restored cathedral by symbolically knocking on, and opening the central door for the first time in five long years.

The Roof and Spire

The collapse of Notre Dame’s spire was the most dramatic and horrifying moment of the 2019 fire. Rebuilding it involved both traditional carpenters and computerized design to reproduce the massive wooden base, which was lifted into place by Europe’s largest crane.

The vaulted ceiling under the spire also needed rebuilding, requiring modern masons to relearn Gothic techniques.

The spire and the wooden roof that also perished in the blaze were both lined with lead. A new gilded cock atop the spire has replaced the original that was too damaged to return to use. The replacement contains relics and a parchment with the names of the 2000 people who worked on the renovation.

1000 Ancient Oaks

To faithfully replace the wooden roof, restorers had to source over 1000 oak trees from the forests of France. They had to be perfectly straight and provide logs over 40 feet long, and most of the trees were sawed by hand and shaped by axes, replicating medieval techniques.

Gargoyles Go High-Tech

Notre Dame’s famous looming gargoyles did not escape damage from blasting by high-pressure fire hoses. Some could be repaired, but others had to be re-made in limestone. That process was facilitated by ultra-modern computer scanning and modeling.

Light-reflecting Limestone and Brilliant Stained Glass

Most of the damage was to the wooden elements of Notre Dame, but the post-fire restoration included a deep cleaning.

Fresh fire soot and much older, built-up filth were removed from the cathedral’s limestone structure, returning it to a phenomenal, light-reflecting luminosity and transforming the already-bright and airy feeling inside the cathedral. Where stones needed replacing, experts were able to identify microscopic features, like tiny fossils, to trace them to their original source for replacement.

The cathedral’s renowned stained glass was thankfully undamaged in the fire. But it, too, was lovingly and painstakingly cleaned, revealing glorious renewed colors that stand out even more against the creamy freshly-cleaned limestone.

Restored and New Sound

The 8000-pipe, 18th-century organ was also thankfully undamaged by the fire or fire-fighting, but restorers also took the opportunity to clean and re-tune the massive instrument. That involved it being completely disassembled and taken to workshops. Old, leather linings were replaced and new electronics added, and upon reassembly in the cathedral, months of tuning were required, with each pipe getting individual attention.

The ‘last bell-maker in France,’ a foundry in Normandy, was asked to clean and restore Notre Dame’s bells, including repairs to two damaged in the heat of the fire. The cathedral’s bell ensemble is now made of 11 bells: the oldest being the only bell not melted into cannonballs during the French Revolution, and the newest the Victory Bell made by the Norman foundry for the Paris 2024 Olympics. It will ring for the first time at Notre Dame during the Christmas, 2024 Mass.

Designs for the Times

The cathedral’s altar and wooden seats all perished in the flames. 1500 new wooden chairs were built, but pieces like the altar were replaced with striking, modern but timeless, almost organically-shaped bronze structures (above and top).

This being France, restorers also deemed that new liturgical vestments were merited, so the cathedral’s clergy now sport robes by French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.

And More Work to Come

Notre Dame has re-opened, but scaffolding is still standing and work will continue for years, including the re-imagination of the space outside the cathedral.

However, Our Lady of Paris has finally re-opened, and even if you visited many times before, her refreshed appearance and restoration will make your next visit feel entirely new.

START YOUR PARIS TRIP!

Images courtesy of Atout France, the tourist agency of France. Credits as noted.

How to Get the UK's Mandatory, New Electronic Entry Permit for Your Next Trip to Britain

Thu, 12 Dec 24 20:02:47 +0000

Beginning January 8, 2025, American and Canadian travelers to the United Kingdom will be required to apply - in advance of your trip - for the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The digital application process opens November 27, 2024 for anyone planning to arrive in Britain from January 8, 2025 and onwards.

The British government has been introducing the new digital entry permits in a phased approach to a goal of fully digitizing entry into its borders by 2025. Americans and Canadians are now among the groups of foreign residents required to submit and able to apply for an ETA.

ETA’s are mandatory for entry into the UK. That includes children and babies. The program is for regular travelers going to the UK for tourism, business, visiting family and friends, boarding a cruise departing from the UK or transiting through the UK en route to another country.

ETA’s only applies to visitors who do not otherwise need a specialized UK visa (for example, for work, marriage, etc.)

You’ll still have to go through Immigration on arrival at a UK gateway and be cleared by officers at the border entry. If you don’t apply for your ETA before your departure, you could be fined.

Here’s How the ETA Application Process Works:

How Much Does it Cost?

The application fee is £10 (roughly USD 13 / CAD $18).
There is no refund after you apply.

How Long Does Your ETA Last?

Your ETA lasts 2 years, for unlimited entries during that time.
You’ll need a new ETA if you get a new passport.

What You’ll Need to Apply:

the passport you will travel with - not a photocopy or digital passport
access to your emails
a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

You will need to upload photos of your:

passport
face

You do not need to enter your travel details.

How to Apply:

According to the British government, the fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA app.

Need help with the app?

There’s a guide on using the UK ETA app.

Can’t use the app?

You can apply online.
If you are applying for someone else who is not with you, you are advised to apply online.

How Long it Takes to Get an ETA:

According to the British government, you should get a decision within 3 working days. It may be sooner, but it may also take longer, so give yourself plenty of time.
You will get an email confirming you’ve got your ETA.

What If I Need to Travel Soon?

The system makes allowances for people traveling last minute.
You must apply for an ETA before you travel, but you can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.

What if I’m Traveling in a Group?

Each person must apply separately.
The British government advises that each of you may get a decision at a different time from someone else in your group - even if you applied at the same time.

Here’s a link to the official page on the British government website.

START YOUR BRITAIN TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert.