Before You Fly: Travel Requirements and Airline Updates to Know
Planning a trip is exciting. Keeping up with entry forms, travel authorizations, and airline policies? That part can feel like homework.
At Grateful for Living, I want to help you feel prepared so you can spend more time looking forward to your adventure. I’ve gathered a few travel requirements and airline updates worth checking before your next getaway, along with resources to help you plan and pack.
Some of these changes are newer, while others are already in place and easy to overlook. This roundup focuses on U.S. passport holders traveling for tourism. Your requirements may differ depending on your citizenship, residency, connections, and travel plans.
Traveling to Europe? Know the Difference Between EES and ETIAS
These two names sound similar, but they serve different purposes.
EES: Digital registration at the border
Europe’s Entry/Exit System, or EES, became fully operational on April 10, 2026. It digitally registers eligible non-EU travelers visiting participating European countries for short stays.
Border registration includes passport information and biometric checks, such as a facial image and fingerprints where required. You do not need to purchase an EES travel authorization before your trip.
Give yourself time for border formalities, especially when planning an onward connection.
ETIAS: Applications are not open yet
The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, is a separate authorization that eligible visa-exempt travelers will eventually need before visiting participating European countries.
As of October 7, 2026, the official EU website says ETIAS is not operational, and it is not accepting applications. You do not need to apply right now.
Because launch estimates have changed, check the official website before your trip rather than relying on an older article or social media post.
Check official EES and ETIAS information.
Visiting the UK? Check Your ETA Before Traveling
Most U.S. tourists need an Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA, before traveling to the United Kingdom.
Here’s what to know:
The current application fee is £20 per person.
Each eligible traveler needs their own authorization, including babies and children.
It lasts two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Allow up to three working days for a decision, and wait for approval before traveling.
Your authorization is linked to the passport used in your application.
Transit requirements depend on whether you pass through UK border control. If you’re unsure about your connection, check with your airline.
Apply through the official government website or UK ETA app. Third-party websites may charge more without providing a faster decision.
Check requirements and apply for a UK ETA.
Brazil: U.S. Travelers Need a Visa
Since April 10, 2025, travelers with U.S., Canadian, or Australian passports once again need a visa to visit Brazil.
An electronic visitor visa is available for eligible travelers from these countries. Plan this well before departure.
Even if you’ve visited Brazil without a visa in the past, check the current requirements before booking your next adventure.
Read Brazil’s official electronic visitor visa guidance.
Thailand: Complete Your Free Digital Arrival Card
Most foreign travelers entering Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC, before arrival.
Submit it within the three-day window before arrival, including your arrival date, through the official immigration website.
You’ll need information such as your passport details, travel arrangements, and accommodation address in Thailand.
The arrival card is free and does not replace a visa if you need one. Travelers connecting without passing through immigration do not need a TDAC.
Complete your Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
Indonesia, Including Bali: An Arrival Declaration Is Required
Since October 1, 2025, international passengers arriving at Indonesia’s airports and seaports must complete the All Indonesia arrival declaration.
The system combines immigration, customs, health, and quarantine declarations. You can complete it starting three days before arrival through the official website or app.
If Bali is on your calendar, add this step to your pre-departure checklist. Be sure to check your visa requirements separately, too.
Complete the All Indonesia arrival declaration.
Portable Chargers: What Major U.S. Airlines Allow
Bringing a portable charger onboard and using it during your flight are two different things. Here are the rules to know:
American Airlines: Up to two power banks, each no more than 100 Wh. Keep them within reach and visible when using them. Store them under the seat or in the seatback pocket, never overhead. You cannot recharge the power bank using the aircraft’s outlets.
Delta Air Lines: Up to two power banks, each no more than 100 Wh. No overhead-bin storage and no onboard recharging. You cannot use it to charge another device during taxi, takeoff, or landing.
Southwest Airlines: One power bank per passenger, no more than 100 Wh. Store it in your personal item under the seat, not overhead. You may use it to charge your device, but the power bank must remain visible outside your bag. You cannot recharge it using the aircraft’s power.
JetBlue: Up to two power banks, each no more than 100 Wh. Store them under the seat, not overhead. You can not use them to charge devices or recharge the power banks onboard.
For every flight: power banks belong in the cabin, never in checked luggage. If you check your carry-on at the gate, remove your charger and keep it with you. Protect it from damage and short circuits.
🔋 My favorite is the VRURC Portable Charger, with four built-in cables and a 20,000mAh capacity. Check the Wh rating printed on your charger against your airline’s limits before traveling.
Haven’t Flown Southwest Lately? Seating Has Changed
Southwest introduced assigned seating on January 27, 2026.
If you book a Basic fare, Southwest assigns your seat at check-in. Other fares let you select seats at booking, with options depending on your fare and benefits.
Free checked bags also depend on your fare, status, or eligible credit-card benefits. When comparing prices, look at the total cost of your flight, seats, and luggage.
Review Southwest’s seating and fare benefits.
A Simple Check Before Your Next Trip
Before leaving home, take a few minutes to confirm:
Your passport meets your destination’s validity requirements.
You have any required visa or travel authorization.
You’ve completed arrival forms within the correct submission window.
You know your airline’s baggage, seating, and portable-charger rules.
Your destination’s current travel advisory and any local disruptions.
Check these details during planning and again close to departure. A little preparation can save you unnecessary stress along the way.
Make Packing Easier With My Free Guide
Once your travel documents are sorted, let’s get your bag ready!
My FREE Smart Packing Guide shares practical packing tips to help you prepare for your next getaway.
Download my free Smart Packing Guide.
Planning to Explore Europe by Train?
There’s something special about watching the scenery change as you travel from one destination to the next.
If a European train adventure is on your wish list, check out my Travel Europe by Train Guide as you start planning. Explore my Travel Europe by Train Guide.
More Adventures, a Little Less Guesswork
I believe in making room for the trips and experiences you’ve been putting off. Preparing for them is one way to give yourself the confidence to go.
For more travel tips, adventure inspiration, and free guides, subscribe to my Grateful for Living newsletter.
With gratitude,
Beni
Grateful for Living
Save this article for your next trip, and share it with your travel partner.
Reminder: Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Ends Today, October 7, 2026
If you’ve been meaning to pick up something for your next trip, today, October 7, is the final day of Amazon’s 2026 Prime Big Deal Days.
Browse my favorite travel essentials, hiking gear, and backpacking gear in my Amazon Shop to see what's on sale.
Shop my favorite travel, hiking, and backpacking gear.
The event ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific on October 7, which is 2:59 a.m. Eastern on October 8. A Prime membership is required for Prime Big Deal Days offers. Prices and availability can change, and not every item in my shop is discounted.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Grateful for Living!