The Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist for Americans Going to Europe in 2025
There’s something exciting about planning a trip to Europe. But between passports, credit cards, and figuring out what’s actually required to board a plane these days, it’s easy to miss the basics. I’ve made this guide to help you skip that last-minute scramble. I use this checklist before every international trip, and it’s kept me out of trouble more than once.
If this is your first time heading to Europe—or even if you’ve been before but it’s been a while—this 2025 version has all the updated details you need to travel confidently.
Passport: The First Thing You Should Check
Before anything else, check your passport. It needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries enforce this strictly and won’t let you board your flight if you’re close to the cutoff. Renew now if you're not sure.
ETIAS? Not Yet
You may have heard about something called ETIAS. It’s a new entry system coming to Europe, but it won’t start until late 2026. So for 2025, you don’t need to worry about it. No application. No fee. Just bring your valid passport.
I double-checked this myself while planning my summer trip, and I can confirm: Americans do not need ETIAS in 2025.
UK ETA? Yes, If You’re Heading to the UK
If you’re flying to London or passing through any airport in the UK—even just for a layover—you will need a UK ETA. It’s a digital authorization that costs about $20 and takes just a few minutes to apply for online. It became mandatory for US citizens starting January 8, 2025.
I’ve already applied for one, and it was simple. Just make sure to do it at least a few days before you leave. Airlines can deny boarding if it’s missing.
Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK
Flights and Seat Selection
Once you’ve booked your flight, go back and confirm your seat, baggage allowance, and any extra fees. Some airlines make this trickier than it should be. I always download the airline’s app and keep notifications turned on. That way, I catch changes early.
Double-check your layovers if you’re connecting. Some routes have very tight transfers, and not all airports are easy to navigate. I try to give myself at least 90 minutes between international flights, especially if I need to clear passport control.
Travel Insurance: Not Optional
I never travel internationally without insurance. Even if you’re healthy and everything looks good on paper, delays, cancellations, and medical surprises can cost more than the trip itself.
I usually choose a plan that covers both medical care and trip cancellation. Make sure it includes emergency evacuation, especially if you're planning to visit places outside of big cities or do any hiking. A solid policy can cost less than a dinner out and give you peace of mind for the entire trip.
Money and Credit Cards
Let your bank know you're going abroad. I’ve had transactions blocked mid-trip because I forgot to do this. Most banks let you set a travel notice in the app, but some don’t require it anymore. Still worth checking.
Bring at least two cards, preferably one Visa and one Mastercard. Many places in Europe don’t accept American Express. I also carry a small amount of cash—about €100—when I land, especially if I'm arriving late or taking a taxi.
Avoid exchanging cash at the airport unless you absolutely have to. Rates there are usually terrible. Use an ATM from a reputable bank once you’re in the city.
Cell Phone Setup: Use eSIM to Stay Connected
You don’t want to arrive and realize you can’t even call your hotel. That’s happened to me once and I won’t let it happen again.
If your phone supports eSIM, try using an app like Yesim. I’ve used it across multiple countries and found it much easier than buying a physical SIM card. You just install the app, choose your data plan, and activate it when you land. No roaming charges and no weird setup issues.
Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable or secure, especially at airports and cafés. Having your own data connection is a lifesaver when you're navigating a new city or trying to book last-minute trains.
We always use Nord VPN when browsing the internet using free Wi-Fi, to help protect us from hackers. They often run promotions, such as these, (Nord VPN promotions) so for a dollars it’s worth having the peace of mind.
Accommodations and Confirmations
Print and save copies of your hotel confirmations or Airbnb details. If your phone dies or you lose service, you don’t want to be stuck. I also screenshot the address of where I’m staying so I can show it to a taxi driver or find it on foot.
Check if your hotel includes things like breakfast, late check-in, or luggage storage. Knowing what’s included ahead of time helps avoid surprises.
Luggage Rules and Packing Smart
European airlines often have stricter baggage rules than what you're used to in the US. A carry-on in the US may not count as one in Europe. Check your airline’s limits and weigh your bag before you leave home.
I always pack a lightweight tote in case I buy things and need a second bag later. A universal power adapter and a compact charger with multiple USB ports are essentials for me. European outlets use different plugs, and not every hotel has enough sockets.
Medications and Essentials
If you take any prescription medications, bring enough for the whole trip, plus a few days extra. Keep them in the original containers and carry them in your personal item, not your checked luggage.
I also bring a small stash of over-the-counter items like pain relievers, allergy meds, and something for stomach issues. Trust me—finding familiar medicine in a foreign pharmacy isn’t always easy, especially if there’s a language barrier.
Final Checks Before You Leave
The day before your flight, do one last check of the following:
Passport
ETA (if going to the UK)
Travel insurance
Flight check-in and boarding pass
Local currency or ATM plan
Phone and eSIM ready
Chargers and adapters packed
Printed copies of bookings
I also recommend taking photos of important documents and uploading them to cloud storage like iCloud, Google Drive or Dropbox. If something goes missing, having digital copies can save you a lot of trouble.
Wrapping It Up
Traveling to Europe is easier when you don’t leave things to chance. I’ve made enough mistakes over the years to know that preparation is what makes a trip feel like an adventure, not a hassle. You don’t need to overpack or overthink. You just need to be ready—and this checklist gets you there.
If you want help picking an eSIM that works in multiple countries, I’ve linked to my favorites below. These are the tools I actually use, and they’ve saved me more than once.
