The information below is not guaranteed and subject to change when supplied by governments, CDC, travel companies, airlines, resorts, cruise lines and transportation companies.
International Travel Alerts
For U.S. State Department Travel Alerts worldwide by country, see: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
REAL ID Required on Drivers License May 7, 2025
New state and Federal Identification requirements are effective May 2025 for residents of the USA. Beginning May 7, 2025, only state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards fully compliant with the REAL ID Act will be accepted for official Federal government purposes, such as entering secure federal buildings or boarding domestic flights. These cards are marked with a gold circle with an inset star located in the upper right-hand corner. See details at RealID for an explanation issued by the State of Texas. However, this Federal requirement applies to all states in the USA. See this list for all 50 U.S. states' requirements.
Americans can now renew their passports online. U.S. Passport renewal On-Line
From the Associate Press (AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans can now renew their passports online, bypassing a cumbersome mail-in paper application process that caused delays.
The State Department announced Wednesday that its online passport renewal system is now fully operational.
“By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
After staffing shortages caused mainly by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lengthy passport processing delays, the department ramped up hiring and introduced other technological improvements that have reduced wait times by about one-third over last year. It says most applications are now completed in far less than the advertised six weeks to eight weeks and the online renewal system is expected to further reduce that.
The system will allow renewal applicants to skip the current process, which requires them to print out and send paper applications and a check by mail, and submit their documents and payment through a secure website, www.Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.
For U.S. State Department Travel Alerts worldwide, see: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Travel Alert to Visit Europe or Transit
ALERT: Travelers to Europe in 2025. Midyear, Europe will require non-citizens to register for a tourist visa. See: www.ETIAS.com Note: Exact implementation date has been postponed several times; a specific date in 2025 has not been announced.
Travel Alert to Visit the U.K. or Transit
ALERT: Travelers to the U.K. must apply for an ETA tourist visa starting January 8, 2025. (Date subject to change). See more at: Electronic Travel Authorization
Eliminate Luggage Hassles - Ship It!
ALERT: Avoid the luggage hassle when traveling. Order baggage pick up from your home for seamless delivery to your destination Online for world-wide service. See: https://app.luggageforward.com/book/castaways-travel
Castaways office hours: 9 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday, Central time (Texas) Email: Info@castawaystravel.com is monitored daily and limited on weekends and holidays as travel staff only works weekdays. .
For other popular adult resort destinations immigration restrictions and general queries about travel and health protocols, please see: https://castawaystravel.com/travel-alerts/
All sources and information on this page are not guaranteed and subject to change without notice
