Concierge guide
Travel documents, handled before you fly.
Passports, visas and Europe's new border systems: a short guide for travellers between the US, the UK and Europe. We check documents for every booking — just ask. For a quick self-check by passport and route, use the free requirements checker (opens an independent site).
The essentials
Four things to know.
Passport validity
Many destinations expect at least six months left on your passport when you arrive. The Schengen Area asks for three months beyond the day you leave, and a passport issued within the last ten years. Some countries need blank pages: India asks for two. If yours is close to expiry, renew before you book.
US ESTA
Visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries, including the UK and most of Europe, need an approved ESTA before boarding a flight to the United States, unless they hold a US visa. Apply only on the official site, well before you fly.
UK ETA
Most visitors who do not need a UK visa, including US and EU citizens, need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling to the UK, even when passing through UK border control on a connection. British and Irish passports are exempt.
Europe: EES & ETIAS
The EU's Entry/Exit System now registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at Schengen borders: nothing to do in advance, but allow extra time on your first entry. ETIAS, a pre-travel authorisation, is not yet in operation. Check current requirements before you travel.
We check documents for every booking — just ask.
Schengen basics
One border, many countries.
The Schengen Area is most of the EU plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, with no passport checks between member countries. With a US or UK passport you can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole area combined, for tourism or business, without a visa. Ireland is outside Schengen, and Cyprus still runs its own border checks, so their days are counted separately.
By destination
Where our clients fly most.
For US and UK passport holders on short business or leisure trips. Rules change and other nationalities differ, so always confirm on the official pages linked below.
United Kingdom
EntryUS passport: an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required before you travel. British and Irish passports do not need one.
PassportValid for the whole of your stay.
OfficialUK ETA (GOV.UK) · Check if you need a UK visa · US State Department
United States
EntryUK and most European passports: an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, or a visa, before you board. US citizens travel on their US passport.
PassportValid for the whole of your stay for British passports; some other nationalities need longer.
OfficialOfficial ESTA application · GOV.UK: USA entry requirements
Schengen Area · France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Greece and more
EntryUS and UK passports: no visa for short visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The Entry/Exit System registers your fingerprints and photo at the border. ETIAS is not yet required.
PassportIssued within the last ten years and valid for at least three months after the day you leave.
OfficialEU: Entry/Exit System · EU: ETIAS · US State Department: Europe · GOV.UK: France (example)
Israel
EntryUS and UK passports: an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) is required before you travel.
PassportAt least 90 days' validity from the date you arrive.
OfficialOfficial ETA-IL application · US State Department · GOV.UK
United Arab Emirates
EntryUS and UK passports: a visit visa is issued free on arrival; no need to apply in advance.
PassportAt least six months' validity from the date you arrive.
OfficialUS State Department · GOV.UK
Canada
EntryUS passport: no visa or eTA needed. UK passport: an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is needed to fly in.
PassportValid for the whole of your stay.
OfficialOfficial Canada eTA · US State Department · GOV.UK
Japan
EntryUS and UK passports: no visa to apply for in advance for short tourist or business visits.
PassportValid for the whole of your stay, with a blank page for the entry stamp.
OfficialUS State Department · GOV.UK
India
EntryUS and UK passports: a visa is required. Many trips qualify for the official e-Visa, applied for online before you fly.
PassportAt least six months' validity from the date you arrive, and two blank pages.
OfficialOfficial Indian e-Visa · US State Department · GOV.UK
We check documents for every booking — just ask.
This guide is general information, checked against official government sources in October 2026. It is not legal or immigration advice. Requirements can change at short notice; the official pages are the final word.
FAQ
Travel documents, answered.
How much validity do I need on my passport?
It depends on the destination. Many countries ask for six months beyond your arrival date, the Schengen Area asks for three months beyond the day you leave, and the UK, US, Canada and Japan generally ask for validity covering your stay. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before booking. We check this for every booking.
Do British travellers need an ESTA for the United States?
Yes, unless they hold a US visa. British citizens travelling under the Visa Waiver Program need an approved ESTA before boarding. Apply only on the official ESTA website, well before you fly.
Do Americans need an ETA to visit the UK?
Yes. US citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK, including if they pass through UK border control on a connection. Apply on GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app.
Do I need ETIAS to travel to Europe?
Not yet. ETIAS is not yet in operation and no applications are being taken. The EU has said it will announce the start date several months before launch, so check current requirements before you travel.
What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
EES is the EU's digital border record for non-EU visitors on short stays. On your first entry into the Schengen Area you may be asked for fingerprints and a photo at the border. There is nothing to apply for in advance, but allow a little extra time at passport control.
How long can I stay in the Schengen Area?
With a US or UK passport, up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined, for tourism or business, without a visa.
Will you check my travel documents?
Yes. We check entry and passport requirements for every booking, for every traveller. Just ask, by phone, WhatsApp or with your quote request.
Before you fly
Tell us the trip. We'll check the paperwork.
Every Business and First Class booking comes with a document check for each traveller. Call, WhatsApp or send a quote request: +1 212-729-4367.