One of the leading names at Carnival Cruise Line has issued a warning to passengers who are heading to the UK or Europe on their holidays with them - or any other cruise line for that matter.
John Heald works as Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador and senior cruise director as well as being a popular figure among the Carnival community, with the Brit regularly taking to his Facebook page to answer queries and questions relating to travelling with the company.
From replying to fuming parents after Carnival confiscated their child's Christmas present to issuing a 'do not do this' warning over ship restaurants, he'll approach the tough topics in an open and fair style.
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Following on from a busy festive period, John took to his Facebook page this week to issue an important announcement to those who will be travelling with Carnival or any other cruise line for that matter, from 2025 and beyond.
Carnival travel document warning
John's update came after one passenger emailed in asking about travel documentation and what they might need to make sure their holiday had no hiccups when departing or stopping off at ports.
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"Good morning John," the email read.
"Could you please clarify the travel documents we need for a trip to Rome / Mediterranean later this year? If I have looked correctly the process is not available yet. Thank you."
In response, John explained some major rule changes that have already come in across the UK, as well as new rules in the planning for the majority of Europe.
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He said: "Thank you and unlike the UK where starting January 8, 2025, US citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism, or business, including those just passing through UK airports will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), the European Union has yet to confirm what will be needed.
"There will be a visa needed or ETIAS as it is called. But at the time of me writing this it has not been decided by the EU when this will start.
"As soon as we know our Chief Communications Officer Chris and his team will send emails to all who sailing with us to Europe so please stay tuned for that plus I will keep you informed as well."
UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) explained
Securing an ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK. It's not needed if you have a UK passport or have permission to live, work or study in the UK.
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It's also not needed if you have a visa. British and Irish citizens need not apply.
Once secured, an ETA will give you permission to visit the UK for tourism, or to visit family or friends, for up to six months. It also applies for short term business and studying reasons.
It'll cost £10 to complete with the application process found here.
Europe's ETIAS explained
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System visa waiver, or ETIAS, will be needed to visit the Schengen Area of Europe. It costs €7 per person, which is around £6 for Brits.
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Once secured you can travel to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
What an ETIAS visa waiver does is allow you to travel to and stay in the European Union for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. If you have a passport from any of the above countries, you need not apply.
The system for ETIAS is expected to go live on 1 May, 2025, but is subject to change. There is also a six month transition period that comes with its introduction; a time in which travellers will be told of the need for the visa waver without having to actually have one.
Topics: Cruise Ship, Travel, UK News, US News, World News, Europe, Technology
Tom Earnshaw