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We may have visited a country a couple of years ago and want to repeat the trip this year. We buy the ticket, book the hotel, experiences, restaurants, everything.
The big day arrives, we’re at the airport super excited, and the airline asks us for an additional document to board. We don’t understand what’s happening, maybe nerves, worry, and all those terrible sensations start to kick in.
What happened?
Countries can regularly change their entry requirements. They may start asking for visas, e-visas, ETAs, forms, or vaccines. And if they didn’t ask for it two years ago, it doesn’t mean they won’t ask for it today.
Just to mention a few examples, in 2024 the following entry requirements changed:
- Kenya: started requiring ETA for all countries
- St. Martin: requires completing a form
- UK: announced that from 2025 it will require ETA for all nationalities
- Aruba: started requiring completion of a form and payment of a sustainability fee
And if you reside in a country with risk areas for the transmission of certain diseases or viruses, it’s a different story. For example, Peruvian residents need to present an International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever to enter several countries. And that requirement can also vary. If perhaps 15 years ago you went to a country, and they didn’t ask you for anything… now in 2025 it might not be the same.
As a consultant specializing in tailor-made travel, I always try to be aware of these changes and prevent them in advance. However, it is also the responsibility of the travelers. So I invite you to always, always make the following inquiries:
- Do I need a visa?
- Do I need any mandatory vaccines?
If we are organizing a trip together, please let me know. A trip involves a lot of investment in time, money, and dreams to put everything at risk.
And if you are a Peruvian resident and already have your Yellow Fever Certificate, please always carry it with you. Even if you’re going to countries where they don’t ask for it, take it. You never know if for some reason your flight is diverted and you end up in a country that does require it…
And what if it happens to you on a trip organized with me? I’m not an immigration agent from planet Earth, so I won’t be able to help you get in, but with my more than 10 years of experience, we’ll find the best solution. Believe me, I’ve dealt with some of the most unique cases, from lost passports with travel visas to airline staff that never showed up at the airport. You won’t be alone on the other side of the world, far from home.
I trust this information will be useful for your upcoming trips.
Until next time!
Monica