Traveling in 2027? Here’s What to Do This Fall

If your trip is in 2027, the most useful things to do this fall are check passports, learn the new entry rules for the UK and Europe, and start any approvals or payment plans. Here’s the checklist.

1. Check Every Passport Now

The State Department currently lists routine processing at 4-6 weeks and expedited at 2-3 weeks. That doesn’t include mailing time, which can add up to two weeks each way. In practice, plan for about 8-10 weeks for routine service.

Also check expiration dates. Many countries require your passport to stay valid for a set period after you leave, and the rules vary by country. Passports for children under 16 are only valid for five years, and kids have to apply in person, so those are the ones that most often catch families off guard.

2. The UK Now Requires an ETA

U.S. citizens visiting the UK now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel. It costs £20, allows multiple visits of up to six months each, and lasts two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most people get a decision within minutes through the UK ETA app. The UK Home Office recommends applying at least three working days before travel.

3. Europe’s ETIAS Is Coming

The EU’s ETIAS travel authorization is expected to launch in late 2026 for visitors from visa-free countries, including the U.S. It’s reported to cost €20 and to last up to three years. It will likely become mandatory sometime in 2027 after a transition period. Only apply through the official EU website once it opens, because look-alike sites charge extra.

Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is also now in use. It records travelers’ fingerprints and a photo at the border, so expect a little extra time at passport control on your first entry.

4. Book Early

If there’s something you know you want to do, book it as soon as your dates are set. Popular experiences often run on timed entry or small group sizes, and the best dates and time slots tend to go first. That includes museum entries, guided tours, shows, wildlife excursions, and famous landmarks.

Booking early also means you get to pick the time that works best for your group, like a morning slot before the crowds or a sunset tour on your last night. A few quick tips:

Make a “must-do” list now and book those first
Enter names exactly as they appear on each passport, since some tickets are matched to the traveler
Check the cancellation policy before you buy, because some tickets are non-refundable

Leave some open time in the schedule for the things you discover once you’re there

5. For Educators: Start Approvals This Fall

Board approvals, parent information nights, and fundraising all take time. Starting the process this fall gives families more months to spread out payments and gives you time to answer questions before deposits are due.

Fall 2026 Checklist

Check every passport’s expiration date
Renew or apply for passports by early winter
Save the UK ETA app, and apply closer to travel
Watch for ETIAS launch news on the official EU site
Book excursions and tickets early
Schools: schedule the parent meeting and submit approvals

FAQ

Do I need both a UK ETA and ETIAS for a London and Paris trip?
Yes, once ETIAS launches. The UK and EU systems are separate.

Do kids need a UK ETA?
Yes. All non-exempt travelers need one, including children.

Planning a 2027 trip? We’ll walk your group or family through every requirement for your destination.